REVIEW: ‘Absolute Wonder Woman’ Issue 3

Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 3 is published by DC Comics. Written by Kelly Thompson, art by Hayden Sherman, colors by Jordie Bellaire and letters by Becca Carey.

Wonder Woman tries to protect Gateway City from a terrifying monster, one that could consume her and everyone else.

After two issues of fighting Harbingers, a bigger threat has arrived on the city’s shores. The eldritch threat is horrifying, and Thompson creates a terrific sense of dread through Wonder Woman’s explanation of what it can do. That point is hammered home repeatedly, detailing what could happen if the monster unleashed its power with disturbing certainty. This leads to the first initial scuffle with the monster, which shows off the magnitude of both powerful beings.

The battle reveals a drastic element of this world’s Wonder Woman that sets her apart from any other. It’s an alarming revelation that Diana barely dwells on, displaying her fortitude and strength. The structure also reverts to Wonder Woman’s upbringing, where she tries to send Steve Trevor back to the world of man. It all comes back to a singular point. The delivery is striking and savage, displaying the hardcore nature of this universe.

Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 3 explores the warrior side of Diana. She is incredibly tough and resilient, able to fight monsters that make her look like a speck of dust. When she suffers extreme pain or a distressing scenario, she shrugs it off. She is both a fighter and a sorcerer, a benefit of having Circe as her mother.

From the start of the series, it has been evident how little people listen to Diana, and frustration is beginning to build. The general, who has an entire brigade of soldiers ready to fight, ignores Wonder Woman’s pleas and demands to fall back, with the warrior well aware of what the monster can do.

Even Circe is afraid and unwilling to help Wonder Woman send Steve back, so the young woman takes drastic action. The monster doesn’t speak, but its disturbing presence is magnified by Diana’s knowledge and warnings. Those words have a secret history, as so much of Wonder Woman’s education remains a mystery.

Despite Wonder Woman’s experience and demeanor as a warrior, she still finds time to be gentle and caring to those she loves. There aren’t many to whom she dares show this kindness, but that love belies her steely exterior. She wants everyone to get clear of the potential impact zone with zero concerns for her own safety. Later in the issue, she gives a speech that is a further example of her heroism.

There is a beautiful bond between Diana and Steve Trevor, which Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 3 explores through their backstory and sacrifice. But there is also a lovely connection with her undead Pegasus. A new character is introduced to Wonder Woman in a hurried meeting just before a big confrontation with the monster, slowly expanding the supporting cast. But each time, Thompson explores the personalities of the characters and gives them time to grow.

The art is magnificent. The giant monster and the battle with it are sensational. The creature is massive, an eldritch horror with hundreds of writhing tentacles. Wonder Woman’s first foray into the battle is impressive, displaying many of her weapons and powers, but it is not enough. In order to describe what happens if the monster starts to claim its victims, Sherman uses Ancient Greek artwork. It’s an excellent interpretation and an inventive method. The entire body of the creature often can’t be seen, highlighting how enormous it is.

Wonder Woman’s tattooed arm is one of the important features of Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 3, but not in a way anyone expects. This results in another equally intriguing design. Sherman’s art can sometimes look messy, but that fits when the book gets dark or brutal. Not every part of this comic looks beautiful because it can be gorey and violent. Despite this, Wonder Woman is fantastically drawn when she is forlorn or soft. Her eyes go wide, and she is captivating.

The colors are evocative and powerful in Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 3. For much of the issue, the pages are grey, with the red of Wonder Woman’s weapons and outfit standing out against the bleak backgrounds. But in Hell, multiple shades hang over the issue like a thick cloud. The blue of Diana’s eyes always cuts through the colors, no matter how engulfing they are. The lettering is excellent. When Wonder Woman casts a spell, the language in the word balloon is incomprehensible. This gives it a tangible quality whilst still making it inhuman and mysterious.

Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 3 continues the savagery and the sweetness. The monsters get bigger and more dangerous, and Diana’s devotion to stopping them remains resolute. The injuries may be severe, and the consequences if she fails could be cataclysmic. That only makes the series more exciting, ramping up by all means. The cast is expanding at a pace that lets the readers get to know each character well before introducing another. But, there is still time to be gentle, loving, and affectionate towards those that Wonder Woman holds dear.

Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 3 is available where comics are sold.