While Absolute Wonder Woman has continued to delight and enthrall readers for over ten issues on its own unique storytelling merit, it is safe to say that fans have been salivating at the prospect of a team-up between the Absolute DC Trinity. With hints dropped and threads interwoven across the entire Absolute line, the moment of truth is finally here: Absolute Wonder Woman #15 brings the dynamic duo of Batman and Wonder Woman together for a story that, while seemingly "by the numbers," finds its real heart and charm in the character dynamics.
Admittedly, some of the momentum from previous issues was sacrificed to reach this milestone. Longer storylines were abruptly put on hold, while shorter filler arcs were rapidly resolved in an unsatisfying manner to accommodate DC’s editorial mandate. Whether those threads are picked up later remains to be seen. However, the much-anticipated result does not disappoint in the slightest; it firmly establishes the tone for both Bruce and Diana, the ideals they represent, and how their personal journeys are reinvigorated through this timely meeting.
A Dynamic Duet of Detective Deeds
Absolute Wonder Woman #15 kicks off with Diana already in Gotham, investigating a series of murders that harken back to her patron goddess, Hecate. From the very first pages, Diana intends to parley with the Dark Knight of Gotham City, heralding her arrival in a truly magical and obvious fashion so as not to step on any oversized steel toes. Bruce, to his credit, shows up expeditiously. He is curious, and he and Diana quickly come to an accord on how to proceed with the ongoing case—forming a detective duo that merges mind and magic to achieve their goals. As they delve deeper into the mysteries before them, they build a steady kinship, sharing stories and defining the parameters of their partnership.
What becomes clear very quickly is that the murders are not what they appear to be. They are not merely ritualistic killings, but a trap meticulously set for Diana. Behind the scenes, Veronica Cale plays her own games—scheming, plotting, and coordinating with her Justice League of Evil cohorts to bring ruin upon Diana, with a little help from a potential traitor within Wonder Woman’s own ranks. As the situation becomes more hectic, Wonder Woman and Batman find themselves ready to put their new partnership and faith in each other to the ultimate test to escape a sticky predicament.
Faith Builds Bridges
There is a lot to gush about in this issue, but first, I want to get the "meh" elements out of the way. While the heart of the story is deeply rooted in the strength of the Bruce/Diana dynamic, the murder mystery in the background feels a little too "by the numbers." This doesn't ruin the overall story or detract from the enjoyment, but it is noticeable. Similarly, while the two have a second outing planned for Absolute Batman #16, this specific chapter feels like a bit of a "one-shot" filler—a slightly uneasy prospect when you consider how preceding story arcs were either cut short or rushed to facilitate this fan-favorite moment. These are relative nitpicks in an otherwise excellent issue, but they are food for thought nonetheless.
Now, onto the good stuff. Kelly Thompson continues to fire on all cylinders, cutting deep into the heart of what makes this version of Diana so special. Diana is a woman on a mission, without a doubt, but she approaches it with tact and compassion. Her understanding that Gotham is not her town—and the measures she takes to respect the hero already operating there—is a genuine breath of fresh air. We are so used to hero team-ups jumping straight to misunderstandings and punch-ups before the characters finally remember they are on the same side.
This book, however, knows exactly what its core is from page one: Bruce and Diana meeting, understanding, and enriching one another. It is a character study of two wholly unique versions of DC’s most iconic characters complementing each other in this brutal, dark universe. Diana explaining magic to Bruce, bouncing investigation clues off him, and allowing him the space to share his identity on his own terms are all major highlights. Thompson perfectly nails Diana’s voice, carrying her growth from previous chapters forward with ease.
Not to be left out, Thompson understands Batman on a fundamental level as well. Her writing remains true to Scott Snyder’s vision in his own series while offering a new perspective that enriches the character further. It is genuinely refreshing to see a version of Batman who isn't paranoid to the point of creating contingencies to take out the first superhero he meets; his amicable introduction to Wonder Woman is something he takes in stride. There is no bravado and no "one-upmanship" between him and Diana. Instead, these are two heroes who afford each other mutual respect, yielding the reins to one another as the situation requires.
Bruce offering Diana advice about how the people around her aren’t as bulletproof as she is—a lesson he has learned the hard way only too recently—was a small but deeply meaningful beat. This is mirrored by Diana’s ultimate trust in Bruce to have her back when things get dire. It is a brilliant change of pace to watch these two icons, whom we know so fundamentally, brought together in a way that feels familiar yet utterly enthralling.
And yes, for all you "sickos" out there, there is an eventual punch-up. However, even that is resolved not with fists, but with the power of faith—specifically, the trust Diana has placed in Bruce. In a world full of darkness and hopelessness, seeing two characters who are not shy about doling out vicious justice find solace in a shared faith in humanity is something to behold.
The story also features a strong plot point involving Diana’s version of the Hiketiea. It serves as a calculated inversion of the premise from the eponymous Wonder Woman storyline of the past. Its usage here is the polar opposite of its original intent, leading to a payoff that feels genuinely earned (I won’t spoil it, but you’re in for a treat if you are familiar with the lore). While the Veronica Cales and Jokers of this dark world scheme in the background, the heroes are one step closer to building a united front of hope, strengthened by the lessons they’ve learned from each other.
When Paints and Panels Breathe New Life Into the Story
A landmark issue like this, with its character beats firing at full tilt, demands a heaping dose of exceptional art. Hayden Sherman delivers the goods and then some, offering not only masterful line work but truly innovative paneling that effortlessly conveys the story's tone in vivid detail. His portrayal of Diana is already well-established, but here it serves as a further showcase of how his linework captures her essence: quiet power, unbridled compassion, and the potential for decisive action.
Placing her against the backdrop of Gotham City, however, is where things get truly interesting. From the overarching city streets to the sultry mess of Slaughter Swamp, Sherman’s vistas and cloistered environments are a sight to behold. He centers his familiar style for Diana’s world within the confines of Batman’s backyard. Speaking of the Dark Knight, Sherman draws him like the tank he is, while still emphasizing the unearthly stealth he maintains despite his size (a trait even Diana remarks upon). Yet, there is a softness to this Bruce that aligns him with Kelly Thompson’s worldview. He is drawn as slightly more relaxed—stoic, but not silent. Bruce’s measured interactions are perfectly conveyed through body language, and when he is driven to action, he retains all the kinetic energy fans have come to love from the Absolute Batman books.
The true artistic standout, however, is the innovative panel work. Sherman’s use of space, perspective, and transitions to vitalize the narrative deserves its flowers. As the murder mystery unfolds, the pages utilize symmetrical paneling that mixes squares and circles in symbolic patterns, visually indicating the occult nature of the Hecate murders. As the investigation deepens and the duo realizes things are not what they appear, the paneling becomes asymmetrical. This discordance signifies that the original symbology is being subverted; these are not simple cultist killings, but something else entirely. Similarly, the layouts become jagged and frantic when the action hits full throttle, using smaller cutaways to show brutal details in frenzied close-ups. Even the quieter, introspective moments offer unique perspectives, teasing future adventures and the evil machinations to come. It is truly wild how much Sherman’s work breathes life into this story.
I’ve said a lot about the art, and to do it complete justice, I must end on a final note regarding Jordie Bellaire’s incredible color work. Yes, this is a book set in Gotham—one of the darkest, grungiest cities in the universe—but by God, is this a vibrant book. When magic is involved, you can expect a kaleidoscope of colorful, energetic hues, and Bellaire delivers true to her vaunted reputation.
Green eldritch glows battle the dingy grime of Gotham’s streets and skylines, while red blood magic provides an eerie, battle-hungry glow to some of the book’s best action sequences. Finally, the soft winter glow of snowfall provides much-needed serenity to a scene of genuine friendship at the end. If Sherman’s art is the delicious pizza base, then Bellaire’s work is the glorious toppings that make this "Absolute Pizza" such a wildly beautiful visual experience.
A Trinity in the Making
There is so much to love about Absolute Wonder Woman #15. From the wholesome character work to the unbridled artistic expression that livens up every story beat, it is a team-up that delivers in spades. Sure, there are minor quibbles, but the strength of this creative team and their conviction in their vision renders them exactly that—minor nitpicks and nothing more.
I am looking forward to seeing what Bruce and Diana take away from this meeting, as they are certain to carry these lessons forward. Two heroes molded by tragedy, shaped by those they love, and standing against a world of literal monsters—it is a recipe for exceptional storytelling down the line. Before they can catch up with a certain Man of Steel once he is finished dealing with his own "immortal headaches," it will be a treat to see how this dynamic evolves. For the time being, the duo in this story delivers a massive amount of heart, with the promise of far more to come.
Final Verdict: The Wonder-Bat team up offers beautiful character moments, some truly impeccable and thematic artwork, and a whole lot of promise for the future.