Absolute Wonder Woman #1: Review from Chris Mac Presents – A Hero Forged in Hell

DC Comics’ “Absolute Universe” initiative promises fresh, darker takes on iconic heroes. First came Batman, then Superman, and now Diana Prince steps into this reimagined reality. Forget Paradise Island. Forget the loving sisterhood of the Amazons. Absolute Wonder Woman #1 throws Diana into a radically different origin, raised not in idyllic Themyscira, but in the fiery depths of Hell itself by the sorceress Circe. This bold premise immediately hooks the reader. We at Comic Book Addicts have followed countless Wonder Woman stories, and this unique starting point demands attention. Does this drastic change create a compelling new saga, or does it strip away the character’s core? Let’s dive into our Absolute Wonder Woman #1 review.

Dissecting the Absolute Amazon: An Absolute Wonder Woman #1 Review

Writer Kelly Thompson wastes no time establishing this world’s harsh reality. We first meet this Wonder Woman in Gateway City, battling strange, monstrous creatures emerging from an inverted pyramid hanging ominously in the sky. She rides a skeletal Pegasus, wields a massive sword, and sports hellforged armor and tattoos. This is clearly not the ambassador of peace we often see. Furthermore, the narrative skillfully weaves in flashbacks, revealing Diana’s startling upbringing.

The core twist is profound. Zeus, angered by the Amazons (for reasons yet unrevealed), punished them by snatching the infant Diana and giving her to Circe, exiled on a hellish island. Apollo delivers the child, forbidding Circe from even uttering the word “Amazon.” Initially indifferent, Circe finds herself reluctantly raising Diana. Thompson crafts a surprisingly touching, albeit twisted, mother-daughter dynamic. We witness Circe’s icy exterior thaw as Diana’s innate compassion somehow tames the hellscape’s beasts and, eventually, Circe herself. This unconventional relationship forms the emotional heart of the first issue, exploring themes of nature versus nurture. Can Diana’s inherent goodness survive being raised in literal Hell? Thompson suggests it can, showing Diana retains a core of compassion, albeit one tempered by brutal surroundings and magical training.

The Art and Tone of Paradise Lost

Hayden Sherman’s art style proves distinctive and kinetic. It perfectly captures the chaotic energy of the battle scenes and the otherworldly nature of Hell. Sherman utilizes dynamic panel layouts, especially in stunning double-page spreads that depict Diana’s growth alongside Circe over many years. These spreads brilliantly convey the passage of time and the evolution of their relationship, showing their desolate cave slowly becoming a lived-in home. Jordie Bellaire’s colors are crucial here, bathing the Hell sequences in reds and dark tones, creating an oppressive yet strangely vibrant atmosphere. However, some readers might find Sherman’s style occasionally frenetic or unclear, particularly during intense action sequences. The character faces, while expressive, sometimes lack finer detail compared to the intricate backgrounds. It’s a style that feels more aligned with indie comics or dark fantasy than traditional superhero fare, which largely works for this specific, darker take on Wonder Woman. Transition words like “however,” “furthermore,” and “consequently” help guide the reader through these shifts in tone and focus. Short sentences punctuate the action, while longer ones explore the complex relationship dynamics. The active voice dominates, giving the narrative immediacy.

Diana eventually learns fragments of her heritage, feeling the forbidden word “Amazon” resonate within her despite never hearing it. This drives her quest to understand her past and protect the world above, leading her back to the present-day conflict. Thompson introduces epic-scale threats fitting for this more magic-infused, warrior-centric Wonder Woman. The writing maintains Diana’s core heroism but reframes it through this dark lens. Her mission feels less about peace and more about justice, a fierce defense against encroaching darkness. For more analysis on striking visuals like these, check out our section on amazing comic book covers.

We also incorporated insights from an insightful video review by Chris Mac Presents, discussing the artwork and story, which you can watch on YouTube here. He highlights how Diana’s compassion effectively juxtaposes with her harsh upbringing. You can find more comic insights from him across his channels:

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Talent Involved:

• Writer: Kelly Thompson
• Art by: Hayden Sherman
• Cover by: Hayden Sherman, Jordie Bellaire
• Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
• Letterer: Becca Carey
• Editor: Chris Conroy

This reimagining comes directly from DC Comics, as part of their broader Absolute Universe line. The first issue successfully establishes a unique identity for this Wonder Woman, distinct yet recognizably heroic. Thompson and Sherman have built a fascinating world grounded in familiar mythology but twisted into something new and dangerous.

Conclusion: A Promising, Dark Rebirth

Absolute Wonder Woman #1 delivers a powerful and intriguing debut. Kelly Thompson successfully reimagines Diana’s origin, creating a compelling narrative hook built around her hellish upbringing and complex relationship with Circe. Hayden Sherman’s art, enhanced by Jordie Bellaire’s colors, provides a unique and atmospheric visual style fitting the darker tone. While some minor quibbles exist regarding art clarity in spots and the occasional lack of context for certain events, the overall package is impressive. This Absolute Wonder Woman #1 review finds the issue to be a bold, fresh take that respects the character’s core while pushing her in a drastically new direction. It establishes high stakes, intriguing mysteries about the Amazons’ fate, and a genuinely different kind of Wonder Woman. We are definitely hooked and eager to see where this journey leads.

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