Absolute Batman set a very high bar for the Absolute line of books. I’m very pleased to report that the Absolute Universe is now two-for-two with great series.
Two weeks ago, I mentioned that I was on board for the Absolute line from the announcement. Scott Snyder and Nick Dragotta were a large part of that, but someone I didn’t mention was Kelly Thompson and Haden Sherman being the once to bring the Last Amazon to life.
Just like Absolute Batman, this is a square one re-imagining of Diana. And just like that book, Absolute Wonder Woman is an amazing comic book. This one issue has cinematic action scenes, a beautiful story of motherhood, a coming-of-age story that are all mixed together with visually stunning panel designs and gripping storytelling. It feels like an impossible story to pack into one issue, but by the last page everything has paid off to show you just how this Wonder Woman is different but just as compelling as the main universe counterpoint.
The less I tell you about this book, the more you will enjoy the ride that Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman, Jordie Bellaire, and Becca Carey have crafted for you. But I fell it would be a cop out for me not to give you just a little taste here with Lighthouse to entice you give this book a shot. Absolute Wonder Woman is what happens when you bring the modern fantasy genre into superhero comics. This is Diana, Princess of Hell (that’s right, Hell), raised by (REDACTED) to become a witch rather than the champion of Peace.
The issue has a theme of nature or nurture that resonated deeply with me when I closed the book that I think is a core concept of this Absolute universe. This title shows the promise that this isn’t just a “What If” or one-off “Elseworld” title and is a larger concept of what makes an individual a good person in a world designed for despair.
Kelly Thompson writes the hell out of the Princess of Hell. You can tell that so much thought and care has been put into the narrative and pacing of this issue from a writing perspective. Haden Sherman would not have been my first choice for this title, but from page one I can’t see a single other artist working today that would make this book what it is. Sherman’s style fits perfectly with the tone and world of this issue. I’d argue they have a strong Vertigo or Image sensibility about there artwork that you wouldn’t picture on a title from the Big Two. Jordie Bellaire is one of the best colorists working today and brings their A-game here. Bellaire’s warm color palette for this issue complement the larger ideas at play in the issue. Becca Carey’s lettering ability helps keep the pace up, but I will just say there is one lettering moment that made me laugh out loud for how intentionally funny it was. The whole team is on the same page for this book and it defiantly shows that they have something special here.
Just check this book out. Normally I would list a few types of readers or stories that complement this book to hype it up. This is a great comic. Period. The whole creative team have made a Diana that is unique and an incredibly modern take on the nearly 85-year-old character.
Don’t miss out on the story of the Last Amazon. Pick this book up.
Save the world, read comics!
-Tripper
P.S. Don’t forget that Lighthouse Keepers get this title, as well as all the other Lighthouse picks for a great price! We even throw in a FREE fifth issue during the month with a write up that only Lighthouse Keepers get. There’s been a great response to month one of this, and I can tell you won’t want to miss out on what we have picked out for November. It’s only $20 and you get five comics that we think you’ll love and that we are super passionate about. November is the best new titles from ALL across the industry, so if you want to save a couple of bucks on great comics, come in to the shop or order it online at our webstore before November 1st!
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