ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #23: The God of War

Wonder Woman is done playing games and playing nice. With Barbara missing it is a race against time before Ares, The God of War enters the fray. Gateway City now has bigger problems than Cale or Diana as the next arc of Absolute Wonder Woman has arrived!

Creative Team: Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman, Jordie Bellaire, and Becca Carey.

The Story:

Kelly Thompson is the gift that keeps on giving and this new arc has arrived with an intensity that we have not felt yet. Seeing the rage that has been simmering under the surface now come out from Diana is showing a new side of her we have not seen yet. The confidence remains and there is a whole new level of power and determination that grabs the audience from the moment she appears. We’re given a little taste of Ares who is a long known foe of Wonder Woman’s and Thompson adds some flavor to his entrance. Ares has always loved and respected the Amazons and there is a level of respect there which took me by surprise. What stands out in this issue is how nothing is ever truly black and white. Cale raises good points about the arrival of Aliens and Diana, and it comes out she has had a good and personal reason for everything done. The nuances by Thompson muddy the waters and show not every villain is purely evil.

The Art:

Sherman is laying down some serious heat throughout the panels and pages of this issue. I love how powerful Diana is showcased and with it there was some clever details in how the panels were broken up. Typically with panels having mini panels within them they are drawn a certain way however, Hayden flips these mini cut out panels to make them appear flat and lying down. Jordie’s colorwork is nothing short of stellar as Diana’s ferocity is shown in the way she is colored. There are moments where only Diana’s armor is shown and her body is shrouded in shadowy black detailing or her eyes are the only parts of her face shown. It emphasizes the stakes at play with this issue and shows a new side of Wonder Woman. When it comes to Becca’s lettering I love how she flips from bold letters to the shapes when Diana is speaking words of magic aloud. This issue is gorgeous and vibrant and powerful in every detail.

Final Thoughts:

Absolute Wonder Woman #23 sets off a new arc in this run and it packs a powerful punch. This issue is setting the tone for the arrival of the gods to Gateway City. The coloring, lettering, and fine detailing with the art shows how powerful Diana can be when the gloves are off. Kelly is making the reader see all sides of the argument and how nothing is truly as cut and dry as it appears. Things are heating up and this is just the beginning!

Overall Grade: 10/10

Let us know your thoughts on this issue, and be sure to check out more reviews by Matt!