Ares

Ares, the DC Comics God of War, stands as one of the most enduring and dangerous villains in the Wonder Woman mythos. Rooted in Greek mythology as the divine embodiment of conflict and bloodshed, this Olympian deity first clashed with Princess Diana of Themyscira all the way back in Wonder Woman #1 in 1942, making him one of the earliest recurring antagonists in superhero comics history. That landmark first issue is an absolute cornerstone for serious Wonder Woman collectors and a genuine golden age trophy.

As a god of Olympus, Ares wields a staggering arsenal of divine abilities — superhuman strength, invulnerability, regenerative healing, shape-shifting, fire control, and mastery over virtually every weapon ever forged. His power is not merely physical; Ares feeds on the psychic energy of war itself, meaning every human conflict makes him stronger. This self-perpetuating cycle of destruction has put him at odds not only with Wonder Woman but with the entire DC Universe, as his ambitions have repeatedly threatened global and even cosmic stability.

Ares reached new heights of menace during the post-Crisis era, particularly through George Pérez's landmark Wonder Woman relaunch beginning in 1987, where he was reimagined as a coldly calculating architect of nuclear annihilation rather than a simple brute. This run is considered one of the greatest Wonder Woman stories ever told and remains highly sought after by collectors. He has also appeared in major crossover events, tangled with the Justice League, and played pivotal roles in stories exploring the nature of Olympian power in the DC Universe. His membership in the Dark Army further cemented his status as a threat of mythological proportions.

For collectors, Ares books represent a powerful intersection of golden age history and modern relevance. Wonder Woman #1 (1942) is a white whale for serious hobbyists, while the Pérez-era Wonder Woman issues offer high-quality storytelling at comparatively accessible price points. With Ares serving as a major villain in blockbuster media adaptations, collector interest in his key appearances has never been stronger — making his books smart picks for both long-term investors and fans of iconic DC mythology.