Since her debut in 1941, Wonder Woman has stood for truth, compassion, and unshakable strength. As an Amazon warrior with divine gifts and a deeply human heart, Diana has evolved through countless reinventions and eras—but at her core, she’s always been a symbol of hope and equality. From mythological epics to battles with gods, monsters, and moral dilemmas, Wonder Woman’s best stories explore not just power, but purpose. If you’re ready to dive into the comics that define her legacy.
#10: “The Hiketeia” (2002)
Written by Greg Rucka and drawn by J.G. Jones, The Hiketeia is a haunting, emotionally charged graphic novel that pits Wonder Woman against Batman in a clash of values and tradition. When a woman invokes the ancient Greek ritual of the Hiketeia, Diana is bound by sacred duty to protect her. The twist? Batman is pursuing this same woman for murder. What follows isn’t a traditional hero vs. hero brawl—it’s a philosophical standoff wrapped in myth, law, and morality.
Rucka explores Diana’s ties to ancient customs and how her divine roots often place her in morally complex situations. She doesn’t hesitate to challenge Bruce, not out of defiance, but because her word—bound by the gods—means everything. The resulting battle is visceral and beautifully drawn, but it’s the ethical tension that makes it unforgettable. Diana’s commitment to justice isn’t black and white, and this story captures her willingness to shoulder that burden.
If you’re looking for a tale that emphasizes the regal, mythic side of Wonder Woman while also grounding her in very real emotional stakes, The Hiketeia is must-read. It’s one of the most accessible standalone Wonder Woman stories and a perfect example of how her compassion can be just as powerful—and complicated—as her strength.
#9: “Eyes of the Gorgon” (2005)
Also penned by Greg Rucka, Eyes of the Gorgon is a thrilling arc that cements Wonder Woman’s role as a mythological powerhouse. When Medusa returns with vengeance in her heart, Diana must protect innocent lives—including a child TV host—while battling one of Greek mythology’s most fearsome creatures. But this isn’t just a monster-of-the-week story. It’s a deeply symbolic and emotionally raw narrative that tests Diana’s heroism in ways few stories do.
In the climax of the arc, Diana blinds herself—literally gouging out her own eyes—to defeat Medusa without succumbing to her petrifying gaze. It’s one of the most powerful demonstrations of sacrifice in Wonder Woman’s history, and it perfectly encapsulates her warrior spirit and her willingness to suffer for others. This act is neither performative nor showy; it’s strategic, brutal, and heartbreaking.
The story also explores Diana’s relationships with her supporting cast, including her role as an ambassador and protector. It balances myth, politics, and brutal action with surprising elegance. Rucka’s writing leans into the divine and philosophical aspects of Wonder Woman, making this arc a definitive example of how her stories can blend grandeur with gut-wrenching humanity.
#8: “War of the Gods” (1991)
Written by George Pérez, War of the Gods is an ambitious crossover event that sees mythological pantheons across the world erupt into full-scale war—with Wonder Woman caught in the middle. As gods from various cultures vie for dominance, Diana becomes the central figure in preventing complete divine annihilation. It’s epic in every sense: gods clash, realms collide, and the fate of Earth hangs in the balance.
While the storyline spans across multiple DC titles, its heart belongs to Wonder Woman. Pérez, who had already redefined Diana’s mythos in the 1980s, takes her through a gauntlet of battles and moral trials that affirm her status not just as a hero, but as a divine warrior of peace. What makes the story particularly compelling is how Diana tries to bridge the gap between gods and mortals, seeking diplomacy even amid chaos.
This arc showcases Diana as the glue that holds the DC pantheon together. While it’s sometimes overshadowed by more contained stories, its scope and ambition make it one of the most important moments in Wonder Woman’s lore. If you’re looking for a grand, world-ending epic that puts Diana front and center as the one who can stand toe-to-toe with gods and still choose compassion, War of the Gods is essential reading.
#7: “Wonder Woman: The True Amazon” (2016)
Written and illustrated by Jill Thompson, The True Amazon is a unique retelling of Diana’s origin that emphasizes character flaws and personal growth. In this version, Diana is not born perfect. Instead, she’s a spoiled, entitled princess on Themyscira, raised with reverence and indulgence—until tragedy and hubris teach her the value of humility, compassion, and self-sacrifice.
This beautifully illustrated standalone graphic novel departs from the traditional portrayal of Diana as a flawless beacon of virtue. Instead, it paints her as someone who becomes worthy of her mantle through hardship and reflection. The turning point in the story, when Diana must face the consequences of her pride, is both emotionally resonant and morally instructive. It’s a cautionary tale wrapped in stunning watercolors, offering a fable-like quality rarely seen in superhero comics.
While it may not align with canon continuity, The True Amazon is one of the most emotionally rich Wonder Woman stories ever told. It explores what it means to be Wonder Woman, not just in title, but in heart. For readers who want a fresh take that explores Diana’s growth from fallible youth to timeless hero, this reimagining offers both beauty and depth.
#6: “Gods and Mortals” (1987)
When George Pérez relaunched Wonder Woman in 1987, he didn’t just update the character—he redefined her for a new generation. Gods and Mortals is the beginning of that reinvention, a mythological origin story that grounds Diana firmly within the world of Greek gods while also modernizing her place in the DC Universe. Here, we see the Amazons created by the gods as protectors of peace, with Diana chosen to enter the world of man as an ambassador and warrior.
What makes this arc so vital is its tonal shift from earlier portrayals of Wonder Woman. She’s no longer a simple superhero who happens to come from an island of women—she’s a divine emissary, tied intrinsically to the pantheon of Olympus and the politics of godhood. Pérez’s writing, combined with his stunning art, gives weight and majesty to her origins. Ares, the god of war, becomes a true cosmic threat, and Diana’s intelligence, heart, and resolve are emphasized over brute strength.
Gods and Mortals serves as both a perfect introduction and a rich narrative for longtime fans. It resets the foundation, giving her a more authentic mythological context while embracing her role as a compassionate warrior. The balance between epic battles and emotional character work makes this one of the most enduring Wonder Woman storylines in comic history. If you’ve ever wondered where to start with the character, this is it.
#5: “Year One” (2016)
In Wonder Woman: Year One, Greg Rucka returns to the character he helped define and offers a fresh, modernized retelling of her origin. With gorgeous art by Nicola Scott, this storyline—told concurrently with the darker The Lies arc—brings back the warmth, awe, and wonder that make Diana so beloved. Rather than rehash the same beats, Year One gives us a nuanced, character-focused narrative that deepens Diana’s relationships with Steve Trevor, Etta Candy, and the world of men.
The story emphasizes Diana’s innocence without making her naïve. Her initial wonder at man’s world is treated with sincerity, and her cultural dissonance becomes a point of reflection, not ridicule. When she learns to speak English through the Lasso of Truth, it’s a clever, beautiful moment that ties her powers to her empathy. The story also reintroduces Barbara Ann Minerva—later Cheetah—with a complex and tragic depth that pays off in later arcs.
What sets Year One apart from other origin retellings is its emotional clarity and reverence for the character. Diana is portrayed as both powerful and peaceful, someone who doesn’t just fight injustice but tries to understand it. Her interactions with humanity aren’t preachy—they’re sincere. Year One reminds us why Wonder Woman matters and why her ideals still resonate in a fractured world. It’s a modern classic, worthy of its place among the best.
#4: “The Circle” (2008)
Gail Simone’s The Circle is a standout arc that combines superhero action with deeply personal stakes. The story begins with an assassination attempt on Diana—by her own Amazon sisters. The titular “Circle” is a group of Amazon guards who opposed Diana’s birth, believing that bringing a child into their paradise would spell doom. When Diana’s enemies invade Themyscira, these same Amazons reemerge from prison with plans to finish what they started.
Simone’s writing blends mythology, feminism, and militarism in complex, compelling ways. Diana is tested not just physically, but spiritually. She confronts betrayal from within her own culture and must navigate the weight of her origin. What makes the arc especially brutal is the emotional betrayal—her attackers are women she once idolized, and their reasons are rooted in fear and tradition.
At the same time, The Circle delivers some of the best action sequences in any Wonder Woman story. Diana faces off against neo-Nazis, mechanical gorillas, and ancient Amazon warriors—all while wrestling with questions of motherhood, legacy, and what it means to be a daughter of Themyscira.
This storyline is a brilliant encapsulation of Wonder Woman’s unique space in the DC Universe. She’s not just a warrior or a goddess—she’s a bridge between ideals. The Circle reinforces her strength not through brute force, but through emotional resilience and unwavering compassion, even toward those who tried to destroy her.
#3: “Paradise Lost” (2001)
In Paradise Lost, writer Phil Jimenez explores the political and cultural tensions of Themyscira while delivering one of the most intense internal conflicts in Diana’s history. When civil unrest erupts on Paradise Island, Wonder Woman is caught between her love for her people and her duties to the outside world. The Amazons are torn between tradition and evolution, and Diana must mediate, defend, and eventually confront a coup attempt that threatens to rip her homeland apart.
What makes this story shine is its focus on Diana’s role as both warrior and diplomat. It’s not just a tale of battles and villains—it’s about ideological fractures and what it takes to maintain peace among powerful, proud beings. The themes of matriarchal governance, resistance to change, and generational tension give the narrative real weight, while still delivering classic superhero action.
Jimenez, known for his intricate artwork and deep respect for Wonder Woman’s legacy, uses this arc to reflect real-world themes—colonialism, leadership, and the cost of compromise. Diana is pushed to the edge emotionally and politically, yet she never stops fighting for unity. Paradise Lost may not be as widely known as other arcs, but it’s one of the most mature and thought-provoking in the canon. If you want to see Diana as more than just a fighter—as a true leader—this storyline is essential.
#2: “The Lies” (2016)
As part of DC’s Rebirth initiative, The Lies (written by Greg Rucka with art by Liam Sharp) tackles a bold concept: what if Wonder Woman’s history—her very memories—have been a lie? This meta-narrative weaves between past and present, as Diana realizes that much of what she thought she knew about her origins, her mission, and her gods has been manipulated. The story blends espionage, mythology, and emotional drama with a haunting undercurrent of identity loss.
Rucka explores the idea that truth isn’t always simple. Diana is forced to confront falsehoods about Themyscira and even about her powers. Her quest becomes not just one of answers, but of self-discovery. The arc reintroduces Steve Trevor in a deeply human way, grounding the mythological madness in emotional reality. Meanwhile, Cheetah returns not just as a villain, but as a tragic figure whose relationship with Diana carries immense emotional depth.
The philosophical weight of The Lies is its strength. It’s not just about uncovering secrets—it’s about understanding who you are when your foundation crumbles. Diana doesn’t lash out. She doesn’t collapse. She rebuilds, showing strength through reflection and vulnerability. Paired with breathtaking art and a tight, reflective script, The Lies is one of the best modern Wonder Woman arcs and a brilliant deconstruction of truth in a world of myths.
#1: “Gods and Monsters” (Wonder Woman #1–12, 2011)
Brian Azzarello and Cliff Chiang’s Gods and Monsters rebooted Wonder Woman in The New 52 era and instantly set a new tone—gritty, mythic, and powerfully stylish. In this storyline, Diana is reimagined as the daughter of Zeus, a revelation that shakes her identity and her place in the divine order. The story leans heavily into Greek mythology, turning it into a dark, modern fantasy landscape where gods are not benevolent but selfish and terrifying.
Azzarello crafts a complex world where Diana becomes a reluctant revolutionary, standing between divine politics and mortal suffering. She battles terrifying foes like the First Born and war god Ares—not just with fists, but with cunning and resolve. Cliff Chiang’s art elevates the narrative with striking, cinematic visuals that make even the quietest moments feel epic.
What truly makes Gods and Monsters the definitive modern Wonder Woman story is how it reshapes her while honoring her core. Diana is compassionate, but no longer tied to a simplistic origin. She’s a god-slayer, a protector, a daughter, and a fighter in a cosmic family feud. It’s bloody, tragic, and uplifting all at once.
For fans old and new, this is the Wonder Woman saga that sets the gold standard. It dares to evolve the character without sacrificing her soul—making it the most essential Wonder Woman story to read.
From timeless origin tales to bold modern reinventions, Wonder Woman’s greatest stories reveal the many layers of the Amazon warrior. Whether she’s facing gods, challenging patriarchy, or questioning her own identity, Diana Prince embodies power tempered by wisdom and compassion. These ten storylines aren’t just comic book arcs—they’re testaments to the enduring legacy of one of the most iconic heroes ever created.
