WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for BATMAN: GOTHAM BY GASLIGHT - THE KRYPTONIAN AGE #3!The sequel to the critically acclaimedElseworldsseriesBatman: Gotham By Gaslightmakes waves with its introduction ofWonder Womanin this gripping 19th-century-inspired tale. The latest issue is especially significant, as it finally bestows upon Diana Prince a title that truly reflects her identity and role in the DC universe.
Diggle’s depiction of Wonder Woman as an ambassador reinforces her long-established and loved characterization.
Andy Diggle and Leandro Fernández’sBatman: Gotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Ageseries continues to expand the Victorian-era alternate universe first established in 1989 by Brian Augustyn and Mike Mignola with the introduction of Wonder Woman to the narrative.
This version of Wonder Woman differs significantly from the Diana Prince that fans know and love in mainstream continuity in many ways. Yet, issue #3 proves that Diggle stays true to the core of Wonder Woman’s character, affirming what true fans have always known—Diana is, above all else, an“ambassador.”
Gotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Age#3 Proves Wonder Woman Is an Ambassador
“We Need Not Love Each Other, To Live Apart in Peace."- Wonder Woman to Brood-Mother
InThe Kryptonian Age#3,Wonder Woman officially claims the title of“ambassador”when Adam Strange, in a letter to Bruce Wayne, describes the“wonder”of a womanhe encountered during his arctic expedition. Strange begins his letter by recounting how he and his crew were attacked by a monstrous beast that would surely have killed them if not for said woman. He then writes,“To call this stranger a soldier of renown in her own realm would be to do her scant justice—for she has proven herself so much more. A warrior-poet, perhaps. Or diplomat, envoy…? No. An Ambassador.”
Long-time fans of Wonder Woman would likely agree that Diana is an ambassador above all else. However, the narrative doesn’t rely on past perceptions to lend credibility to this title; instead, it is supported directly through the actions of the story. Diana is depicted fighting off a centipede-like creature attacking Strange and his men, and despite the fierce combat,she consistently seeks a resolution that avoids bloodshed for everyone, including the hostile beast. Her words to the creature,“Go now, while you may. We need not love each other to live apart in peace,”particularly emphasize her role as an ambassador above all else.
Wonder Woman’s Dark New Costume Is a HUGE Departure from Her Normal Character Model
Wonder Woman’s new costume is her most drastic character design change yet, and raises the question of whether it will be a hit or miss among fans.
“Don’t Raise Your Hand at All Until You’ve First Extended It.”-Wonder Woman Vol. 3#25 by Gail Simone
The scene inThe Kryptonian Age#3 reveals that, although Wonder Woman is willing to take action,she always prioritizes diplomacy—making her approach more aligned with an ambassador than a superhero.Diggle’s portrayal of Diana is consistent with her core character, reflecting one of hermost famous quotes fromWonder WomanVol. 3#25 by Gail Simone:“We have a saying, my people. Don’t kill if you may wound, don’t wound if you can subdue, don’t subdue if you can pacify, and don’t raise your hand at all until you’ve first extended it.”
Tom King’s ongoingWonder Womanseriesfaithfully continues Gail Simone’s vision, highlighting Diana’s commitment to resolving conflicts through compassion and negotiation rather than warfare. The series skillfully balances Diana’s warrior spirit with her dedication to diplomacy, underscoring why"ambassador"is the perfect descriptor for her, especially within mainstream continuity. This strong portrayal of Diana as an ambassador across main continuity books underscores the excellence of Diggle’s characterization inThe Kryptonian Age, even though it is anElseworldsstory.
Wonder Woman’s Renowned Leadership Is Tied Directly to Her Diplomacy
Diana Prince Will Always Be One of the Justice League’s Most Effective Leaders
Diana’s ambassadorial approach, characterized by her adept handling of complex challenges through dialogue, compassion, and conflict resolution, firmly establishes her as DC’s preeminent leader. Her leadership transcends physical strength, embodying a philosophy that values the power to forge meaningful connections, bridge divides, and pursue solutions that have a lasting impact beyond the immediate conflict. By embracing diplomacy as a core principle,Wonder Womanelevates herself from being merely a formidable superhero to becoming one of the most quintessential leaders and ambassadors in the DC Universe.
“Diana’s Dozen”: Wonder Woman’s Incredibly Dark New Team Needs to Be a Bigger Focus of Her Lore
The era of “Diana’s Dozen” ended far too soon and needs to make a return to Wonder Woman lore. (It’s honestly cool enough to be its own series.)
Batman: Gotham by Gaslight - The Kryptonian Age #3is available now from DC Comics!
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is the superhero identity of Diana, Princess of the Amazons. Created on the island of Themyscira, Wonder Woman is a super-powered demi-goddess with extreme physical strength who utilizes magical gifts (like her famous Lasso of Truth) to defeat her foes. As mighty as her fellow heroes Superman and the Justice League, Wonder Woman is unmatched in her compassion and virtue.
