Absolute Wonder Woman

Absolute Wonder Woman: A Bold New Take on the Amazon Princess

Want a fresh take on Wonder Woman? Absolute Wonder Woman reimagines Diana as a princess raised in Hell, not Themyscira. This series, part of DC's Absolute Universe, offers a unique twist on her origin story. Created by writer Kelly Thompson and artist Hayden Sherman, with colours by Jordie Bellaire and lettering by Becca Carey, the comic presents Diana as a warrior with a giant sword and magic, battling epic villains.

This is just the start of Diana's story in the Absolute Universe, which features:

• A close relationship with Circe, her adoptive mother
• A unique setting in a twisted version of Hell
• Her journey to embrace her Amazon heritage
• A focus on her compassion, love and sacrifice
• Comparisons to other Wonder Woman stories and the main universe
• A series with high ratings and positive reader reviews

To fully understand this bold new version of the Amazon princess, keep reading for an in-depth exploration of the comic's premise, characters, creative team, and critical reception.

Alternate universes in comics provide a playground for reimagining classic characters, offering fresh takes on familiar stories. Among these, Absolute Wonder Woman stands out as a particularly compelling title, a cornerstone of DC's Absolute Universe imprint. This superhero comic book series has captured the imagination of both longtime fans and new readers with its unique premise, striking visuals and creative reimagining of the iconic Amazonian princess. This article delves into the core elements of Absolute Wonder Woman, exploring its deviations from the norm, its place within the wider Absolute Universe, its creative team, and the critical acclaim it has received.

What is the Absolute Universe?

The Absolute Universe (AU) is a DC Comics imprint that presents alternate versions of its iconic heroes. It offers a darker, more edgy approach to familiar characters, giving creators the freedom to explore new storylines and character interpretations. Alongside Absolute Wonder Woman, the Absolute Universe includes titles such as Absolute Batman and Absolute Superman. These series offer "stripped down" versions of the heroes, often removing key elements of their backstories, such as Bruce Wayne's wealth or Clark Kent's upbringing in Smallville. The universe continues to expand with upcoming titles including Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter.

The Unique Premise of Absolute Wonder Woman

The central concept of Absolute Wonder Woman is a radical departure from the traditional origin story. Instead of being raised on the island paradise of Themyscira, this version of Wonder Woman, also known as Diana, is raised in Hell. In this alternate reality, baby Diana is taken from the Amazons by Zeus and given to Circe, who had previously been banished to Hell. As if that wasn't enough, Apollo placed a curse on Circe, forbidding her from ever using the word “Amazon”. Despite her initial reluctance, Circe grows fond of Diana, raising her as her own and teaching her magic. This premise immediately establishes a unique and intriguing foundation for the series.

Character Changes and Development

In this alternate reality, Diana is not only the princess of Hell but also the last Amazon. This has a profound impact on her character development. She wields a giant sword as one of her main weapons, which she keeps in a magical bag. She also has access to magic and possesses a lasso similar to Ghost Rider’s Penance Stare, which forces those caught by it to feel the pain they have inflicted on others. Diana’s costume is also designed for her life in Hell, giving her a unique look. She is portrayed as a powerful warrior, with some readers noting how the series highlights her warrior aspect, which is sometimes overlooked. Yet, despite her upbringing, she retains her innate compassion, love, and honour. She develops a close relationship with Circe, who becomes a mother figure to her. She is also shown to befriend many of the demons she encounters in Hell. Her experiences in Hell give her a unique perspective, making her very focused on who she is. Despite her dark surroundings, Diana displays humour and positivity. In addition, she is often depicted as being exceptionally tall and imposing.

The Setting: A Twisted Version of Hell

The depiction of Hell in Absolute Wonder Woman is far from the usual dour landscape. It’s a setting that is twisted, incorporating elements of humour and allowing for a more lived-in feeling. The comic shows the growing bond between Diana and Circe as they make their little spot in Hell their home. The battles in this series are epic and over-the-top. The villains are larger-than-life, making the stakes high and the conflicts intense.

The Creative Team Behind Absolute Wonder Woman

The success of Absolute Wonder Woman is in no small part due to the talented creative team. Kelly Thompson is the writer, bringing her praised skill in character development and unique storytelling to the series. The artwork is by Hayden Sherman, whose stylised detail and mix of classical and action-oriented styles bring the series to life. The colours are provided by Jordie Bellaire, who enhances the artwork with her vibrant and contrasting palettes. The lettering is handled by Becca Carey, who is praised for her ability to manage the many different types of dialogue boxes. The editor is Chris Conroy. This collaborative effort has resulted in a unique and compelling comic that stands out in the superhero genre.

Comparisons to Other Wonder Woman Stories and the Main Universe

Absolute Wonder Woman is often compared to other runs of the character, such as Wonder Woman: Dead Earth and Brian Azzarello’s work. These comparisons often highlight the series' focus on Diana as a warrior. The series also stands in contrast to the Wonder Woman of the main universe, particularly as depicted by writer Tom King. Some fans note that this version of Diana feels more true to her essence and enjoy the fresh take. By deviating from traditional elements, the series offers a unique entry point for new readers while also providing something new for long-term fans.

Key Themes Explored

Several key themes run throughout Absolute Wonder Woman. The series explores the power of love, compassion, and sacrifice. The complex relationship between Diana and Circe is central to the series, highlighting the strength of their bond despite their circumstances. Diana's journey to embrace her stolen Amazon heritage is another significant theme. The series demonstrates that Diana’s capacity for love is one of her most powerful traits.

Reader Reception and Critical Acclaim

Absolute Wonder Woman has received high praise from both critics and fans. The unique take on Wonder Woman, the quality of the writing, and the distinctive artwork are frequent points of praise. Some readers have been so captivated by the series that they have started collecting comics again. The series has garnered very high user ratings on websites, and reviews often describe it as “sensational” and a “must read”. However, some readers have expressed that they do not like the art style. The series has also drawn comparisons to manga and video games like Berserk and the Souls series, highlighting its unique aesthetic and action.

Specific Issues and Key Plot Points

Several issues of the series have garnered particular attention:

• Issue #1 introduces the premise of Diana being raised in Hell, establishing her unique character design.
• Issue #2 shows Diana battling a large monster called the Harbinger-Prime in Gateway City and features her first encounter with Steve Trevor.
• Issue #3 is praised for its exploration of Diana's compassion, love, and sacrifice. The issue has been called an “all time great”.
• Issue #4 depicts Diana making a major sacrifice and introduces a new villain, the Tetracide.

The series also features Diana’s use of a giant sword, which has drawn comparisons to Cloud Strife's Buster Sword from Final Fantasy 7.

Availability and Formats

Absolute Wonder Woman is available in both print and digital formats. The comic can be purchased on Amazon Kindle. There are also bundles of the issues available for purchase.

Conclusion

Absolute Wonder Woman is a testament to the power of reimagining classic characters. By placing the Amazonian princess in the unique setting of Hell and surrounding her with a compelling supporting cast, the creative team has crafted a series that is both fresh and familiar. The series honors the legacy of Wonder Woman while simultaneously forging a new path for the character. It's a must-read for those seeking a bold, exciting, and emotionally resonant take on one of DC's most iconic heroes, and it demonstrates why Wonder Woman continues to be a relevant and exciting character for a new generation.

Frequently Asked Questions about Absolute Wonder Woman

• What is Absolute Wonder Woman?

  • Absolute Wonder Woman is a superhero comic book series published by DC Comics, as part of their Absolute Universe imprint. It presents an alternate version of Wonder Woman with a radically different origin.

• What is the Absolute Universe?

  • The Absolute Universe is a DC Comics imprint that re-imagines iconic DC characters in alternate settings. It aims to be edgier than the main DC continuity, while still maintaining the core of the characters. Other series in this universe include Absolute Batman and Absolute Superman, with more titles like Absolute Flash, Absolute Green Lantern, and Absolute Martian Manhunter on the way.

• How is this version of Wonder Woman different?

  • In Absolute Wonder Woman, Diana is not raised on Themyscira. Instead, as an infant she is taken to Hell and raised by Circe. She is also the last Amazon in this universe.

• Who are the main creators of Absolute Wonder Woman?

  • The series is written by Kelly Thompson, with art by Hayden Sherman, colours by Jordie Bellaire, and lettering by Becca Carey. The editor is Chris Conroy.

• What are the major changes to Wonder Woman's character in this series?

  • Diana is raised in Hell by Circe, who becomes her adoptive mother. She wields a giant sword, possesses magic, and has a lasso that makes others feel the pain they inflict. She's also portrayed as exceptionally tall and imposing, and is very focused on who she is. Despite her upbringing, she retains her compassion and honour. She is often depicted with humour and positivity.

• What is the relationship like between Diana and Circe?

  • Despite initial reluctance, Circe grows to love Diana, becoming her mother figure and teaching her magic. Their bond is central to the series.

• What is the setting of Absolute Wonder Woman like?

  • The series is set in a twisted version of Hell. It's not always dour, incorporating humour, and feeling lived in. Battles in the series are epic and over-the-top.

• What kind of villains does Wonder Woman face in this series?

  • Wonder Woman faces larger-than-life villains, including the Harbinger-Prime, a massive monster from the ocean, and the Tetracide. There is also a new villain introduced in issue #4 who is an "iconic version of the character".

• How does Absolute Wonder Woman compare to other Wonder Woman stories?

  • The series is often compared to Wonder Woman: Dead Earth and Brian Azzarello's run, noting its focus on Diana as a warrior. Some readers prefer this version to the main universe's portrayal of Wonder Woman.

• What are the key themes explored in Absolute Wonder Woman?

  • The series explores themes of love, compassion, sacrifice, and the power of family, as well as her heritage and journey to embrace her Amazonian background.

• What is the significance of Diana's new design and weapons?

  • Diana's design is more imposing, with a giant sword, which is reminiscent of a "Buster Sword", magic powers, and a lasso that forces others to feel the pain they inflict. This design enhances her role as a powerful warrior.

• Is Absolute Wonder Woman well-received by readers and critics?

  • Yes, the series has received high praise for its unique premise, compelling characters, dynamic art, and fresh take on Wonder Woman. Many call it the best of the Absolute titles, with some saying it's encouraged them to start collecting comics again.

• Are there any criticisms of Absolute Wonder Woman?

  • Some readers have stated they don't like the art style or find the plot to be slow.

• Where can I read Absolute Wonder Woman?

  • The comic is available in both print and digital formats, including on Amazon Kindle.

• What are some key plot points to look out for?

  • The series is filled with mysteries, including the reasons for the Amazons' punishment, the full extent of Diana's powers, and the true nature of the threats in this universe. Issue #3 has been called an "all time great" issue, and issue #4 sees Diana make a major sacrifice.

• Why is she called "Absolute" Wonder Woman?

  • The “Absolute” part of the name refers to the fact that it is part of the Absolute Universe, an alternate continuity that is a "stripped down" version of classic heroes, and also because it was initially published under the Absolute imprint. It is also used as an adjective to suggest this version of the character is "the ultimate version".

• Is prior reading required to understand the plot?

  • No, the series is designed to be a jumping-on point for new readers, as it is an alternate universe.

• Why does she have a Buster Sword?

  • Diana's sword is similar to Cloud Strife's Buster Sword from Final Fantasy 7, but it is not the same sword. Her sword is a weapon that reflects her warrior nature.

• What is the relationship between the Absolute versions of the characters?

  • While they exist in the same universe, they are not part of a team, or known to each other. Each has their own separate story.