ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #21: My Mother’s Daughter

Diana’s mother is missing, and her friend Barbara is being held captive by a mysterious enemy. Diana may be down, but she is never out, and will fight until her last breath to save the ones she loves. She may have been created as a hateful weapon who happened to be full of empathy; however, be careful what you wish for, you just may get.

Creative Team: Kelly Thompsons, Dillon Snook, Jordie Bellaire, Becca Carey, and Hayden Sherman.

SPOILERS AHEAD

The Story:

This issue is both inspiring in a way and yet depressing all at the same time. Diana is struggling with failure, and this weight is being thrust upon her shoulders as she not only failed Barbara but now her mother is missing. Kelly takes us into the prison Barbara finds herself in, and we meet the devious god Urzkartaga. I love how we spend time here and see into the previous Cheetah’s life prior to her death and get some answers as to what is happening.

What stands out to me is how Thompson isn’t simply making Barbara one dimensional and full of rage. She is written with compassion, wit, and understanding. With Becca’s lettering, there is a compassion to her voice as she understands what has happened. Mixed in with a hint of a gravely sinister tone of voice from this plant god, and this is my favorite part of the issue.

The Art:

Dillon comes in on the art with this issue and continues the stellar art that this run is giving us. There is an early panel showing Diana’s eyes talking to a lizard, and there is so much sadness and weight that is captured in them. Jordie creates the mood with dark oranges in the background, whether we are with Diana or with Barbara. It sets the vibe of this issue and aids in creating a darker mood for this issue. This desolate environment Diana is navigating has an essence to it that the art team brings to life, and the sense of danger is present at all times. It’s a somber issue, and the team crushes this tone.

Final Thoughts:

Absolute Wonder Woman #21 is a sobering issue full of anger, rage, and sadness. The art paints a desolate landscape, and there is so much detail in Diana and Barbara’s expressions. Thompson brings us closer to these characters in terrific detail.

Overall Grade: 9/10

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