“Of course… inspiration does come from the most unexpected places.”
Absolute Wonder Woman’s inspirations are very much worn on its sleeve issue to issue, but as readers jump into the new arc “As My Mothers Made Me”, we get to see those inspirations all while properly meeting the Absolute interpretations of Doctor Poison and Veronica Cale. Written by Kelly Thompson and drawn by industry rising star Hayden Sherman, the creative duo of Absolute Wonder Woman present a much-needed down to earth installment that sets up the conspiracy of the next few issues.
Readers are given a look into the calmer aspects of Diana’s life with her friends and newly obtained allies from the first arc and even shows a more detailed look of Absolute Universe’s Gateway City which in most cases of modern Wonder Woman mythology, allows for significantly better world-building than ever before as it gives her a proper place within humanity, something to take care of and attempt to call home. Paradise Isle usually fits the bill but what is a superhero without a city? Diana needs that as much as any other superhero.
DC
Due to these explorations of Gateway City and its neighboring forests, we’re shown an inside look of Diana’s familiar cast of characters. Thompson allows for small and intricate character dissections, mainly with Steve, Diana, and Barbara showing the human’s perspective of Diana with Steve partially chastising Barb for her urgency to research and understand Wonder Woman and her world. It creates a parallel dilemma as Cale and Doctor Poison wish to understand the Amazonian in a darker light.
Script wise, Thompson’s work is phenomenal and continues to push the means of experimenting with the traditional formula that was created by Marston and further evolved by the late George Perez. The issue’s presentation is rather simple but allows for a strong dissection of the cast of characters while perfectly shining a spotlight on Doctor Poison’s debut and the mystery she presents to the audience and the story’s titular character.
However, due to the issue’s simpler approach, as a single issue the comic doesn’t feel as striking as it should. While not too major of an issue, it merely highlights how most modern comics are typically formatted for future collection purposes via omnibuses and volumes. As a single issue, the story is good enough but it feels prepared for a continuous read cycle through collection means.
DC
Despite this, Thompson sticks the landing allows for a brilliant pace for series artist Hayden Sherman to work with. After their small two-issue break from the title, Sherman returns to the scene with a beautiful issue as we see the woodland fantasy of Gateway City’s outskirts and the more grime-heavy landscape of the city proper. Their art this issue truly comes in multiple forms whether it’s their signature experimental paneling or just highlighting the gorgeous and horror-filled reality Diana strives to protect.
Absolute Wonder Woman #8 is a beautiful arc opener and presents a strong down-to-earth tone that allows its story to flourish throughout the next few issues. Even with its minor errors, Absolute Wonder Woman remains one of the strongest comics on the shelves and I can’t wait to see what these two have cooking for this new arc.
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