Absolute Wonder Woman #1 offers a fresh and daring reimagining of one of DC’s most iconic heroes, casting her in a role that’s darker, edgier, and full of mystical intrigue. Written by Kelly Thompson and illustrated by Hayden Sherman, this series introduces a Wonder Woman who is, in many ways, unfamiliar—she’s the last Amazon, mysteriously severed from her roots. Readers witness Diana as a lone, magical warrior, navigating a new world without her Amazonian sisters. The art and story blend perfectly, creating a haunting and heroic world.
Sherman’s artwork captures this version of Wonder Woman in a strikingly different way from her usual depiction. With skeletal steeds and an eerie aura, Diana’s journey is soaked in a supernatural atmosphere that pulls readers into a story where magic and danger walk hand in hand. Thompson’s writing presents a version of Diana that balances both strength and mystery, showing us the Wonder Woman we love with a compellingly darker twist.
A Wonder Woman of Myth and Mystery
In this rendition, Diana’s roots as an Amazon are emphasized by her isolation. Without her sisters, her powers and purpose seem intensified, almost like she’s reclaiming a lost magic. From the start, Diana’s supernatural abilities set her apart in ways that previous incarnations have only hinted at. Here, she wields magic confidently, symbolizing a deep connection to the mythological power that has always been a part of her heritage.
Her approach to her character dives deeper into her Amazonian roots than many past storylines have dared to. Cut off from her homeland and navigating an unfamiliar world, Diana is forced to rely on herself in new ways, embracing her arcane strengths. The result is a fierce Wonder Woman who embodies both warrior and sorceress, a unique fusion that pays homage to her mythological foundation.
A Darker Tone and Gritty Visuals
One of the most striking elements of Absolute Wonder Woman is the visual presentation. Hayden Sherman’s art is bold, gritty, and layered with textures that make Diana’s world feel hauntingly real. Sherman’s Wonder Woman is powerful yet raw, reflecting her solitude and inner conflict. This visual style sets a tone that resonates throughout the series, contrasting Diana’s light and compassion with a world that is increasingly shadowed and complex.
The artistic direction heightens the sense of mystery surrounding Diana’s character, reinforcing the narrative’s darker themes. With dense shading and dramatic use of colours, the comic invites readers into a space where Wonder Woman’s strengths lie not only in her physical prowess but also in her resilience and capacity for darkness. This balance of power and vulnerability makes this iteration of Diana feel both legendary and relatable.
Strength and Compassion in the Face of Isolation
Despite the shift to a darker world, Thompson manages to retain Wonder Woman’s intrinsic compassion. Her kindness and sense of justice shine through, even as she faces a world stripped of her Amazonian sisters and familiar values. Diana’s resilience and resolve feel even more heroic in this story, as they stand alone without the backup of her Themysciran allies. This portrayal highlights her unwavering commitment to protect, even when she’s left to face challenges in solitude.
As Diana battles mystical forces and confronts her own sense of isolation, her character takes on new dimensions. Her journey is less about following Amazonian rules and more about defining herself in the face of uncertainty. This exploration of Diana’s values makes Absolute Wonder Woman feel like an evolution of her story, one where she’s challenged not just by enemies but by her own identity and purpose.
A Fresh, Unpredictable Path for Wonder Woman
Absolute Wonder Woman provides a refreshing path forward for Diana, diverging from the superhero status quo to embrace themes of myth, magic, and self-discovery. With every issue, this version of Wonder Woman feels less like a traditional superhero and more like a mythical figure navigating her own epic. The unpredictability of her journey is part of the allure—readers can’t be sure where her story will go next, but they know it will be a bold adventure.
For both new readers and lifelong fans, this series is a standout, taking the core of who Wonder Woman is and expanding it into uncharted territories. It offers a perfect balance of respect for her legacy and a willingness to explore the unknown.