ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #17: Brains Over Brawn

Wonder Woman is locked in battle against Giganta, and it comes at the risk of civilians. Diana must quickly prioritize brains over brawn if she is going to come out on top. Unbeknownst to her, however, a new player has entered the game and promises to burn her and everything to the ground.

Creative Team: Kelly Thompson (WRITER), Hayden Sherman (ART and COVER), Jordie Bellaire (COLORS and COVER), and Becca Carey (LETTERS).

**SPOILERS AHEAD**

The Story:

This may be the most pure strength on strength battle that Kelly has given to us this entire run. But that is not without cleverness that we’ve come to know from Diana, however. I love that this one focuses more on pure strength over magic and everything else, as Diana uses just enough to make herself grow larger. Additionally, as a massive Zatanna fan, it comes as a gigantic relief to see that she was being controlled and isn’t a villain like we were led to believe.

Thompson is setting us up for perhaps Wonder Woman’s biggest test yet, though, as the player known as Albert was called upon by our mystery villainous team. I wasn’t expecting a gigantic flaming skeleton that has the ability to burn and melt anything and everything. We are being set up for her toughest test in battle yet, and I am strapped in!

The Art and Letters:

Sherman and Bellaire bring in the heavy-hitting punches to this issue. As previously mentioned, this one is the most destructive and heaviest fight yet for Wonder Woman. I love how they made both Giganta and Diana truly feel to size during their battle. Especially as Diana had to level up throughout. The detail in the way the two fight captures the collateral damage of battle. The best scene may have been Diana putting Giganta to sleep in the middle of the park, and it was a well-drawn, well-colored, funny ending to this non-stop action. The final scene of Diana’s arm melting off, however, truly left a lasting impression as it sets us up for the next issue.

Final Thoughts:

Absolute Wonder Woman #17 brings in the heavy hits along with an ominous and powerful new villain to the fold in what may be Diana’s toughest fight yet. Pick up the previous trades and get on board it’s not too late!

Overall Grade: 10/10

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