REVIEW: ‘Absolute Wonder Woman’ Issue 9

Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 9 is published by DC Comics and written by Kelly Thompson, art by Hayden Sherman, colors by Jordie Bellaire, and letters by Becca Carey.

Wonder Woman enters a maze with a minotaur, searching for long-lost sisters.

Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 9 has the best elements of this series all in one chapter. Overlapping perfectly with the previous issue, it wraps up Diana’s first interaction with the mysterious Doctor Poison. The scientist with the mechanical spiders doesn’t put up much of a fight, because their role is more than just to fight. Doctor Poison is there to lure Wonder Woman into something much more dangerous. Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 9 transitions into being a classic story of Greek mythology.

But, as always, there’s a twist. Wonder Woman’s approach to monster hunting means there will always be something new and different from how these classic legends are adapted into the Absolute Universe. The pacing is slow to start with, which only serves to build the epic feel of what she’s about to do. And when inside the Labyrinth, Diana is ushered along at a rapid speed, and then action steps up a notch. There’s not just a Minotaur inside the maze; there are several creatures that lead to incredible surprises.

The personality of the title character is beautifully explored in Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 9. Diana is one of the most in-depth superheroes ever created. She is a fierce and scary warrior. When speaking to Doctor Poison, her quiet threats are both dangerous and fearsome, yet she delivers them politely. It reveals her hidden rage and strength, yet she is also remarkably gentle.

What’s also highlighted about the Absolute version of the character is her respect for every living creature and ancient knowledge. Even the monsters she faces are given honor and dignity, with Diana respecting even the creatures she kills. It’s sacred for her to do that. She is so strong and stubborn, shrugging off those close to her because they try to stop her from taking a particular course of action. And when she enters the maze, she instantly leaps to the defense of those in danger. Diana doesn’t know what the situation is, but there is an innocent in peril. And that’s all that matters.

The art is glorious. It’s an enchanting, hardcore-looking comic with some delicate moments too. Wonder Woman is strong, stern, and powerful. But within the body of an Amazon is those striking, summoning eyes that Sherman often draws attention to. There is a Cold War, rough quality to Doctor Poison and their contraptions. The huge suit they wear is unsettling, like the Big Daddy from Bioshock.

Despite the hulking design, with the dainty poison inside, there is a timid demeanor to Doctor Poison‘s body language. The book then shifts from science to magic, filled with legends, menace, and darkness. Wonder Woman’s full battle armor returns, and there is a severe simplicity to the minotaur. It’s big and terrifically bullish, with two bovine eyes that are extraordinary.

The colors are phenomenal. When Wonder Woman steps into the maze, there are so many provocative shades. At first, the fire from Diana’s torch casts a lovely, warm red against the cold grey bricks. But as she gets deeper, the whole page is submerged in blue. This creates a conflict between Wonder Woman’s red, which makes her appear to be intruding and cutting into the blue. The lettering has a terrific clarity to it. The SFX is only used at the start and end, and is expertly added to discern direction and crucial noises of potential danger ahead.

Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 9 features both delicacy and majesty. Every venture into monster hunting or fighting supervillains comes with a twist or change to make classic stories feel brand new again. Wonder Woman’s approach to everything alters how encounters feel. Humans are nefarious, and monsters have souls, honor, and a culture. The dedication to classic myths is faithful, whilst also staying true to the character of Wonder Woman, who can sidestep and come up with friendlier ways of saving the day.

Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 9 is available where comics are sold.