DC just introduced its new Wonder Woman replacement, as the Next Level: One Shot special sets up the next era of its epic superhero saga. Here’s everything we know about the new Wonder Woman, including her grotesque new superpower.

While Diana Prince is the most famous version of Wonder Woman, her superhero codename is actually a title that’s been held by multiple people, including her mother Queen Hippolyta and the brutal warrior Artemis of Bana-Mighdall.

However, there are also darker equivalents to Diana created in her image, and that’s the nature of the shadowy replacement DC just debuted.

Wonder Woman’s Evil Clone Introduced to DC Lore

In today’s Next Level: One Shot #1 – from Gerry Duggan, Fernando Blanco, Jordie Bellaire and Buddy Beaudoin – Deadshot discovers the existence of a horrific new ‘Suicide Squad.’ Rick Flag reveals the existence of secret clones of iconic characters – known as ‘Drones’ – right before Deadshot is attacked by a trio of characters based on the DNA of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman.

Genetically engineered by a new version of the mysterious Cadmus organization, these copies were designed as bespoke superhuman muscle sold to the highest bidder. Wonder Woman’s copy retains her immense strength and speed, with dark marks over her eyes and a spiky version of her classic armor.

Worst of all, these Drones have versions of the mind-controlling ‘Starro’ hidden in their stomachs, which can be vomited up and used to create a “copy” of anyone exposed to the extraterrestrial starfish. The issue ends with the trio scanning Deadshoot to create a copy and teasing a mysterious mission that will claim all their lives. For that reason, the Wonder Woman Drone declares them “the last Suicide Squad.”

Is DC’s New Wonder Woman a Hero or Villain?

While some Drones are working for Cadmus as part of their villainous agenda, the Wonder Woman, Superman and Batman clones appear to be working against Cadmus, with their “Suicide Squad” fighting for freedom from their control, even through death.

The group forcibly recruit Deadshot and certainly don’t seem as selfless as the originals, but if their intent is to bring down an army of hidden superhuman clones, then there’s a major chance they’re the lesser evil.

DC Reveals Premise for Dark New EraDC marketed Next Level: One Shot as essential reading for its new slate of titles, and this clone conspiracy reveals how they’ll be connected. Early in the comic, Rick Flag gives Deadshot a list speculating that Vixen, the Doom Patrol, Etrigan, the Bat-Family, the Teen Titans and the Red Hood may be ‘Drones’ in disguise.These characters are getting their own series as part of DC’s ‘Next Level’ launch, with today’s One Shot revealing what ties them together – the possibility of intruders in their midst. The comic also gifts Deadshot the tech to spot the Drones by detecting the Starro clones in their stomachs, though he’s not exactly in fighting shape as the issue concludes.

The concept of superhero copies hiding among DC’s greatest heroes is intriguing, and bears similarities to Marvel’s 2008 Secret Invasion storyline, where shapeshifting alien infiltrated the ranks of the Avengers, Fantastic Four and more.

The issue seems to confirm that there’s a Drone posing as Rick Flag and one monitoring the Doom Patrol, while also revealing that the designer superhumans can be given multiple power sets. Deadshot is attacked by a Man-Bat/King Shark hybrid sent by Cadmus – a nightmarish combo of two villains with both their powers. However, Flag also warns that Cadmus’ new tech goes way beyond superhumans, suggesting there’s more to come.

Today, DC revealed a new clone of Wonder Woman as part of a wide-ranging clone conspiracy, unveiling a new kind of Suicide Squad caught up in a covert battle for the future of superhumans in DC lore.

Next Level: One Shot #1 is available now from DC Comics.