REVIEW: ‘Absolute Wonder Woman’ Issue #2

Absolute Wonder Woman #2 is published by DC Comics, written by Kelly Thompson, art by Hayden Sherman, colors by Jordie Bellaire, and letters by Becca Carey. This issue is part of the new Absolute Universe. Wonder Woman wraps up one battle with a giant monster, but that may be the beginning.

Taking place immediately after the end of the previous issue, Absolute Wonder Woman #2 travels much further. It keeps the rapid pace moving deep into the book as Wonder Woman faces a massive monster. After that, Thompson spends time building the world in the past and the present. It is the first time that those two points in time have a gap bridge, and that is achieved via Steve Trevor. The story of Diana and Steve has been translated into the Absolute Universe with some differences, but the core concept remains the same.

The response to Trevor’s arrival in Hell, as opposed to Themyscira, has been altered, but he effectively crash lands as he does in many other adaptations. It implements a bit of heart into this hardcore story again. The pace slows down to demonstrate Wonder Woman’s struggles with the world’s humans, not just eldritch beasts.

The variety in the storytelling this early on is welcome, as an entire planet needs expanding. As Absolute Wonder Woman #2 progresses, it becomes clear that the creatures Wonder Woman is battling are mere harbingers, meaning something more significant is coming. By the end of the issue, that threat makes itself known in an awe-inspiring way.

The dialogue and the characters in Absolute Wonder Woman #2 have both severity and sweetness. The relationship between Diana and Steve is starting to blossom. There is a gorgeous innocence as they learn about each other’s cultures. There is a touching tenderness, funny little quips, and awkward stumbling. It helps the reader to know, too, finding out things about Wonder Woman’s horse, her home, and the surrounding waters. Even to those who seek to denigrate and patronize her, Wonder Woman is respectful. There is a loud, raucous, obstructive general, yet Wonder Woman tends to ignore him, diverting her attention to others around her.

The art in Absolute Wonder Woman #2 is magnificent. Every time Wonder Woman appears, Sherman adds new features that draw the eye. She has warrior tattoos on her arm, adding details to her upper body. There is also a distinct difference between Diana in her homeland and when she is in battle. Her hair is more voluminous without her tiara, and she does not have those tattoos yet.

This denotes a passage of time and experience that we are yet to learn. Steve brings out a different side to her, which visibly changes before the reader’s eyes. When Steve speaks to her, her eyes go from narrow and dangerous to wide and heartfelt within a panel. When she gazes at him, those eyes are filled with wonder.

The colors are phenomenal. Wonder Woman is either covered in red or in surroundings coated in red, following her from the Underworld, her home, to the world of man. The city and the army headquarters feature less scarlet, insinuating that Diana is bringing that color with her. Those colors can be found in her costume in the mainstream universe, yet it is far more intense and all-encompassing here. Her lasso, for example, glows scarlet instead of gold. The lettering is small, filling a lot of words within the balloons, but it is not difficult to read.

Absolute Wonder Woman #2 shows that some destinies are universal. Some features that Wonder Woman possesses appear wherever she is found. She adores and cares for Steve Trevor, no matter what world they are in. Despite the monster hunting, Thompson keeps that storyline because it is heartwarming and wholesome. The dialogue is stunning, filled with soul and sensitivity.

But don’t fret; the monsters have not shrunk away in the slightest, and there are still some incredible action-packed moments. Wonder Woman can instantly turn from caring and compassionate to ferocious and forceful.

Absolute Wonder Woman #2 is available now wherever comics are sold.