Following Absolute Batman, the next series in the Absolute line of comics to get an annual is none other than Absolute Wonder Woman by Kelly Thompson, this time accompanied by artist Mattia De Iulis to tell the story of Medusa in the Absolute universe and Diana’s quest to free her from her curse.
What is Diana’s Quest in the Absolute Wonder Woman Annual?
After the events of Absolute Wonder Woman #5 Diana has been struggling. Having taken the form of medusa, she is now privy to the torture and curse that the gorgon faces and prays day in and day out to Athena to help undo the injustice done to her. Athena finally heads her prayers and gives Diana an audience but scolds her for buying into the idea that she could be so cruel as to curse her own priestess. Though she does not wish to directly undo the damage done to Medusa, believing it would be an admittance of guilt, she assists Diana in her quest but in exchange Diana gives up her godly gifts, most namely, the power of flight. Left with little more than her own strength and her talent for magic, Diana scales a mountain and faces an onslaught of attacks to come face to face with one of the most infamous monsters in Greek Mythology.
How Does Kelly Thompson Explore Truth and Empathy?
This annual is ultimately about two things: truth and empathy. All throughout the issue and even by the end the question of what exactly happened to Medusa is never quite answered. The exact recounting of history is never given and even Athena — the goddess most often accused of this — doesn’t ever fully say that she didn’t curse Medusa. Thompson uses myth and legends and the often inaccurate recounting of them to play with this core tenant of Wonder Woman. Though as a superhero truth has defined Wonder Woman, this annual puts more emphasis on learning the right lessons rather than a perfect recounting of events. Because regardless of which version of the story is true, Wonder Woman is there all the same in an attempt to help the damned.
Which of course brings us to empathy which is not just important to this issue, but Absolute Wonder Woman in totality. This issue in particular uses a chess match between Athena and Diana to illustrate a battle of philosophies. Diana’s constant quest for an amicable resolution and Athena’s more straight forward show of strength. Thompson shows the struggle of kindness. Diana has to scale a mountain without her godly gifts. She has to take hit after hit from Medusa’s sisters, and she has to risk her own death all just to show sympathy and kindness to a creature who has not seen it in centuries. And though Wonder Woman never beat Athena at chess, after she uses her lasso to unshackle Medusa from her monstrous form, Athena remarks that if the two were to have played on that day, she believes Diana would win. Even the goddess of wisdom sees the value in relieving another’s unjust suffering.
The Visual Impact of Mattia De Iulis and Becca Carey
Mattia De Iulis also returns to art this time around. First featured in Absolute Wonder Woman #6 as a fill-in artist, Mattia De Iulis gave a very distinct style from Hayden Sherman, giving a more three dimensional look with an entirely different style of rendering. Though a stark contrast from the typical style of the series, that issue and its follow-up were incredibly stunning and it’s a treat to have De Iulis return for this issue. What really shined in both his first foray into Absolute Wonder Woman and in this issue is perspective and scale.
Diana is in a world of gods and the scale shows it. Athena and Medusa tower over her, on some pages she’s barely more than a figure in the vast realm of the gods. It gives a real sense of what Diana is up against in this big moments, and yet De Iulis also wonderfully contrasts these with close ups on Diana. Images like her scaling the mountain don’t make her seem small, but like a larger than life hero of legend up against impossible odds. This contrast doesn’t minimize Diana but rather elevate her to being on the same scale as the gods if not physically than in character. It’s a treat for the eyes on every page and is some of the most well-rendered art of this style. The letters by Becca Carey are also phenomenal. The way the bubbles shift for the various otherworldly beings Diana interacts with adds an added degree of mysticism to the whole issue which is especially crucial in a story that is so heavily rooted in myth.
Final Verdict: Is Absolute Wonder Woman Annual a Must-Read?
Absolute Wonder Woman Annual 2026 does everything an annual should. It tells a self-contained story with strong themes that builds on the world and lore of the main series and features stunning artwork that brilliantly matches the tone. It’s a spectacular one-off and a must have for anyone enjoying the main series.
Read More from KPB Comics:
‘Absolute Wonder Woman Annual’ #1 Review: A Mythic Quest for Truth
Absolute Wonder Woman Annual 2026 does everything an annual should. It tells a self-contained story with strong themes that builds on the world and lore of the main series and features stunning artwork that brilliantly matches the tone. It’s a spectacular one-off and a must have for anyone enjoying the main series.
