Each Friday, we'll be letting a different DC.com writer share what they'll be reading over the weekend and why you might want to check it out. Here's this week's suggestion for a perfect Weekend Escape!
 

Every good comic book cover invites you to pick the book up from the shelf to discover the adventures and mysteries that lie inside. But some, like the cover of Wonder Woman: The Hiketeia, are in a category all their own, demanding your attention. Even if you don’t know the story, you’ve likely seen its iconic cover art before: Batman grimaces in pain and frustration as his head is pressed to the ground by a familiar red boot—that belongs to Wonder Woman.

The tale inside makes just as much of an impression. Wonder Woman: The Hiketeia is a tragedy about compassion, justice and the blurry line between them. It’s a tale perfect for winter, as a bleak chill attempts to creep out from its pages but is held back by the fiery resolve of the Amazonian princess. It’s also the perfect Weekend Escape.

Let’s dig in!
 

The Premise:

Diana has made a place for herself in man’s world, both as the superhero Wonder Woman and as an ambassador between the United States and Themyscira. One chilly night, she hears a knock at her door. It’s a supplicant named Danielle Wellys. She flings herself around Wonder Woman’s knees and asks to be granted hiketeia, an ancient oath that pledges safe harbor. The vow must be upheld or else the benefactor risks invoking the vicious wrath of the Furies. Diana bestows her protection. But the ritual places Danielle squarely between Wonder Woman and Batman, and neither one is willing to give any ground.
 

Let’s Talk Talent:

Greg Rucka has written Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman in runs that are now considered modern day classics. From The Hiketeia to his definitive retelling of the Amazonian princess’ origin story in Wonder Woman: Year One, Rucka and Diana of Themyscira are very well acquainted. Artist J. G. Jones, who painted the beautifully provocative cover, has worked on landmark titles like Y: The Last Man, Final Crisis and 52. (Be sure to check out the deluxe edition of The Hiketeia, which includes a Wonder Woman cover gallery and a sketch gallery featuring his work.)
 

A Few Reasons to Read:

• The Hiketeia offers some cold comfort. If you’re looking for a book that embraces the chill of winter, The Hiketeia is as bleak as the gray sky of a snowstorm. The only warmth in the book comes from Wonder Woman’s gentleness and the uncompromising security she gives Danielle. Diana offers her support and a place at her side with no questions asked. In a life that’s only been filled with hardship, Danielle deserves the peace and kindness Diana gives her, even if it's for a short time.
   
• It’s a modern tragedy. The vow of the hiketeia isn’t the only nod to ancient Greek culture in this story. A few elements reminiscent of classical tragedies are here, from the chorus-like Erinyes (the Furies) watching the story unfold and a reference to the hiketeia depicted in The Iliad.

• The Erinyes. It’s difficult to call either Batman or Wonder Woman the villain of this story. They’re both beset by the cruel whims of the true antagonists in this tale: the Furies. They’re dangerous foes for both superheroes, a threat that looms on almost every page, and you can’t shake the feeling that they’re the only victors in the end.
   
• The story reveals just as much about Bruce Wayne as it does Diana. As you might have guessed by the cover, Batman is simply outmatched when Wonder Woman gets serious about taking him on in a physical fight. But that’s not what this story is about. When they’re both tested by the Furies, the strength of his convictions equals her own. Bruce Wayne holds true to justice as much as Wonder Woman holds true to compassion. Neither can yield because it’s what makes them who they are.
   

Why It’s Worth Your Time:

Wonder Woman: The Hiketeia sits with you for a long time after you read it. Neither Wonder Woman and Batman are definitively in the wrong, and their clash over how they view justice can change how you understand both iconic characters going forward. The Hiketeia is an essential tale of Wonder Woman that makes a great read over the weekend—and again and again.
 

Wonder Woman: The Hiketeia by Greg Rucka, J.G. Jones, Wade Von Grawbadger and Dave Stewart is available in a standard and deluxe graphic novel collection. It can also be read in full on DC UNIVERSE INFINITE.

Kelly Knox writes about all-ages comics and animation for DC.com and is the author of several nonfiction books about some of your favorite film franchises. Follow her on X at @kelly_knox and Bluesky at @kelly-knox.com to talk superheroes, comics and pop culture.

NOTE: The views and opinions expressed in this feature are solely those of Kelly Knox and do not necessarily reflect those of DC or Warner Bros. Discovery, nor should they be read as confirmation or denial of future DC plans.