Wonder Woman Vol 2 9

"Why would you betray me this way, Doctor?! You are a sister! I turned away from Julia to meet you!"

- Wonder Woman

"Blood of the Cheetah" is the title to the ninth issue of the second volume of the ongoing superhero fantasy comic book series Wonder Woman, published by DC Comics. The story was written and illustrated by George Prez. It was co-plotted by Len Wein. Prez also provided the cover art illustration for this issue. It was inked by Bruce Patterson with coloring by Tatjana Wood and lettering by John Costanza. It was edited by Karen Berger. This issue shipped with an October, 1987 cover date and carries a cover price of 75 cents per copy (US).

Synopsis
Ignoring Julia's skepticism, Wonder Woman and Myndi accept Dr. Minerva's claims of a second Girdle of Gaea and meet with the renowned archaeologist. This optimism dies quickly; as Dr. Minerva tries to examine the Lasso of Truth, its magic forces her to admit the entire meeting is a sham. A betrayed Wonder Woman storms off, but Dr. Minerva simply resolves to take the lasso by force.

After dark, with help from her manservant Chuma, Dr. Minerva initiates an arcane ritual that transforms her into the Cheetah - the same creature that had killed the smuggler several nights ago. The Cheetah tracks Wonder Woman to the woods surrounding the Kapatelis home and attacks, her supernatural power easily matching the Amazon's. Even the Lasso of Truth, to Wonder Woman's shock, cannot subdue the savage creature. (Concurrently, having learned Steve's father is dying, Etta and Steve arrange a trip to Steve's hometown in Oklahoma.)

Wonder Woman is eventually saved by Julia, who shoots the Cheetah with a hunting rifle. The Cheetah is knocked into a nearby lake, but recovers and escapes before Wonder Woman can pursue. The whole incident greatly disturbs Wonder Woman, who had already been questioning her beliefs and purpose in Man's World; to the Kapatelises' - and Myndi's - dismay, she decides to return to Themyscira.

The following morning, atop the cliffs of Martha's Vineyard, Wonder Woman shares tearful farewells with the Kapatelises. After accepting a bag of souvenirs of Julia, she departs for her homeland.

Appearances