ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #16 (DC COMICS)
Do you believe in the power of Magic?
For residents of Gateway City, it is an all too familiar element of their protector. Diana of Themyscira has had her fair share of challenges since arriving on the scene. Knowing what she is capable of conjuring in combat makes her dangerous. A new threat looks ready to finally take her out with her own medicine.
ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #16 by Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman, Jordie Bellaire, & Becca Carey (DC COMICS) presents a battle of witches for the ages.
Let’s take a closer look at what unfolds now.
ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #16 by Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman, Jordie Bellaire, & Becca Carey (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Thompson pushes Diana into a very uncomfortable conversation. Opening with a notion of trouble, Diana’s dialogue teases there is trouble in the air. It reflects the current mood of Steve Trevor. His interrogation from Congress leads into a perception of what Wonder Woman represents. The writing poses the question of is she a weapon or more than in the government’s eyes. It is a familiar theme than leaves the moment with uncertainty. There is little time to process this as the story takes a much darker turn.
The Area 41 portion is led by Veronica Cale’s unwavering commitment to the work. Her cold demeanor comes to life with the chilling breakdown of actions. It sets forth a night at the museum not to be missed. Readers watch as the celebrity status breaks into view. This moves the story into a calm realm. An action commences that spins Diana’s view into another realm. Once awaken, the story takes a very drastic turn. Thompson knocks off a series of reveals that stuns the hero to her core. It results in a very strong ending with much room to expand on.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Sherman and Bellaire open with a vision of baby Diana visited by Aphrodite. The dream-esque state is vibrant as it pops off the page. It quickly translates to a more calm location of the Hieron. The panels let Diana process what she senses before heading to Washington D.C. Steve Trevor’s hearing is filled with tense questions and even sharper responses. It helps presents the case at hand with the huge ramifications following.
Sherman’s panel structure shines when arriving at Area 41. The near full view of Cale’s schemes matches the cruelness of her nature. Her expressions never shy away from her obsession of destroying Diana. It’s tough to top the adoration Wonder Woman receives from the public. The near full show shows her relishing the celebrity status. Sherman’s art flourishes in presenting the museum finds. Even when Diana falls down, the moments reflect how fast her life is changing. A series of panels break down this sparring match before slipping back to reality. Once the conflict crashes the party, it makes for a series of full page images that steal readers’ attention. A new threat has arrived and what she brings isn’t anything nice. Another visual treat with this series.
FINAL GRADE: 9.2
Magic might be in Gateway City’s air but it’s not bringing anything nice with it. Thompson ushers in a very dangerous challenge with her writing. Sherman and Bellaire present stunning visuals that are second to none. This series continues to raise the bar on storytelling. Don’t miss it!
Let me know your thoughts on Absolute Wonder Woman #16 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
