Originally Posted by
AlexLyo
While a brainwashing prison feels really out of touch for Diana now, I do wonder if a revamp of the concept could be more about expanding the tradition of transformative justice in the Amazons' philosophy. There's so much amazing work out there in that field in the real world right now, and it would really fit Diana's ethos to lean into that. I think that probably means we're not talking about an island of incarceration and brainwashing, but an island that's a centre of excellence for transformative justice wisdom and practice, and possibly for respite, healing and change for those "villains" who need it. Something to act in contrast to the brutality of the prison system Diana is having to currently drop her enemies into (when she catches them). It doesn't really fit for me that Diana would just hand over villains to a system that won't support them in changing when she is committed to saving them herself. Orlando's issue with Mayfly is a good example of starting to explore what kind of committment Diana would have to saving her enemies over time.
I also really like the challenge this presents where transformation and healing is actually what Diana aims for with her foes, because from a writing perspective you both need to see her succeed at it (say, with Vanessa or Mayfly for example), but for villains to stay threatening she also needs to fail at it (with Circe). And the back and forth of near success (with Cheetah) creates tragedy and tension. This kind of concept seems more fit to Diana than perhaps any other DC hero. There's also potential for introducing Amazon characters on that island who work directly with these "villains", and who act as the source of some of this wisdom and practice on transformative justice, encouraging Diana when she finds it difficult or loses her way, and acting as foils to other Amazons who are hotter headed (hi Artemis).