REVIEW: ‘Absolute Wonder Woman’ Issue 6

Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 6 is published by DC Comics. Written by Kelly Thompson, art by Mattia de Iulis and letters by Becca Carey.

Wonder Woman is brought back to the Underworld, where much of her origin story is revealed as she kneels before Hades.

Issue 5 dabbled in Greek Mythology, while Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 6 submerged itself. Wonder Woman faces Hades. This is where she has been held captive, until she somehow broke free and climbed out. This is where she’s meant to be, not above ground and fighting giant monsters. So, there is a huge mystery now surrounding Diana’s origin. Much of this chapter is all about explanation and revelation. There is the present-day story, then two flashbacks. All are made to showcase just how awesome and entrenched within the creatures of legend Wonder Woman is whilst also revealing how her weapons and companions were made. Her Pegasus and lasso both have their origins explained through different adventures.

These are told as legendary quests, except the hero is the one telling them. One is a friendly conversation, the other a vicious battle. The pacing of Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 6 is patient, making the issue feel big and spacious. And with so much time in flashbacks, there isn’t much forward momentum. However, world-building is important within the comic and a protagonist who still has many unanswered questions. And there is a sudden reveal that may be the one thing that will break through the steely demeanor of Wonder Woman.

Diana’s personality is grandiose and gravitating. She is so likable and easy to invest in. There is a defiant attitude to her that is not dampened by anyone. For the entirety of this issue, she is conversing with Hades, Lord of the Underworld. She has consideration for who is in front of her but can still play and bite back. She enjoys toying with authority.

Wonder Woman never lies or is mean, but she doesn’t let people walk over her. She is caring and unerringly respectful of those she genuinely respects and loves. That respect is thrown both ways, even from the King of Hell. Hades and the other mythological figures she converses with understand how capable, lethal, and intelligent Wonder Woman is, recognizing her resourcefulness.

The art change brings a breathtaking shift in the title character and the landscape. De Iulis’ art is astonishing. Wonder Woman looks phenomenal, a vision of beauty and power. There is much more realism within this art style. There is more appreciation around how big she is, with added details on her costumes where Sherman chose other avenues. When she sheds her weapons and most of her armor, the muscles can be seen rippling under her skin.

All the tools at her disposal now have different dimensions and shapes. And around her, realism is stretched superbly to the extremes of perception. Her first mission takes her to Mount Olympus, where a character stuck to the side of it waits for her. The portrayal of this immortal, iconic being of legend is adapted to a new level that is fascinating and staggering.

The sense of scale is mind-boggling, reminding us that we are far beyond the realm of mortals. The other scenario is a battle against a monster that is equally stunning in its design. The brutal and swift fight shows that Iulis can display an exhilarating battle, not just picturesque locations and characters.

The colors are excellent. Except for Hades, the Underworld has so little light or reprieve from the darkness. His design is fascinating. He is almost entirely featureless, just a being made of intensely bright blue and white light. Considering the blue color, he and his aides look like they are made out of fire or a form of gloopy liquid. Mount Olympus is also gloomy and shadowy, only illuminated by savage lightning that permanently covers the sky.

The most colorful parts early in the comic are the red on Wonder Woman’s costume and the magic energy generated by her weapons. But the fight scene has much more vibrancy and variety. Not only does it draw attention to every part of the panel, but it also accentuates one of the most crucial plot points in that scene. The lettering is always clear and easy to read.

Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 6 is the stuff of legend. Hayden Sherman’s art in the first arc was terrific and perfect for introducing the character. It was a gritty monster-hunting story with a warrior woman with striking blue eyes. But De Iulus turned the story into a mesmerizing fantasy brought to life. It’s such an enchanting, otherworldly experience. On an alternate Earth, the gods can be entirely reimagined. Thompson’s retelling of these myths is remarkable. Because Wonder Woman isn’t fighting as a superhero, she is instead able to be a more significant part of Greek mythology.

Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 6 is available where comics are sold.