What a journey it’s been! The “As My Mother Made Me” arc of Absolute Wonder Woman comes to an explosive and emotional close in issue #12, and it’s a fitting end to a fantastic story. Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman have created a unique and heartfelt take on Diana, and this issue perfectly brings together all the themes they’ve been building since issue #8.
Diana’s quest to find other Amazons has been the driving force of this arc. Issues #8 through #11 showed us her journey into the magical Area 41 Maze, where she met unlikely friends like the minotaur Ferdinand and the siren Petra. She’s proven time and again that she can see the good in creatures others would call monsters, and that kindness pays off. All of this led to the big discovery in issue #11: another Amazon named Io, who has been protecting a hidden community inside the maze.
Absolute Wonder Woman issue #12 picks up right where we left off, with Diana holding the Trident of Poseidon and going full force on Queen Clea and her fish-men. The fight between Diana and Clea is a real highlight–they’re incredibly well-matched, making for a truly dynamic brawl. While the fish-men are kind of just there, the main event is a great showcase of both Diana and Clea’s power. We learn that Clea is an Atlantean who has been trapped in the maze for decades, too. But while that might make you feel for her, Diana knows better than to let her guard down.
The series is built on themes of finding family and hope in unexpected places, and this issue brings those ideas to a head. One of the sweetest moments is when Ferdinand and Io finally connect. You can’t help but feel happy for them, celebrating their newfound freedom after being trapped for so long. Thompson’s writing masterfully balances epic action with these small, emotional beats, showing her skill at crafting a deeply felt world. And of course, in true Diana fashion, she finds an unconventional way to defeat her enemy, giving Clea a chance at freedom but with a clear warning that their next encounter won’t end so well if she stays on a path of evil. This moment perfectly captures Diana’s core character; she’s a compassionate hero who believes in giving second chances, but she’s not a pushover.
The magical abilities Diana continues to use in this series are truly a sight to behold. It’s awesome to see her lean into being the magical princess she should be. Whether it’s telling the Trident to “be many” so it can split and hit multiple targets at once, or using a simple spell to enchant a rock to track someone, every magical moment feels both cool and creative. It’s also a nice touch that her magic isn’t unlimited, adding some balance to her already immense strength.
The creative team continues to knock it out of the park. Hayden Sherman’s art is killer, capturing the action and emotion with incredible energy. The use of dynamic paneling keeps the pace fast and the visuals engaging. The colors by Jordie Bellaire are vibrant and striking, from the ocean-green of the trident to the deep pink of a portal and the warm oranges of the maze. Becca Carey’s lettering is as solid as ever; who doesn’t love seeing YEET on a comic book panel?
The series ends on a truly intriguing note with a couple of big reveals. What immediately happens to Io after she leaves the maze is a great hook, and the bombshell that she is not the only other Amazon out there is a fantastic twist. It’s a jaw-dropping moment that leaves you desperate to see what happens next. And those end-credit panels? Let’s just say Diana’s troubles are just getting started.
This issue is a banger and a fantastic close to the “As My Mother Made Me” arc. Thompson continues to build a Wonder Woman we haven’t seen before, all while staying true to the kind, spirited, and caring person she is. With a new group of friends from the maze and a new enemy in Clea, the possibilities for this series are endless.
‘Absolute Wonder Woman’ #12 Brings Area 41 Arc to Close
This issue is a banger and a fantastic close to the “As My Mother Made Me” arc. Thompson continues to build a Wonder Woman we haven’t seen before, all while staying true to the kind, spirited, and caring person she is. With a new group of friends from the maze and a new enemy in Clea, the possibilities for this series are endless.
