REVIEW: ‘Absolute Wonder Woman’ Issue 13

Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 13 is published by DC Comics. Written by Kelly Thompson, art by Matías Bergara, colors by Jordie Bellaire and letters by Becca Carey.

Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 13 brilliantly stretches its legs, focusing on Wonder Woman chasing an incredibly quick enemy worldwide. The previous arc had Wonder Woman stuck in a labyrinth, so Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 13 has an idea that’s very much the opposite. It travels the globe as Diana hunts down an almost impossible creature to catch or stop.

The structure in Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 13 is fascinating, with a fluctuating pace. Wonder Woman talks with her supporting cast, getting closer to discovering Themiscyra. Then Diana is dragged to a location where her enemy has reappeared. The action is captivating and intense, migrating back to the monster-hunting roots this series began with. It’s also surprising to see Wonder Woman in large amounts of trouble.

Diana had rarely seemed phased or overly challenged by her enemy in all of her bouts so far. She’s feisty, defiant and rarely rattled. But this enemy begins to annoy her. It’s starting to bring the worst out of her. The reveal of the enemy’s identity is unexpected, but it also makes sense why she would struggle so much.

The contrast between how Wonder Woman is with her supporting cast and the villain is brilliantly explored by Thompson in Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 13. In battle, she’s a warrior. And the fact that the villain is irritating her draws the bravado out of her. She tries to be friendly and end it peacefully. But the further the story progresses, the more frustrated she becomes. But the loveliness steps out whenever she returns home, talking to Barbara, Steve Trevor or Etta and Gia.

She’s kind, gentle, and well-spoken. She is so graceful and compassionate, thanking them and asking for forgiveness when she has to step out. Out of all the chemistries in the Absolute Universe, the one in Absolute Wonder Woman is the most wholesome. The others are so dark and militaristic that it is so refreshing to have a selection of kindness and friendliness.

A new artist steps into Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 13. Bergara and Hayden Sherman have rather similar styles, so the change in artist isn’t a drastic transition. But there are distinct changes and new elements. There’s a wonderfully scruffy, hectic look to the comic art times.

Even in the calm parts of Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 13, Diana’s hair is everywhere. The battle armor also looks sensational and imposing. Then come the fight scenes, which are frenetic and beautifully energetic. All we see in the first confrontations is lightning and electricity. But it can wrap around Wonder Woman and her hand, tangible and corporeal when it wants to be.  

Bergard makes the battles look vicious and scrappy, bringing a ferocity to Diana. Her face looks terrifying at times as the creature activates an anger within the Amazon. Her grace when moving is captured occasionally, but the losses of composure are the most captivating aspects of the issue. Wonder Woman takes the fight around the world, and the locations have gorgeous details that add a sense of place every time.

The creature, when glimpsed, is a haunting and disturbing being within the lightning, with a terrifying, screaming face etched into it. Another great aspect of this series that hasn’t been seen in a long time is the interpretation of ancient Greek artwork. The only reference Barbara and the others have of Themyscira and other elements of the Amazons is through texts and books. So, the island is represented by illustrations of soldiers, genuine Greek letters, and other symbolism. It’s a beautiful touch that really taps into Greek Mythology.

The colors are terrific, perfectly fitting the art style. Wonder Woman’s red is stunning and always sticks out, like a red light in the darkness. When she first reaches a crime scene, the crowd is bathed in the lights of the police car sirens. It’s a sign of Bellaire’s adaptability and staggering techniques.

Then comes the creature, whose electric blue and green lightning is always competing in opposition to Diana. The lettering is fantastically comfortable, with an excellent word balloon placement that helps the dialogue flow effortlessly.

Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 13 turns the whole world into a breakable battlefield. With how restrictive the Labyrinth could feel at times, it’s exciting for this new arc. Thompson superbly sends Diana on a chase that takes her to countless countries and landscapes.

Reintegrating the supporting cast and having them bounce off the charismatic and compassionate protagonist is satisfying. The test of her resolve is mesmerizing, pushing Diana’s control to its limits. Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 13 has equal amounts of action and exposition, making the world look full and rich with details.

Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 13 is available where comics are sold.