Saturday Showcase: Cheetah

   
    With the news that they cast Kristen Wiig as Cheetah for Wonder Woman 2, I thought it would be a good time to showcase this amazing villain.  I first saw Cheetah on my Saturday Cartoons as she had a major role in the Legion of Doom.  I always liked her battles with Wonder Woman as a child so the character stuck with me throughout the ages.

    One thing that any comic fan can tell you is that there is more than one Cheetah, but the story stays the same.  She was made to be a Wonder Woman villain.  She is to Wonder Woman what Joker is to Batman.  You cannot have one without the other.

    Cheetah was first created in 1943 by the talented William Marston and H.G. Peter.  Her appearance in Wonder Woman #6 was a fine introduction to this Beautiful but Evil foe. Wonder Woman always tries to save the Cheetah, but they never seem to listen.  The first Cheetah was Priscilla Rich.  She retired her criminal ways and died in her mansion.

    The second Cheetah was Deborah Domaine.  Deborah is the niece of Priscilla and was at her mansion when she died.  Kobra wanted the Cheetah so they kidnapped Deborah and the costume and brainwashed her into the second coming of the Cheetah.  This Cheetah made her first appearance in Wonder Woman #274.  Her career as the Cheetah ended on the Crisis story-line.

    The third version of the Cheetah was Barbara Ann Minerva.  She is probably the most popular due to the fact that she was drawn by George Perez.  Her first appearance was in Wonder Woman Vol. 2, #7 (1987).  She stays the Cheetah even during the New 52 and Rebirth years only to be replaced by the fourth Cheetah.  But mark my words, you will see her again.

    The fourth Cheetah has a twist.  The fourth Cheetah goes by the name Sebastian Ballestros.  Yes, the Fourth Cheetah is a man. He is later killed by Minerva and she reclaims the power of the Cheetah.  Like I said earlier, you will see her again.

    My only question is, which version of the Cheetah will Kristen play?  My money is on Minerva.  I mean, she is the longest running version of the Cheetah so it would only make sense.

    Until next time, get your READ on!