Absolute Wonder Woman has been a remarkable series that not only reimagines the iconic hero through a fresh and compelling narrative, but it’s epic at a level that honors the legacy of the character. Writer Kelly Thompson and artist Hayden Sherman have been offering up a bold and inventive take on the classic superhero, stripping Wonder Woman of familiar trappings while preserving her core essence. That’s never more been the case than in Absolute Wonder Woman #5, out this week.
So far, Absolute Wonder Woman has remixed things that are familiar, like ideas from Kelly Sue DeConnick, Phil Jimenez, Gene Ha, and Nicola Scott’s Wonder Woman Historia: The Amazons, while adding fresh ideas like a skeleton pegasus and a Witch Wonder Woman. She’s even sacrificed her own arm to save her love, Steve Trevor. In Absolute Wonder Woman #5, it’s all about her lasso, one of the most important elements that make her who she is in modern comics.
And boy, is it an impressive twist.
Not to give too much away, but the new lasso honors the original lasso of truth while adding a witchy spin to it. Similar to past issues, Thompson and Sherman reveal its origin in an efficient flashback, which also ties into Wonder Woman’s love of her adopted mother, Cerce. The themes of motherhood have been some of the most emotional, and Thompson plucks at that heartwarming relationship once again here.
Love the layout design!
Credit: DC Comics
This issue is also satisfying thanks to the kaiju Wonder Woman has been fighting to meet its end. It’s not so much a spoiler to say that since we all knew the hero would vanquish the beast, but she does so in style and in a surprising twist. That twist involves the lasso as well as her Greek mythological roots, further cementing this fight on the beach of Gateway City to be so incredibly entwined with her identity. The battle also dovetails into a nice cliffhanger that should mix things up nicely.
Usually, when superhero comics go into fight-comic mode, it’s all about bluster, but here, the creative team has added nuance and detail tied to Wonder Woman’s identity. Even when Wonder Woman politely asks a jet fighter not to shoot another rocket, you get a little character wrinkle.
Sherman once again delivers on an epic scale rendered beautifully and artfully. Jordie Bellaire’s colors match Sherman’s layout structure and scope with a toned-down, darker vibe that suits the Absolute Universe. The white glow of Hecate is perfect for a being of incredible power and beauty. Matching that godly feel is Diana’s eyes, rendered well with a red that makes her feel all the more impressive and inhuman.
Absolute Wonder Woman #5 continues the series’ trend of delivering an inventive and visually breathtaking take on the Amazonian warrior. With Kelly Thompson’s strong character work and Sherman’s dynamic art, this issue balances action, mythological intrigue, and emotional depth in a way that feels fresh yet true to Diana’s essence. The new lasso twist and the climactic battle add layers to the story while reinforcing Wonder Woman’s identity in the Absolute Universe. This is a must-read for fans who love ambitious reimaginings of their favorite heroes.
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