Wonder Woman #28: Of Mice and Men

Wonder Woman #28 serves as the finale to the current arc, focusing less on climactic action and more on tying up loose ends while setting the stage for what lies ahead. With Mouse Man defeated, Diana is left to clean up the aftermath of his rule, helping to provide the island nation with the tools it needs to recover. At the same time, writer Tom King and artist Daniel Sampere offer readers a striking look at the shocking reign of The Matriarch, firmly setting up the future direction of the series. Throughout the issue, readers also gain insight into the consequences that may arise from Diana’s increasing involvement in world affairs.

One of the strongest elements of this arc has been its use of repetition to reinforce the state of the world, emphasizing a false sense of safety built on fear and force. As Diana works to correct this imbalance, she must confront the insistence on citizens repeating two phrases that have become synonymous with the arc itself. While King’s intentions are clear, this finale does not fully land all of the thematic elements that made the story feel especially relevant. It is not ineffective, but it does not resonate quite as strongly as it could have.

Where the issue truly excels is in how it parallels Diana’s uncertainty about the world with her uncertainty as a new mother. Near the end of the issue, she shares a powerful conversation with both Superman and Batman that underscores how fundamentally her perspective has shifted since Lizzie’s birth. This moment highlights a growing change in how Diana approaches global issues, guiding readers toward the future that is repeatedly teased throughout the issue.

That future looms large, as much of the issue focuses on The Matriarch’s relentless need to prove her power, particularly how it contrasts with Diana’s own. While her motivations remain unexplored, there is no doubt that she is a formidable presence, especially given her adoption of the sovereign title and her use of multiple Justice League weapons. The central question moving forward is how King and Sampere will reconcile the present-day narrative with the future storyline to bring Diana face to face with this looming threat.

The undeniable highlight of the issue is Daniel Sampere’s artwork. His visuals effectively capture the struggle and transformation taking place within Mouse Man’s nation, reinforcing the idea that defeating a villain does not immediately solve a world’s problems, but instead marks a necessary step in a much longer journey. In many ways, this arc echoes the themes of Of Mice and Men, reflecting Diana’s evolving worldview as she comes to terms with an uncertain future. This acceptance is vividly conveyed through the art and through the way the nation’s future is ultimately presented.