It’s been a genuine treat following this series as its grown into such a beloved icon for a character who hasn’t really gotten the fairest shake compared to the boys in DC’s Trinity over the last decade or so. Yet Absolute Wonder Woman merrily moves forward with so much heart and hope, it’s positively diabetic. Kelly Thompson has really taken so much of what we love and resonate with from Greek mythology and wrapped it around a version of Diana who simply radiates the kind of empathy you can’t help but root for. And this week’s Absolute Wonder Woman #18 shows that in spades, while also showing one of my other favorite things about Greek mythology: freakin’ action packed fights!
The last issue really left things in quite a hellish lurch, with Diana facing off against a literal hell-specter, unlike anything she’s encountered before. And while Zatanna seemed to have flown the coop a couple issues back, readers will be more than thrilled to have her front and center for that big, juicy 1v1 with Diana that everyone’s been itching for. So without further adieu, let’s get into it all.
Magic Meets Might
Diana finds herself at her dreariest in this issue, having barely survived an attack by the fiery spectre many suspected - and had confirmed this issue – to be Giovanni Zatarra; master of magic and father of Zatanna. But unlike the more whimsical versions of yesteryear, this Absolute version is more like something straight out of the NetherRealm, sustaining horrific soul-burning power through sacrificial magic (demonstrated when he killed Cheetah in the previous issue). While Diana is able to flee with Pegasus’ help, the damage Zatarra inflicted on her goes more than just skin deep, burning away at her soul and spirit. Battered and bruised, Diana makes her way to the Heiron where her friends are at a loss for how to help her. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on your perspective, Zatanna decides to show up and…return Diana’s magic.
However, Diana who’s finally decided that “once bitten, twice shy” should be a guiding principle in the moment, decides to put the hurt on Zatanna. What follows is a straight up beatdown of magic and might, with lightning bolts, tidal waves and fists all flying in equal measure. Eventually, Diana does overcome Zatanna’s unpredictable efforts and manages to get enough information about Veronica Cale’s machinations as well as Zatarra’s abilities to figure out a gameplan. As Diana sets off to take Zatarra down, armed with new knowledge and the promise that she’ll do her best to help Zatanna free her father, there’s more brewing in the background than expected. Diana’s flashbacks to her conversations with Aphrodite provide some much needed context on love and expectations, which is fitting considering we already have Barabara Minerva skulking around in the city feeling like Diana abandoned her to Zatarra’s attacks. Regardless, Diana returns to the city, managing to free Ara, the fish queen and last standing member of Suicide Squad, from Cale’s Starro parasite before facing off against Zatarra. And this time, she’s brought some wicked new weapons to even the odds against the sinister sorcerer.
Isn’t She Just Wonderful?
Kelly Thompson really does lean hard into the “Wonder” part of Wonder Woman in this series, and this issue shows that in spades. While being a solid action-focused issue that can stand with some of the best of the previous issues so far, issue #18 in particular also establishes some important avenues for introspection for Diana which many felt were kind of missing previously. I appreciate that Diana is exercising some degree of caution when it comes to Zatanna, considering everything that’s transpired so far, and it makes perfect sense narratively that while Diana may be willing to extend her hand in friendship to a former enemy, she’s more than justified in tempering her trust accordingly.
Diana in this issue is put in a situation where she’s actually challenged both spiritually and emotionally. The bit about her being wary of Zatanna’s despite being saved by her in this issue makes perfect sense, because when you think about it Zatanna took one of the most intimate things from her (temporarily) – her voice. It’s a kind of violation of sorts that’s very different from anything Diana faced, and even though things worked out in the end and Zatanna did return it after freeing herself, I genuinely like that Diana does not cede to outright trusting her right away, even if she agrees to help her with her father. It’s a lovely bit of development, compounded by flashbacks of Diana and Aphrodite discussing the merits and shortfalls of love and idolization – because that comes as very central to this issue. On the one hand, you have Barbara feeling hurt and betrayed that Diana has seemingly abandoned her: her feelings based on having put Diana on pedestal for so long, that any smallest hint of human flaw can bring that whole façade crashing down. On the other end of the spectrum, you have Zatanna’s irreverence for Diana, leading her to openly point out to Diana’s friends that she isn’t some messiah that needs to be worshipped. Diana herself, does not see herself as above others or being deified by others, but Thompson manages to expertly present the idea in this issue that this devotional “love” she has received so far has the potential to bear poisoned fruit.
And speaking of Zatanna, we get a lot more than we bargained for in this issue and it’s great. For the longest time, we’ve been teased with this version of the character, and she definitely made a hell of an impression in her debut – enough to already become a fan-favorite for many lovers of the series and beyond. So, it’s safe to say that Thompson gives them what they want by having a LOT of Zatanna in this, to the point that she kind of take center stage. Her literal and ideological battle with Diana is one I feel moves exactly how it should, and I’m glad that their relationship – though amicable for now – still has a hint of unease to it that both acknowledge. It’s a hallmark of some of the earlier issues I had with the series that Diana’s challenges were being resolved far too quickly when beings well above her power level would simply agree with her worldview without challenge, but now we’re starting to see evidence to the contrary. Additionally, I like that Zatanna’s still keeping things close to chest, but Thompson gives enough of the basics for readers to build some sympathy for her and her father, Zatarra’s, plight. It genuinely contextualizes the story of this issue in a meaningful way, while also enriching Diana’s understanding of the situation as well.
For the rest of the issue, I like how Thompson has managed to make the world feel very lived-in, from the Heiron with Diana’s friends to the city beyond, with their own connections to each other and their misgivings. I think Zatarra, despite some truly horrific powers, is humanized tremendously in this issue with terrifying nature of his curse and his mind slipping in and out of sanity. The lack Veronica Cale in this issue is noticeable, even though Diana does her best to clear out the remnants of her machinations (i.e. freeing Ara from the parasite used to control her), but this is probably my only real gripe in terms of pacing: that the big bad of this series seems to still be on the fringes. But for that small matter aside, the rest of the issue really does offer the best of both worlds: heavy punches and even heavier emotional weight.
Arfully Action Oriented
But of course, as much as I love Thompson’s writing, I’m truly and irrevocably obsessed with Hayden Sherman and Jordie Bellaire’s absolute masterpieces every time a new issue comes out. As I’ve said before, while Absolute Martian Manhunter gets well deserved praise for its incredible art style, Absolute Wonder Woman manages to do some wildly unique things with paneling and artwork that I honestly never see anywhere else. And it’s this rockstar art team in particular that really keeps elevating each issue with new and visually stunning presentations week in and week out.
Sherman in particular takes this issue to really showcase some of the best action of the series so far. If you though the Giganta fight in the previous issue was something, then you have no idea once you see how two magical heavy weights throw down in this issue. More than just drawing lightning bolts, water sprays and portals on the page, Sherman draws intricate panel structures that mirror the action in wildly innovative ways. There’s a lot of focus on hand gestures being the catalyst for magical powers here, as well as literal representations of Diana’s spell sigils – in the form of panel formations – being overcome by Zatanna’s brute force magic use. There’s even a point where the panels form a Z-shape to highlight how Diana and Zatanna are slowly coming to an accord after their fight that’s just mesmerizing to see. Other than the wild panel work, Sherman also draws our characters with so much heart and feel, occupying a living, breath world that is shaped by their expectations and elements. The dream-like, gossamer memories of Diana’s flashbacks and the Gods that live in them are drawn boldly and uniquely as always. Zatarra is a fiery specter that exudes menace with every step he takes, and Zatanna’s cool design (I think the kids called it “aura maxing” these days) is sure to be a cosplay staple in the months and years to come.
Jordie Bellaire’s exquisite color work also ups the ante of Sherman’s artwork, playing around with a plethora of shades from blues to greens to reds, as the magical needs befit the situation. It’s a truly awe-inspiring effect on the senses, especially when you consider that Bellaire’s colors never overdoes things or overloads readers with too much input. There’s a measured, almost clinical approach to the coloring that is now a hallmark of Bellaire’s style, and this issue goes a long way in showing that she knows exactly when, where and how to apply her craft for maximum impact.
Armed to the Teeth
Of late, Absolute Wonder Woman has gone a good way towards addressing some of the longer standing criticisms about its narrative in genuinely meaningful ways. This issue in particular, thankfully continues that trend in both fun and forceful fashion, and I’m so glad that that’s the case. There’s genuine promise with every new issue, a consistent sense of excitement at what could possibly come next, which is wild considering the script follows a simple story from top to bottom. Thompson’s writing alongside Sherman and Bellaire’s art truly exemplifies how the simplest of stories live long in reader’s minds and hearts, simply because they build a connection that precious few creative teams are able to capture.
Absolute Wonder Woman #18 offers a tantalizing finale, and some whole new context for relationships new and old that Diana will absolutely have to reckon with sooner than she’d like. All of this potential leaves me more than curious to see this book continue the way it has, and hopefully tell those stories with the same vigor and violence that’s made this such a memorable read so far.
Final Verdict: Absolute Wonder Woman #18 continues the might and magic that makes this series so memorable, even though there are some minor pacing stumbles that do little to detract from the fun of it all.