Wonder Woman 1984has a villain problem.
Specifically, it has a Barbara Minerva problem.
First introduced in August 1987’sWonder WomanVol.
Image via Warner Bros.
Lithe, ferocious, cunning, and powerful, Cheetah is a formidable antagonist for Wonder Woman.
Over the years, the Cheetah vs. Wonder Woman showdowns in the comics have become legendary.
Placing Cheetah opposite Wonder Woman in a DCEU movie should have been a major moment for this franchise.
Image via Warner Bros.
Even worse, it also feels out of step with both logic and the ideology ofWonder Woman.
Before Barbara makes her wish on the Dreamstone, she is a standard-issue single gal.
After a night out with Diana, where the women swap stories about their love lives and Ms.
Image via Warner Bros. Pictures
Prince later saves Barbara from a catcaller, Barbara returns to her Smithsonian office.
The DC comic books give Barbara the dignity of an origin story with no ties to Wonder Woman.
This is her one driving goal that, for a villain of her stature, is just embarrassing.
Image via Warner Bros.
Why neuter Barbara to such a pathetic degree?
Why undermine her so that a lesser villain sorry, Max can have more to do and feel?
At every turn,Wonder Woman 1984failed Barbara.
Your guess is as good as mine becauseWonder Woman 1984provides no answers.
It threw away the chance to develop a character with so much potential.
Evenif Barbara does returnfor the forthcomingWonder Woman 3, it will be a long road back to legitimacy.
Wonder Woman 1984is now available to stream on HBO Max until January 24, 2021.
For more check out ourWonder Woman 1984cast and character guideand ourreview of the DCEU sequel.
