ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #22 (DC COMICS)

Diana’s time away from the real world couldn’t come at a worse time.

Barbara Minerva is held captive by Veronica Cale. She is slowly being driven mad with thoughts of blind grandeur.

Meanwhile, her time in the underworld is forcing a pairing she is not fond of.

ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #22 by Kelly Thompson, Dillon Snook, Jordie Bellaire, & Becca Carey (DC COMICS) continues the dark trek for the Absolute Warrior.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the latest.

ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #21 by Kelly Thompson, Dillon Snook, Jordie Bellaire, & Becca Carey (DC COMICS)

*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

Thompson takes Diana into dangerous grounds for this chapter. Her uneasy alliance with Circe sends her on a direct course to fight Scylla. The writing shows Diana’s frustration in her current status. It mirrors Barbara’s present peril. Seeing the faustian deal forming before her makes quite the statement.

Readers see how easily seduced Minerva becomes at the thought of being more. The resistance shown the past few issues is gone. This results in a more conflicted remedy. Once events shift back to the Underworld, the writing leads Diana to take some gambles in protecting Circe. This raises a few eyebrows while moving to a thunderous finish. The parting pages tease more intrigue as Diana’s fight to get home becomes even more strained.

READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!

Snook returns for art duties and puts Diana into action early. The flying panel into Scylla’s waiting presence sounds off to readers. Barbara’s time has a more haunting feel to the panels. Seeing the breakdown take over chills as the dialogue hits the page. Using the bright orange coloring, Bellaire amplifies these moments even greater till the choice becomes known.

The full page image of Barbara accepting her fate is frightening in delivery. There’s never a moment to think this will end well. It serves as a great pivot piece before heading back to Diana. Her fight becomes more brutal as the panels move forward. This leads into a loud two page splash finish. The fallout results in high emotions as events are schemed in the background. It leads to a questionable final page where Diana’s best interests are being respected.

FINAL GRADE: 9

Diana’s journey into the underworld continues with a steady, but combustible path. Thompson casts both leads in imminent danger. Snook and Bellaire go large for the monster combat. Another solid chapter in Diana’s ever-engaging adventures.

Let me know your thoughts on Absolute Wonder Woman #22 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!