Phillip Creary / February 5, 2025
Absolute Wonder Woman #1 is the second title in DC’s Absolute Universe, following Absolute Batman. This issue introduces a truly formidable Wonder Woman, complete with a massive buster sword, striking armor and helm, a crimson lasso, and a skeletal Pegasus! Writer Kelly Thompson and artist Hayden Sherman deliver an absolutely stellar debut for the Amazon Princess.
For years, comic fans have clamored for DC to create something akin to Marvel’s Ultimate Universe. With its rich Multiverse history, DC has dabbled in similar concepts, like Earth-1, but those attempts lacked cohesion, with storylines remaining isolated and unconnected. The new Absolute Universe changes the game, posing a fascinating question: What if we stripped away everything that defines our iconic characters—their support systems, families, environments, upbringings—and left only their essence? Absolute Wonder Woman #1 tackles this head-on, delivering perhaps the most badass iteration of the Amazonian princess we’ve ever seen—a high bar considering Wonder Woman’s impressive 80+ year publishing history. In this debut issue, writer Kelly Thompson and artist Hayden Sherman aim to reinvent Wonder Woman while preserving her beauty, grace, compassion, and inherent badassery.
Credits: DC Comics
Absolute Wonder Woman #1 opens with a dramatic scene in Gateway City: a colossal inverted pyramid hangs in the sky, unleashing demonic creatures down on a terrified populace. Just then, Wonder Woman arrives, soaring in on a skeletal pegasus. With a swift motion, she draws a massive sword from her magical pouch and, uttering a powerful incantation, banishes the demonic horde.
The comic then shifts to Hell, where we encounter Circe. The god Apollo appears, bestowing her an unwanted “gift”—a child. We follow the child’s journey through Hell, from infancy to young adulthood and finally to womanhood. Over time, Circe’s affection for her unexpected daughter deepens. Returning to the present day, the monstrous Harbinger Prime emerges, making its terrifying presence known. Wonder Woman pleads with the creature to retreat, but her entreaties are met with defiance. The stage now set for an epic confrontation.
Credits: DC Comics
Kelly Thompson’s imagination is in overdrive in Absolute Wonder Woman, and it feels absolutely right. The concept is simple yet profoundly resonant, capturing the essence of Diana. Even when raised in Hell, she remains true to herself. Instead of Hell changing her, she begins to change her surroundings. This includes not only the demons who try to kill her but also Circe, whom Diana transforms from a distant, begrudging caretaker into a mother figure. The return to Gateway City is a welcome callback to Wonder Woman’s ’90s era, giving her a unique setting outside of Washington, D.C. I love that Thompson reimagines one of Diana’s most notorious villains as her mother. Moreover, the portrayal of Wonder Woman as a magic user feels natural and fitting. Thompson skillfully evolves her while preserving her core identity. My only complaint? It ends too soon!
Hayden Sherman’s art is equally praiseworthy. His sharp lines and bombastic style create a genuinely distinct Wonder Woman—she appears seven feet tall, dwarfing ordinary men! Sherman’s layouts are also impressive, featuring unconventional action sequences, including a stunning shot of Wonder Woman astride her skeletal flying steed. Jordie Bellaire’s vibrant colors shine in Absolute Wonder Woman #1. The bold reds demand attention, and her interesting use of color transforms Diana’s childhood cave from a dark place into a warm, light-filled haven of love. Finally, Becca Carey’s lettering of baby Dianna’s “Yeet!” was particularly amusing. I also appreciate the use of “Skree” to depict the noisy, red, flying creatures that filled the sky, and the impactful “Boom” as the enemy was repelled by Diana’s attack.
Absolute Wonder Woman #1 delivers a thrilling and badass reimagining of the iconic hero, showcasing her core essence in a new, high-stakes setting. The issue excels in its creative reinvention of Diana, her supporting characters, and her world, complemented by dynamic art and vibrant colors. While the story effectively captures Wonder Woman’s spirit, the primary drawback is simply its brevity, leaving readers wanting more. Overall, this debut issue successfully launches DC’s Absolute Universe with a powerful and captivating Wonder Woman.
‘Absolute Wonder Woman #1’: A Hellish Origin and a Stellar Reinvention of the Amazon Princess
Absolute Wonder Woman #1 delivers a thrilling and badass reimagining of the iconic hero, showcasing her core essence in a new, high-stakes setting. The issue excels in its creative reinvention of Diana, her supporting characters, and her world, complemented by dynamic art and vibrant colors. While the story effectively captures Wonder Woman’s spirit, the primary drawback is its brevity, leaving readers wanting more. Overall, this debut issue successfully launches DC’s Absolute Universe with a powerful and captivating Wonder Woman.