Whilst reading George Perez’s first handful of Wonder Woman issues, I found the climax to be rather unique.
*I suppose I am obligated to mention there are spoilers ahead, even though the comic is 30+ years old.*
As Ares seeks to instigate World War III, Diana binds him in her Lasso of Truth, revealing to him the fruits of his malicious labors: a desolate world where he is lord of nothing. An appalled Ares recognizes his folly and dismantles his plans before they succeed.
I found that a rather surprising and clever way to the defeat a villain. While the still inexperienced Diana couldn’t match Ares’ divine power as a warrior, she resolved the conflict as an emissary of peace and truth. It completely fits with her character, but also presented a solution that didn’t involve a villain being pummeled into submission or destroyed by the immense power of some cosmic weapon.
Does anyone have a favorite instance where a hero attains victory by some resourceful or intelligent way other than a super-powered slug-out, perhaps in a way that pleasantly surprised you?