REVIEW: ‘Absolute Wonder Woman’ Issue 11

Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 11 is published by DC Comics and written by Kelly Thompson, art by Hayden Sherman, colors by Jordie Bellaire, and letters by Becca Carey.

At the bottom of the pit in the Labyrinth, Wonder Woman finds what she had been looking for her whole life.

This is the next chapter in a saga that is much larger than expected. There is so much more within this labyrinth, constantly exposing new figures to encounter. In Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 11, at the bottom of the pit where Diana was thrown, there are many more positives than negatives. The battle that was expected is diminished through comic sense and strategy. There’s a whole other world down there, trapped and banished by Clea, who rules at the top.

The pace is slow at first, reflective, and willing to explore. It’s all about finding ways of getting out. Wonder Woman finds kindred spirits down there, resulting in more people to save. But there is also a mortally wounded minotaur above the pit that needs her help. It all builds to a confrontation that is exciting and rewarding, with a dramatic and shocking final moment.

The characters show leagues of depth and intrigue in Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 11. Diana has spent a long time in a labyrinth that is robbed of both natural light and safety, but she remains resilient and kind. When she falls into the pit, Wonder Woman is still suffering from the effects of a powerful hallucinogen, so she can’t see her enemy. So she makes a decision that highlights her willingness to be vulnerable and a dedication to protecting innocent lives.

From then on, the book becomes a story about finding a new family. It’s heartwarming and also opens a new door that hasn’t been explored yet.

Wonder Woman’s heritage as an Amazon has been sidelined in the Absolute Universe due to her life in Hell with Circe. So, to begin more discovery of her true history is very exciting. The other figure in the pit with her has suffered a similar fate, just later in her life. Whilst Diana was raised in isolation, the different character has been held in this prison all this time. So both have a lot of missing information, but also answers for each other.

The art is phenomenal again. Sherman begins Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 11 with the same trippy style as the previous chapter. There are squiggly lines and an inventive hallucination of Wonder Woman’s opponent. There is more clarity to Diana, but there are parts of her that blur and morph, signs of her typically perfect senses failing her. But the issue soon evolves, her mind clears and she gets a better view of who’s down in the pit with her. This fighter is of a similar build to Wonder Woman. 

Like Diana’s tattoos, Sherman pays attention to the skin of the new character. She has the layout of the labyrinth etched on her body. It’s faint, but it’s a fantastic detail that gives texture to her skin. There’s a whole community underneath the maze, and there’s stunning world-building that comes through in the character. It’s makeshift, but there’s a real sense of time and togetherness.

There’s also a second conversation between Diana and Artemis, following their earlier fight. It becomes evident that Artemis transformed into more beings than just a Panther, as she appears as a massive wolf in this chapter. There’s a terrific, celestial radiance to the Goddess of the Hunt.

The colors are magnificent. The start of the comic takes place in that inebriated state, with Wonder Woman seeing everything through a different lens. It’s bright, mesmerizing, and incredibly intense. As young Diana and Artemis talk, the view is just stunning, with a setting sun and a glowing Goddess. There’s a heavy use of candles underneath the labyrinth, which is fascinating and effective.

It’s gorgeous, but as the orange spreads across the bricks, it creates the idea that those tiny flames are the only heat within that prison. The lettering is terrific. The font looks amazing and fitting for the surroundings, and the placement and recognition of space are also fantastic.

Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 11 opens doors to many new worlds. Even after many issues in the same maze, the creative team finds ways to keep the plot interesting and always moving forward. We’re so far in now, being at the center of the maze, where lives are being lived underneath the nose of the labyrinth’s ruler. And yet in such a hostile location, Kelly Thompson still finds time to make a touching moment of connection. Of all the Absolute Universe characters, Diana is by far the most talkative. This leads to more conversation and storytelling through emotion and action.

Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 11 is available where comics are sold.