The Greek god of war thrives on thrives on bloodshed and is the implacable enemy of Wonder Woman. Despite being Zeus's son, Ares never fit in with the other gods of Olympus and created his own realm, the Areopagus. When he plotted to destroy the mortals' world with a nuclear bomb, the Amazons brought Princess Diana to life as the new Wonder Woman to combat the war god's evil.

Ares then made another bid for supreme power, killing Highfather in the process. He suffered torments for his treachery until he effected his escape. Later, Ares's children, Phobos, Deimos, and Eris tried to ensure their father's place as ruler of Earth by raising the Areopagus in the center of Gotham City.

Ares has taken an interest in Wonder Girl (Cassie Sandsmark), and has given her a magic lasso similar to Diana's. He has also stirred up trouble for Diana on Olympus by slyly suggesting to Zeus that Diana's new book fails to give respect to the father of the gods.

Through his deceit and manipulations, he recently deposed Hades and became ruler of the underworld.