DC Comics has introduced a sinister new version of Wonder Woman as part of its upcoming Next Level era, unveiling a genetically engineered clone with a disturbing new ability, writes Screen Rant.
The character appears in Next Level: One Shot #1, written by Gerry Duggan, with art by Fernando Blanco, colours by Jordie Bellaire and letters by Buddy Beaudoin.
The issue follows Deadshot as he discovers the existence of a secret group of genetically engineered superhumans known as “Drones”.
Rick Flag reveals that the mysterious new version of Cadmus has created clones based on the DNA of some of DC’s most powerful heroes.
Among them is a clone of Wonder Woman, alongside versions of Batman and Superman.
Unlike Diana Prince, who remains DC’s most recognisable Wonder Woman, the new character is a genetically engineered copy designed to serve as superhuman muscle for whoever can afford it.
She possesses Wonder Woman’s immense strength and speed, but has a much darker appearance, including markings around her eyes and a spiked variation of Diana’s iconic armour.
However, her most disturbing feature lies beneath the surface.
The Drones have been engineered with versions of the extraterrestrial starfish Starro inside their stomachs.
The creatures can be expelled and used to create copies of people exposed to them, giving the clones a grotesque shapeshifting ability.
The issue ends with the three Drones scanning Deadshot in preparation to create a copy of him. Their mysterious mission also comes with a grim warning, as the Wonder Woman clone refers to the group as “the last Suicide Squad”.
Despite their sinister origins, the new versions of Wonder Woman, Superman and Batman may not necessarily be villains.
While some Drones appear to be working directly for Cadmus, the trio seem determined to rebel against their creators.
Their apparent goal is to destroy an army of hidden superhuman clones, even if it costs them their lives.
They forcibly recruit Deadshot and clearly lack the heroic restraint associated with their original counterparts. However, their mission could ultimately make them the lesser evil.
The storyline also sets up a wider mystery across DC’s new Next Level titles. Rick Flag warns Deadshot that several established heroes could secretly be Drones, including Vixen, members of the Doom Patrol, Etrigan, the Bat-Family, the Teen Titans and Red Hood.
The revelation gives the new DC era a strong element of paranoia, with heroes potentially unaware that impostors have infiltrated their ranks.
Deadshot is also given technology capable of identifying the Drones by detecting the Starro organisms inside them.
The storyline has already drawn comparisons to Marvel’s Secret Invasion, which similarly centred on shapeshifting infiltrators replacing major superheroes.
Next Level: One Shot #1 also suggests that Cadmus’ technology extends far beyond simple cloning.
Deadshot encounters a Man-Bat and King Shark hybrid created by the organisation, combining the abilities of both characters.
With the clone conspiracy now at the heart of DC’s Next Level initiative, the new Wonder Woman could become one of the most dangerous figures in the publisher’s latest superhero saga.
