When a comic book series consistently delivers high-stakes action and compelling character work, it’s easy to get swept up in the spectacle. But what happens when the story slows down and lets its hero breathe? In Absolute Wonder Woman #11, writer Kelly Thompson and artist Hayden Sherman prove that even in a moment of quiet, Wonder Woman can be at her most powerful. This issue is a masterclass in character, artistry, and emotional storytelling, solidifying this run as one of the best.
This installment picks up right after Diana’s battle with Clea, with the hero having fallen into a mysterious pit while in a hallucinogenic haze. The trippy, mesmerizing artwork by Sherman brilliantly captures Diana’s distorted perception, with wavy lines and blurred visuals that reflect her failing senses. But as her mind clears, the issue settles into a more grounded, yet equally compelling, rhythm.
The heart of this issue lies in its seamless blend of past and present. A flashback to Diana’s youth shows her completing an impossible challenge set by a god, not through force, but through grace, cleverness, and an unwavering desire to avoid conflict. This scene is more than just a glimpse into her past; it serves as a powerful piece of foreshadowing, reinforcing the core of Diana’s character. She is a hero who always strives to do the right thing, even when the odds are stacked against her.
This selfless nature is put to the test in the present when Diana discovers that the beast at the bottom of the pit is actually Io, a lost Amazonian warrior she’s been searching for. Io has been sheltering a secret community of survivors, all victims of Clea’s tyranny. While Diana could easily rally them for a full-scale rebellion, she instead chooses a more compassionate path, guiding them to freedom, even if it means sacrificing her own fate. This willingness to be vulnerable and protect the innocent at all costs is what makes this interpretation of Wonder Woman so endearing.
Thompson’s storytelling is direct and heartfelt, and it’s elevated by the phenomenal artwork. Sherman’s dynamic panel layouts create a sense of movement and enclosure that makes the reader feel like they’re right there with Diana. Every detail, from the faint labyrinth tattoos on Io’s skin to the glow of the celestial beings, is meticulously crafted. The color work is equally stunning, using a palette that ranges from the bright, intense hues of Diana’s hallucinations to the warm, flickering candlelight of the community below the maze, giving a real sense of both beauty and confinement.
Absolute Wonder Woman #11 opens up an entirely new world for Diana and for readers. We discover a whole other world beneath the labyrinth, a community of kindred spirits who have found a new family in the most hostile of locations. The slow, reflective pace allows for deep conversations and emotional connections, proving that even after many issues in the same maze, there are still new doors to open and new stories to tell.
While this issue is part of a larger narrative, it also stands on its own as a complete and emotionally satisfying story. The immediate payoff of the flashback, the moving reunion with Io, and the dramatic, shocking conclusion make this issue feel earned and worth the wait. It’s a powerful chapter in a saga that is much larger than expected, and it only makes you more excited for what comes next.
‘Absolute Wonder Woman’ #11 Review: The Heart of a Hero
While Absolute Wonder Woman #11 is part of a larger narrative, it also stands on its own as a complete and emotionally satisfying story.
