Did DC Comics Bestow Wonder Woman with Ghost Rider’s Powers? It Appears So.

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Absolute Wonder Woman #2.

Wonder Woman has cemented her reputation as a formidable force on the battlefield, and her latest abilities have positioned her alongside some of the most powerful heroes in the superhero universe. In the latest issue of Absolute Wonder Woman, this iconic heroine adopts a technique reminiscent of the legendary Ghost Rider, becoming the Spirit of Vengeance in the Absolute Universe.

In Absolute Wonder Woman #2, authored by Kelly Thompson with art by Hayden Sherman, colors by Jordie Bellaire, and letters by Becca Carey, Diana introduces her Nemesis Lasso during a confrontation with Harbinger Prime. Upon striking the monstrous villain with her radiant red lasso, she inflicts a painful burn on its visage, showcasing the unrestrained power embedded within the weapon.

Wonder Woman uses her Nemesis Lasso against Harbinger Prime

The remarkable abilities of the Nemesis Lasso closely parallel Ghost Rider’s Penance Stare. In a striking display, Wonder Woman channels her lasso’s capabilities by bringing Harbinger Prime’s sins to bear in a climactic attack.

Wonder Woman’s “Nemesis”Lasso: A Counterpart to Ghost Rider’s Penance Stare

Diana Enforces Judgment Similar to Marvel’s Ghost Rider

In stark contrast to her traditional Lasso of Truth, Wonder Woman’s new Nemesis Lasso in the Absolute Universe embarks on a deeper journey. It not only extracts truths from her adversaries; it actively seeks out their moral failings, which it then transforms into a weapon. While unleashing her lasso, Diana asserts, “It binds and burns in proportion to your sins…and your soul shines bright with the blood of the innocent.” This formidable weapon allows her to deliver righteous judgment against wrongdoers based on the severity of their past misdeeds.

This mechanic echoes the lore of Ghost Rider’s Penance Stare, which compels those targeted to suffer the pain they have inflicted upon others. First unveiled in Ghost Rider #4 by Howard Mackie and Javier Saltares, this technique empowers the Spirits of Vengeance to deliver justice, executing punishment tailored to the villain’s transgressions. Similar to Wonder Woman’s Nemesis Lasso, the Penance Stare uses insight into an individual’s soul to determine the necessary level of retribution. Although Wonder Woman may ultimately choose to show mercy to Harbinger Prime, her Nemesis Lasso positions her as a potential champion of justice akin to Ghost Rider.

Absolute Wonder Woman: DC’s Own Spirit of Vengeance

A New Spirit of Vengeance Arises in the Absolute Universe

Absolute Wonder Woman rides her skeletal steed into battle

Wonder Woman’s Nemesis Lasso serves as more than just a weapon; it also signifies her connection to Ghost Rider. In this new Absolute narrative, Diana’s story unfolds in Hell rather than her traditional home of Themyscira. Her designation as the Princess of Hell draws parallels with Johnny Blaze’s fleeting reign as the King of Hell during Marvel’s Damnation event. Additionally, Wonder Woman rides into combat on a skeletal steed known as Pegasus, mirroring Ghost Rider’s iconic skull imagery. These connections between Wonder Woman and Ghost Rider, alongside her Penance Stare-like abilities, illustrate her adoption of Ghost Rider’s style of justice within the Absolute Universe.

Absolute Wonder Woman #2 is now available for fans from DC Comics.

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