Ares, the ancient Greek god of war, is one of the most powerful and enduring antagonists in DC Comics. As the embodiment of conflict, violence, and destruction, Ares poses a unique and ever-present threat to heroes like Wonder Woman, whose mission is to bring peace and justice to the world. Over the years, Ares has evolved from a mythological figure to a central villain in the Wonder Woman mythos, symbolizing the eternal struggle between peace and war.
Origins and Mythological Roots
Ares is based on the Greek god of war from ancient mythology, where he was known for his uncontrollable rage, bloodlust, and chaotic approach to battle. In the DC universe, these characteristics remain intact, but his role has expanded to make him one of the primary foes in the world of the Amazons, particularly Wonder Woman (Diana Prince).
Ares made his first appearance in Wonder Woman #1 in 1942, created by William Moulton Marston, the same mind behind Wonder Woman herself. Originally called “Mars” in the Golden Age of comics, he was later renamed “Ares” to reflect the original Greek mythology. Throughout the comics, Ares’ primary goal has remained consistent: to provoke wars, sow chaos, and expand his influence over humanity through conflict.
Ares and Wonder Woman: Eternal Rivals
Ares has been positioned as one of Wonder Woman’s greatest enemies, serving as the antithesis of her values. While Wonder Woman fights for peace, equality, and compassion, Ares seeks to create war, hatred, and division. Their philosophical clash is as significant as their physical battles, with Ares viewing humanity as inherently drawn to conflict, while Diana believes in their potential for love and harmony.
In many storylines, Ares attempts to manipulate world events from the shadows, stoking tensions between nations, corrupting political leaders, and inciting violence wherever he can. He revels in the chaos that comes from war, feeding off the destruction and growing stronger as more conflicts arise. His influence is not limited to direct confrontations, as he often works behind the scenes to cause global unrest.
One of their most significant confrontations came in the storyline “Wonder Woman: Gods and Mortals” (1987), where Ares plotted to start World War III, forcing Wonder Woman to confront him in an epic battle. This arc established Ares as one of her primary antagonists and explored his deeper motivations, not just as a god of war but as a figure who believes humanity’s only destiny is destruction through conflict.
Powers and Abilities
As a god, Ares possesses immense power that far surpasses most mortal beings, making him a nearly unstoppable force in battle. His abilities include:
- Superhuman Strength and Durability: Ares is among the strongest gods in the DC universe, capable of going toe-to-toe with Wonder Woman and even Superman in combat. His physical durability is also remarkable, rendering him nearly invulnerable to conventional attacks.
- Immortality: As an Olympian god, Ares is immortal and cannot be killed by ordinary means. He has lived for millennia and cannot be aged or weakened by time.
- Shapeshifting and Teleportation: Ares can change his form and appear anywhere he desires, often using this ability to manipulate events behind the scenes or evade detection from his enemies.
- Master Combatant: He is a supreme strategist and warrior, unmatched in the art of war. He has mastered countless forms of combat and weaponry, from ancient to modern techniques.
- Power over War and Conflict: Ares’ unique and most dangerous ability is his control over war itself. He can influence the emotions of people, inciting anger, hatred, and conflict on a global scale. The more violence and war there is, the stronger Ares becomes, as he feeds on the chaos. He can also summon armies, weapons, and storms of destruction from thin air.
Key Storylines
- “War of the Gods” (1991): In this crossover event, Ares plays a major role by pitting the gods against each other in a bid for ultimate power. He manipulates the Amazons and other pantheons into conflict, setting the stage for a battle between gods and mortals. Wonder Woman must confront not only Ares but also other deities in her quest to restore peace.
- “Wonder Woman: The Circle” (2008): In this arc, Ares once again attempts to manipulate Diana by tempting her with the idea of using war as a tool for justice. His philosophical debates with Wonder Woman explore the nature of power and peace, leading to a climactic battle where she must reaffirm her beliefs in the face of overwhelming destruction.
- “The New 52” and “Rebirth” Eras: Ares was reimagined in DC’s New 52 and Rebirth continuities, where he took on a more complex role. In The New 52, Ares is depicted as a mentor to a young Wonder Woman before they become enemies. This version of Ares is weary and scarred from centuries of war, which adds layers to his motivations and relationship with Diana. In Rebirth, Ares is reintroduced as a formidable foe, manipulating various events to spark global conflicts once again.
Ares in Other Media
Ares’ role in the DC universe extends beyond the comics. He has appeared in various forms of media, from animated series to live-action films, always embodying the destructive nature of war.
- Animated Appearances: Ares has appeared in several DC animated series, including Justice League Unlimited, Wonder Woman (2009 animated film), and Justice League Action. These portrayals often show him as a powerful, manipulative figure, orchestrating wars to challenge Wonder Woman and the Justice League.
- “Wonder Woman” (2017 Film): Ares was portrayed by David Thewlis in the critically acclaimed Wonder Woman film. In this version, Ares is revealed to be the hidden antagonist manipulating World War I. Disguised as Sir Patrick Morgan, a British official, he attempts to use the war to prove to Diana that humanity is irredeemable. The film culminates in an epic battle between Wonder Woman and Ares, where Diana ultimately defeats him by rejecting his cynical worldview and embracing love.
Symbolism and Legacy
Ares is a character that embodies more than just physical warfare—he represents the darker aspects of human nature, especially the primal drive toward conflict and violence. In contrast to Wonder Woman, who symbolizes hope, peace, and compassion, Ares is a reflection of the human propensity for destruction. This makes their battles both ideological and physical, as Wonder Woman continually strives to overcome the chaos that Ares seeks to spread.
In the DC Universe, Ares is not just a villain but a symbol of the perpetual conflict between peace and war, making him one of the most powerful and thematically rich characters. He continues to play a crucial role in the stories of Wonder Woman and the larger pantheon of DC’s mythological and supernatural characters.
