Double-Sized Issue Reviews!

This article contains spoilers for Absolute Wonder Woman #1 (2024) by Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman

It is said Diana Prince, aka Wonder Woman, was formed of clay by Queen Hippolyta. But now I challenge that notion by saying Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman forged a new Wonder Woman of pen and ink. 

This issue immersed itself in character development and gave us deep insight into who this new Wonder Woman is. Just by hearing her speak, by hearing her strange turn of phrase, a character was born. I argue Absolute Wonder Woman (2024) actually starts with #2 because it’s when we experience this person called Diana Prince. I argue Absolute Wonder Woman #1 is just a cameo. 

I feel like Diana got to breathe this issue—and in doing so, was able to speak, to stand up against the military who wanted to make her another arm in his forces. She maintained her stance and effectively put the military leader in time-out for the way he spoke to her. This is the person behind the tiara. Even while being accused of being aligned with the forces of evil, she managed to rectify her stance as a hero. 

This character is coming alive before the reader. And she is pulling everyone in. 

And so, as she readies herself for battle and demands an evacuation, she maintains control of the world of men. Against the forces which they cannot stop. She literally is the force between gods and man—the only hand which can wane destruction. 

I am obsessed with this new hero, she is no longer made of clay, but words and ink. As she becomes real to us, I am in envy of this recreation—a radical step in trying something different. A sound step for DC Comics, unlike 5Gs and Future State, which had no impact on DC. This is the kind of risk we need from our writers and creators. 

I will say 4 out of 5 stars for the issue. A great step for the new Absolute Universe.