Absolute Wonder Woman #8

Absolute Wonder Woman is back for its eighth issue, which means it’s time for me to dive right into the newest adventure laid out before this iteration of Diana. Thus far, I’ve had a really great time with the Absolute Wonder Woman series, and have been all-in on the series’ many twists and turns, and while I did enjoy this issue, it did raise some deep concerns within me, ones that I’d have much rather remained dormant.

While we usually try to steer clear of spoilers in our comic reviews, there’s far too much that I want to say about this series for me to obey that rule. I’ve been following Absolute Wonder Woman very closely, and I cannot wait to share my thoughts on this release. So, let’s cut to the chase! It’s time to dive into this review of Absolute Wonder Woman #8!

---

Absolute Wonder Woman #8 Review

Image by DC Comics

While it’s not at all a bad thing, as I originally fell in love with this art style, Absolute Wonder Woman #8 returns to its roots with the role of artist fulfilled, once again, by Hayden Sherman. This issue has been advertised as the beginning of a new story for Wonder Woman, so it’s somewhat ironic that we’ve returned to the old art style, but I’m not complaining – Sherman’s panels have a certain charm to them that was lost when de Iulis took over, as much as I also loved de Iulis’ art in its own way. However, I will say that I don’t really appreciate the artistic whiplash here – the whole Absolute Wonder Woman experience would feel a lot more cohesive and natural if we could just stick to one art style. I was just coming to terms with de Iulis’ style, and now, we’re back to where it all began.

Listen, the changes in art style doesn’t necessarily hinder the narrative progression of Absolute Wonder Woman, but it does introduce a sense of fragmentation to a comic series that really needs to find its footing. I’ve loved Diana’s encounters with the Tetracide, and her subsequent battles through the Underworld, but I would like to begin to settle in to this comic’s main vibe and sensibilities. Continuous changes in the art style are really going to mess with that consistency, so I’m hoping that now, Sherman is back for good.

So, what does Absolute Wonder Woman #8 bring to the table plot-wise? Well, we see the introduction of the series’ first conventional antagonist in Doctor Poison, a character who I’m largely unfamiliar with outside of their fairly underwhelming role in 2017’s Wonder Woman. Not only does my unfamiliarity with the character offer an exciting new frontier for Kelly Thompson to explore, free of any prior expectations, but it’s also really nice to have a traditional villain enter the scene. Sure, Hades came pretty close, but it could be argued that he was just doing his duty as the God of the Underworld. Doctor Poison feels like the first foe that Wonder Woman is taking on where genuine malice is involved – a thrilling development for sure.

Image by DC Comics

Doctor Poison is also a really fun character in terms of his design, particularly when he emerges from his clunky suit (gotta say, I’m on his side here – get the man a better suit!), and reveals his gas form. While I love Absolute Wonder Woman, I feel like it hasn’t had much time to shine in terms of character design, particularly with Sherman at the artistic helm. There’s a real flexibility to what can be done with this iteration of Doctor Poison, and I’m excited to see where the character goes.

This issue also dives headfirst into this iteration of Diana as a witch, as opposed to the last couple of issues really focusing on her mythological origins. In fact, Wonder Woman’s witchiness in this issue is actually a real 180 from how she was portrayed across the de Iulis issues, so much so that I’m starting to feel like those issues were some sort of spin-off that we’re meant to forget happened. I’m torn on which side of Diana I prefer – the witch approach is certainly new and unique, but there was a real sense of triumph and glory in the mythology-based issues. As it stands though, we’re now back to the potions and spells of old – here’s hoping they can find a healthy balance of the two sides of Diana going forward.

Absolute Wonder Woman #8 also dives pretty heavily into the human side of Wonder Woman’s adventures, whereas de Iulis’ issues had taken us far away from that world, and deep into the world of Gods and Goddesses. The major threat in this issue is a miniature robot army attacking Gateway City which, while a solid plot, feels like it could be placed as the main threat in just about any superhero story out there. There was a uniqueness to Diana’s mythological experiences, so while I’m very excited to see how this story unfolds, I’ll miss just how avant-garde the last couple of issues felt.

Image by DC Comics

There’s not an awful lot to talk about in terms of the rest of this issue’s story developments – Doctor Poison teases Wonder Woman with knowledge of another Amazon, which sets up a really strong cliffhanger going into the next issue, but aside from a couple of fancy spin moves to ward off the robot army, there’s not a lot of action or madness to speak of here. I’m also excited for the potential that this storyline has to explore Diana’s origins a little more, especially her more traditional origins with the Amazons and Themyscira. I doubt this will all unfold as quickly as the next issue, but it promises an exciting future for the Absolute Wonder Woman series as a whole.

I do really enjoy Absolute Wonder Woman, but boy does it feel like this series likes giving me whiplash, both in the story and art departments. It’s starting to feel, concerningly, like the last two issues never even happened, as we’re tossed back into Diana’s life in Gateway City with the return of Sherman as the artist. On an optimistic note, I am ready to explore a completely new story, leaving the past behind me as I look forward to future entries in the series – however, if Absolute Wonder Woman has taught me anything, it’s to not get too comfortable, and that I absolutely won’t.

Absolute Wonder Woman #8 was another enjoyable issue for this series overall, with promises of an exciting future ahead. What are your thoughts on Absolute Wonder Woman #8, and the entire Absolute universe so far? Share them with us in the comment section of this article, and thank you for reading!

See also: Absolute Flash #3 Review

• ShareCopied to clipboard
• X
• Facebook