ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #23 (DC COMICS)
Hell has come back to earth…literally.
After Diana was pulled into the underworld, Barbara Minerva was taken hostage by Veronica Cale. Knowing her friend was in danger was more than enough motivation to face all challenges to return to her.
While away, Minerva was subjected to torture and making a Faustian deal to escape. This won’t sit well with the magical warrior.
Heads will roll. Blood will be spilled. Diana is angry and someone have mercy for those in her way!
ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #23 by Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman, Jordie Bellaire, & Becca Carey (DC COMICS) begins an all new story arc!
Let’s take a closer look into this new chapter.
ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #23 by Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman, Jordie Bellaire, & Becca Carey (DC COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
Thompson gives Diana a terrifying new adversary in the form of Absolute Ares. The introduction is fueled by rage. His dialogue is sharp as he makes his intentions known. Readers watch as his words are matched by a terrifying sight. It is in contrast to Diana saying goodbye to her mother. The dialogue is touching as Diana shows emotion in her parting words. This caps off the dark events for now while launching into an unsettled Area 41.
Readers watch as Diana’s arrival sets forth a rampage most cannot prepare for. This is drill home on her “wrecking ball mode” as she runs through walls (literally) in search of Minerva. Matters only get worse as she finds the guilty party behind all her woes. The encounter with Cale is cold and unapologetic in any fashion. Diana walks a fine line as to what she’s willing to do in this moment. The writing crafts such intensity, it never escapes the story. Their dialogue is razor sharp. Thompson throws in a major curve but its’ impact is softened by another factor in play. This leads to the final page where there is no turning back onto what is coming. Excellent read.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Sherman returns after a brief period. The opening pages convey the uneasy feel of Area talking with dear ol’ Dad. This leads into a wild half panel showing Ares’ true sides. Diana’s exit form the underworld feels larger than expected. The usage of Panels show Diana’s patience as she says goodbye. Circe’s calm response mirrors that energy. It makes an impact before starting her journey in Area 41.
The near full page landing kickstarts a rapidly moving pace. Diana’s expressions never waiver form business in these moments. Bellaire’s coloring takes over panels as the usage of reds and dark tones pop certain panels. It leads into the bold smashing of walls spread. The art is magnificent as Diana presses forward. Once Cale is found, a defiant full page locks in on the simmering rage. It is matched by a bold panel showing how far Diana is willing to go. There’s never a let-up in the tense stares commencing in these areas. They lead into shocking discovery. As impactful as this is, the final page steals all thunder. A frightening reality has set in, bringing nothing but pain in its’ wake. Phenomenal job!
FINAL GRADE: 9.5
Diana’s return to the Absolute Universe is filled with rage and revenge in this incredible issue. Thompson unleashes the fire inside with the writing. Sherman returns with a vengeance with Bellaire’s coloring lighting up the pages. AWW keeps the high level of storytelling running at a flawless level every time out.
Let me know your thoughts on Absolute Wonder Woman #23 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
