Diana’s final stand against The Tetracide! Kelly Thompson’s Absolute Wonder Woman reaches a critical point. Does Diana have the power to win, or will it cost her everything? Let’s find out!
In Gateway City, Etta and Gia Candy decide whether to join Wonder Woman’s fight after overcoming some initial hesitation. Gia’s fears about the Tetracide’s “death sounds” are calmed by Wonder Woman’s existing protective spell. Diana then seeks Gia’s witchcraft, needing her arm restored for the battle. This is accomplished through a ritual involving blood magic and a prayer to Hecate. Meanwhile, on the Wild Isle of Hell, Circe experiences a disturbing vision, possibly influenced by Darkseid, prompting her to consult Hecate, who reveals her ongoing destiny in shaping this new universe. With her arm healed, Wonder Woman confronts the Tetracide in Gateway City, using simulated magical screams to lure it away from the city. She then enlarges her blade and cuts the creature in half! The issue concludes with the emergence of an Absolute version of a known Wonder Woman villain, setting the stage for future conflicts
Credits: DC Comics
Adding anything new to the heaps of praise already given to Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman’s Absolute Wonder Woman is tough, but they deserve every bit of it. This run has been the most genuinely fun Wonder Woman story in ages. One thing that stands out is Thompson’s take on witchcraft. It’s not just hand-waving magic; Diana’s spells have weight. Sure, she can deflect missiles with a quick incantation, but the big, powerful spells require real work—ingredients, potions, even blood. That attention to detail is fantastic. And let’s be real, that full-page panel of Diana’s face covered in blood? Absolutely stunning.
Speaking of stunning, Hecate’s design is phenomenal. It captures the grandeur of a goddess, with echoes of the designs from Kelly Sue DeConnick’s Wonder Woman Historia, but it’s entirely its own thing. It’s truly otherworldly. And then there’s that moment where Diana’s already massive sword grows to match the Tetracide’s size. Pure comic book brilliance! It’s over-the-top, ridiculously fun, and just plain badass. Plus, I couldn’t help but notice how the Tetracide’s blue blood on Diana’s blade almost gave it a patriotic look, which might be unintentional, but was still pretty cool. The only minor quibble I had was how conveniently Gia seemed to have all the specific ingredients Diana needed for her spell, especially considering Gia’s relatively limited magical experience. It felt a little too easy.
Credits: DC Comics
I really loved a few specific moments in this issue. First, the “whoosh” of Diana summoning her blade back from the water was fantastic. Sherman’s illustration of her face as she retrieved it, with that subtle look of joy and gratitude for her “friend,” was perfect. Then, the letterer, Becca Carey, added this amazing touch with Diana’s spell: the “PLEASE STOP, NOOOOOO” was spelled out in the letters themselves, which was so effective. And, as always, Jordie Bellaire’s coloring was spot-on. She perfectly matched Sherman’s art, using a palette that captured every mood – darks, lights, vibrant reds and greens, and those beautiful muted tones. It all added so much depth and richness to the story.
Absolute Wonder Woman #4 delivers a thrilling conclusion to the Tetracide arc, showcasing Diana’s resourcefulness and power as she restores her arm and vanquishes the monster through a blend of magic and sheer strength. Kelly Thompson’s nuanced portrayal of witchcraft and Hayden Sherman’s dynamic art, particularly the striking visuals of Hecate and the epic sword fight, elevate this issue to a standout moment in the series. The issue culminates with the tease of a classic villain, promising exciting future storylines.
‘Absolute Wonder Woman’ #4 Review: Epic Tetracide Showdown!
Absolute Wonder Woman #4 delivers a thrilling conclusion to the Tetracide arc, showcasing Diana’s resourcefulness and power as she restores her arm and vanquishes the monster through a blend of magic and sheer strength. Kelly Thompson’s nuanced portrayal of witchcraft and Hayden Sherman’s dynamic art, particularly the striking visuals of Hecate and the epic sword fight, elevate this issue to a standout moment in the series. The issue culminates with the tease of a classic villain, promising exciting future storylines.
