As an icon of strength, justice, and compassion, Diana Prince has become a beacon for fans worldwide, embodying the ideals of the Amazonian warrior with grace and power. Beyond her battles against formidable foes and her quest for peace among humanity, Wonder Woman’s romantic entanglements have added layers of complexity and humanity to her character. These relationships, ranging from gods and kings to soldiers and social activists, not only highlight Diana’s capacity for love but also reflect the multifaceted nature of her character. This ranking of every love interest of Wonder Woman in the comics delves into the heart of what makes each relationship unique, shedding light on the connections that have defined, challenged, and enriched Wonder Woman’s journey through the years.
Ranking Every Love Interest of Wonder Woman in the Comics
Steve Trevor
Steve Trevor is not just the cornerstone of Wonder Woman’s romantic life but also a constant presence that weaves through her narrative like a golden thread, symbolizing the enduring connection between Diana’s Amazonian heritage and the broader human world. From his dramatic entrance as a pilot who crash-lands on Themyscira, Steve Trevor has been more than a love interest; he’s been a bridge to humanity for Diana, embodying mutual respect, understanding, and shared purpose.
Created by William Moulton Marston and H.G. Peter, Steve Trevor’s journey alongside Wonder Woman began in “All-Star Comics” #8, marking the inception of a love that would grow to become a central theme in Diana’s life. Despite the narrative twists of deaths, rebirths, and magical resurrections that have seen Steve come and go, his significance to Diana transcends mere plot points. Even when reimagined by George Pérez to be an older character and removed as her romantic partner, the essence of their connection endured, ultimately restoring him to his rightful place as Wonder Woman’s quintessential partner.
Kal-El/Clark Kent
Superman and Wonder Woman, two titans of the DC Universe, share a unique and compelling dynamic that stands out in comic book history. Created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, Superman burst onto the scene in “Action Comics” #1, paving the way for a legacy of heroes, including his eventual romantic entanglements with Wonder Woman. Their relationship is built on a foundation of mutual understanding and respect, as both characters navigate the complexities of living between the worlds of gods and humans.
Throughout their history, the pairing of Wonder Woman and Superman has captivated fans with its blend of strength, empathy, and shared values. While their romantic journey has seen its share of ups and downs, the attraction between them is undeniable, marked by periods of intense closeness and mutual support. Their relationship, though not always central to their individual stories, represents a powerful alliance of two beings who embody the pinnacle of heroism.
Bruce Wayne
Introduced by Bob Kane and Bill Finger in “Detective Comics” #27, Bruce Wayne, also known as Batman, shares an intricate and nuanced relationship with Diana Prince, Wonder Woman, that goes beyond the typical love story. While the animated Justice League series teased fans with the possibility of a romance, their interactions within the comics often suggest a complex dynamic rather than a straightforward romantic relationship. This connection is deeply rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to justice, with each encounter revealing new layers of their personalities.
The dynamic between Bruce and Diana is fascinating, enriched by their contrasting natures; Diana as the beacon of hope and truth, and Bruce as the embodiment of vengeance and the shadows. Their relationship provides a compelling study of how two seemingly opposite forces can attract, offering a glimpse into a partnership where each challenges and complements the other.
Kaisa
In “Wonder Woman Vol. 5 #2” by Greg Rucka and Nicola Scott, Kaisa emerged as a pivotal character in Diana’s life, marking a significant moment as Wonder Woman’s first main female love interest depicted in the comics. Before the arrival of Steve Trevor on Paradise Island, Diana and Kaisa’s relationship hinted at a deep, romantic connection, with Kaisa expressing heartbreak over the possibility of Diana leaving with Steve.
The introduction of Kaisa not only explored Diana’s capacity for love before her ventures into the man’s world but also highlighted the complexities of Amazonian culture and the mystical bonds formed therein. This relationship with Kaisa offered readers a glimpse into Diana’s life on Themyscira, enriched with themes of discovery, self-understanding, and the nuanced dynamics of Amazonian relationships.
Arthur Curry
In the tumultuous narrative of the Flashpoint story arc, the relationship between Aquaman and Wonder Woman takes a dramatic and dark turn, veering into a love affair that ignites a catastrophic war between the Amazons and the Atlanteans. Created by Paul Norris and Mort Weisinger, Arthur Curry (Aquaman) finds himself entangled in a forbidden romance with Diana (Wonder Woman), betraying his wife, Queen Mera. The affair escalates quickly when Mera confronts Diana, leading to a tragic outcome as Wonder Woman kills the Sea Queen in response.
Trevor Barnes
In “Wonder Woman Vol. 2 #170,” penned by Phil Jimenez and Joe Kelly, Diana’s encounter with Trevor Barnes introduces a new dimension to her romantic life, one that veers away from the battlefield and into the world of humanitarian activism. Trevor, a United Nations worker deeply involved in human rights causes, captivates Diana with his commitment to social justice, striking a chord with her own ideals. Despite initial hesitations on Trevor’s part, feeling unworthy of someone as formidable as Wonder Woman, their shared vulnerabilities lead to a burgeoning romance.
Trevor Barnes was crafted as a homage to Steve Trevor, yet with a distinct narrative path that highlights Diana’s connection to the broader spectrum of humanity beyond the martial. Their relationship, though brief, was marked by a deep-seated respect and shared vision for a world underpinned by peace and equality.
Tom Tresser
In “The Brave and the Bold” #166 by Cary Burkett and Dan Spiegle, Diana’s romantic entanglements take a turn towards the complex world of espionage and intrigue with Tom Tresser, also known as the vigilante Nemesis. As Wonder Woman contemplates a more settled life, possibly even starting a family, she proposes to Tom, despite acknowledging her feelings as more akin to liking him for fitting into Amazonian culture rather than true love. This relationship is strained by Tom’s commitment to his life of combat and secret missions, reflecting the difficulties of balancing a domestic life with the demands of being a superhero and a secret agent.
Keith Griggs
In “Wonder Woman #301,” penned by Dan Mishin and illustrated by Gene Colan, Diana’s romantic landscape is complicated by her relationship with Captain Keith Griggs, an Air Force pilot who works alongside Diana and Steve Trevor. Griggs finds himself in a unique position; he falls for Diana, yet cannot reconcile his feelings for her with the reality of Wonder Woman’s larger-than-life persona. This distinction creates a rift in their connection, as Griggs struggles to embrace Diana’s dual identity fully. The relationship ultimately fizzles out, with Diana gravitating back to Steve Trevor, marking an end to Keith’s significant presence in her life.
Keith Griggs’s role in the narrative serves as a reflection of Wonder Woman’s multifaceted appeal, bridging the gap between her mystical heritage and her involvement in the human world. Though their romantic connection remains subdued and ultimately unresolved, it brings to light the challenges Diana faces in balancing her two worlds.
Mala
Mala, an Amazonian closely tied to Wonder Woman’s early narratives in the Earth-1 storyline, represents a significant but often overlooked chapter in Diana’s romantic history. Their relationship, established by William Moulton Marston and H.G. Peter in “All-Star Comics” #8, is built on a foundation of equality in strength and combat, coupled with a deep care and respect for one another. When Diana departs Themyscira with Steve Trevor, Mala’s response is tinged with disappointment, underlining her strong feelings towards Diana and her disapproval of Diana’s choice to leave with a man from the outside world.
The relationship between Diana and Mala, whether interpreted as deeply platonic or hinting at romantic, showcases the intricate dynamics of Amazonian connections and the profound impact of these relationships on Diana’s character, emphasizing the themes of loyalty, heritage, and the nuanced expression of love within Themyscira’s society.
Alethea
In Jill Thompson’s “Wonder Woman: The True Amazon,” the narrative delves deep into the complexities of Diana’s character, showcasing a side of her that is rarely seen. Obsessed with garnering the affections of Alethea, an Amazonian stablewoman indifferent to Diana’s royal status, the story portrays Diana as a figure of envy and desire, far removed from her usual depiction as a paragon of virtue. Diana’s relentless pursuit of Alethea’s attention, driven by a desire to be adored by everyone in Themyscira, reveals a more vulnerable and flawed side of the Amazon princess.
Alethea’s impact on Diana is profound, offering a poignant look at how even the strongest of heroes can falter and how such experiences shape them. This storyline not only enriches the lore of Wonder Woman by adding layers to her character but also emphasizes the importance of humility, self-reflection, and the transformative power of grief and love in the journey of a true hero.
Orion
In the New 52 series, Orion, the son of Darkseid and a New God from Apokolips, emerges as an unconventional figure in Wonder Woman’s romantic orbit. His persistent attempts to charm and seduce Diana, detailed in “Wonder Woman (Vol.4) #19” by Brian Azzarello, Goran Sudžuka, Tony Akins, and Dan Green, add a layer of complexity to her love life. Diana’s interactions with Orion are fraught with tension, highlighted by a moment where she kisses him in an effort to silence his incessant innuendos, only to find her actions exacerbate his behavior.
Orion’s role in Diana’s life offers a unique exploration of the dynamics between two powerful beings, set against the backdrop of their divergent worlds and destinies. Their relationship, punctuated by intense encounters and ideological clashes, showcases the challenges and complexities inherent in the interactions between deities with contrasting views on power and morality.
Kate Kane
In recent years, the revelation of Wonder Woman’s bisexuality opened up new dimensions of her character, acknowledging her past relationships with fellow Amazons such as Mala and Kaisa. This acknowledgment, while groundbreaking, has yet to fully explore an on-page romantic relationship between Diana and another woman within the comics. The potential for such a storyline is rich with possibilities, particularly with characters like Batwoman, who shares a similar dedication to justice and empowerment. Kate Kane, known as Batwoman, and Diana have demonstrated a powerful dynamic in their collaborations, founded on mutual respect and a shared mission. Their interactions, especially in overcoming adversaries together, hint at a profound connection that could be explored further in a romantic context.
Also Read: Origin of Kid Venom
