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Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice is comprised of two intertwined stories, and the film’s title denotes the two halves with a colon. The first is the fight between Batman and Superman, which drives much of the action of the film, and the second is the “Dawn of Justice.”

The film does not directly answer what is the “Dawn of Justice,” but it is likely related to the idea of the “Justice League.” The unification of heroes provides a contrasting set of movement to the titular fight, and the league’s formation can only come about once the conflict is resolved.

Regardless of how credible the dispute between Batman and Superman is depicted in the film, the two characters represent very different types of heroes and different approaches to heroics. Batman is a creature of the night while Superman is literally powered by the sun. Batman fights petty thugs, gangsters, and predatory criminals while Superman takes on Earthly and alien armies. They are polar opposites, unable to come together, but we need them to come together.

In a film with so many intended binaries, the addition of a third party, Wonder Woman, suggests that there is something deeper at play. Heroism cannot be the black and white of Batman and Superman, but something more. It is no coincidence that she allows the two heroes to come together for a greater purpose.

This article is part 3 of a 3 article series that discusses many plot points related to Batman v. Superman, so beware of spoilers. Part 1 discussed the relationship between the film and the Earth 2 storyline. Part 2 analyzes aspects of the morality of the movie’s universe.

The Nature of Wonder Woman

Throughout the film, Batman (Ben Affleck) and Superman (Henry Cavill) are constantly trying to exert their influence and power over one another. Both are trying to discover exactly who the other is, and they think of each other as a threat. Batman believes that Superman was responsible for recklessly destroying Metropolis during the events of Man of Steel, and Superman is concerned about the rough justice Batman exerts over Gotham.

Weaving her way into various scenes is Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot), a mysterious figure with few lines but a lot of capability. She is able to get data from Lex Luthor (Jesse Eisenberg) that Batman is seeking, and seems to understand exactly who is who. Wonder Woman is a “man of action,” efficiently doing what she needs to do.

In contrast, both Batman and Superman are constantly meandering through the film. Their dialogue, though rich, doesn’t drive the plot in an efficient manner. They are toyed with by Luthor and used as pawns because they are too focused on their rivalry. It is only through coincidence that they are able to end their dual.

The minimizing of Wonder Woman’s screen time protects her character, almost in a Boba Fett manner. There is no room for her to look foolish or impotent. This allows her to stand out in every scene, a presence that only shows how petty both Batman and Superman have become.

The Real Threat

We do not know what Wonder Woman knows. It is possible that she sees Luthor as a threat because of his actions regarding both Batman and Superman. It is also possible that she has some other information.

None of that matters because she shows up prepared when Doomsday is created. She is ready to face every threat, and every aspect of the film’s direction emphasizes this point: her theme music is strong and powerful, the action focuses on her strong yet graceful actions, and there are no wasted moments. She is a blur of activity, constantly able to attack and repel with ease.

Although Superman ultimately defeats Doomsday, this could not have been possible if Wonder Woman did not show up. She is a third party, yet a unifying party. She makes the team, just as she was always deemed part of the DC “trinity” of heroes and essential to the whole DC Comics universe.

In essence, she exists as a reminder of a hero’s purpose, which is to save people. At no time does she put anyone in jeopardy, and she is constantly acting to guarantee that others are protected. She is virtuous, noble, beautiful, and powerful, an idealized version of humanity. However, she also transcends humanity, being of Earth but not, so she is able to bridge the two extremes of Batman’s and Superman’s characters.

The Dawn of Justice

While many felt that Wonder Woman was the breakout star of the film yet not mentioned in the film’s title, it is clear that she is the “Dawn of Justice.” It is only through her that justice can be pushed and that the Justice League can be formed.

Before her appearance, Batman and Superman spent much of the time fighting each other. Even after Doomsday appears, they work individually against Doomsday, often to disastrous results.

When Batman’s plane is knocked out of the sky, Wonder Woman appears fully armored to defend him from attacks. Her first reaction is to challenge why Doomsday was brought back to the city, to which Batman defends himself by explaining that the area was abandoned. She cares about the people, then moves on once they are secured.

Even as Batman and Superman continue to trade little barbs, her limited dialogue reveals the real focus. When Superman explains, “This thing is from another world, my world,” Wonder Woman responds, “I’ve killed things from other worlds before.”

It is a statement of fact and purpose, not a boast or anything to diminish another. There is also no blame, because blame would not serve to stop the beast. So begins one of the greatest fighting scenes in any comic book film.

Immediately after, Doomsday attacks with raw power, and Wonder Woman is able to stand against it with Superman. She jumps into the fight, charging forward without concern and Superman joins her. She attacks, nimbly able to battle the creature as Superman is knocked about. There is team work, and Superman slowly begins to figure out how to work with others. However, that is not enough to defeat the beast.

When Superman goes to help Lois Lane, Wonder Woman continues to battle Doomsday on her own. We see Superman watching her effort, her mindless sacrifice and dedication, and we see something click within his head. She is an example of what is necessary, and it is only then that Superman chooses to sacrifice himself to defeat the monster.

In the end, Wonder Woman uses her lasso to bind Doomsday, Batman blasts him with Kryptonite, and Superman flies forward to impale him, and then become impaled too. It is a show of team work made possible only through Wonder Woman’s presence and example.

Heroism as Sacrifice

In Man of Steel and Batman v Superman, Superman is taught by his fathers how to be a man. Jor El teaches him about Kryptonian ways, and Jonathan Kent teaches him about human ways. Both try to explain power and caring, but both died early on. Though they are sacrificial figures, they sacrificed themselves in moments without power. Superman, however, has unlimited power, and to harness that he needed another power figure.

Wonder Woman serves as that example. She fights with purpose and dedication. She does not struggle with personal feelings or desires. She has a clear understanding that does not need to be defined in a black or white manner, or even defined at all. She sees a great threat and she fights against that great threat with all she has.

She is the most exciting part of the movie because her character is the perfect hero. She is both offensive and defensive, moving from one to the other as each situation requires. She is disciplined and thorough, embodying only respectful character traits, and there isn’t a moment where she is flawed or weak.

In part 2, we discussed her relationship with the Archangel Michael, which emphasizes how she breaks the gender standards to emphasize that willpower and purpose, not physical ability, are necessary for heroics. Similarly, she is a Mother Mary figure, prefiguring Christ (or Superman, in the film) in terms of virtue and dedication, and connecting humanity to him while serving as the human ideal. Ultimately, Gender doesn’t even play an actual role within the film, because such concerns are petty when all people are threatened.

All that matters in the film is the need to sacrifice in order to protect others, and Wonder Woman embodies that principle. She is the force of heroism necessary to allow Batman and Superman to overcome their petty differences, and she is the force that allows the “Dawn of Justice” to come about.