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Absolute Wonder Woman is only three issues in from DC Comics, but it’s already veering away from the other Absolute Universe titles thanks to its big, emotionally charged heart — and Hayden Sherman’s gorgeous character designs. But Absolute Wonder Woman #3 changes things in a way that won’t just impact the Absolute U, but perhaps the world at large with a stunning twist that truly changes everything.
Spoilers past this point, but in the issue it’s revealed that Diana only has one arm. And in fact, she amputated her own arm — her dominant, warriors arm — to help power a spell to send Steve Trevor home from Hell. Meaning the Wonder Woman we’ve been watching in the “present” has been dealing with limb loss the whole time, albeit with the aid of a magical arm from her mother, Circe.
The most powerful thing about this is that the reveal doesn’t even partially slow Diana down. When her arm is touched by a giant monster called the Tetracide, which should drive her mad and kill her, she lets her arm go to break free, storms back into a crowded command center, straps on an artificial limb and heads out to battle. Granted, not all of us in the real world have access to the supernatural strength of an Amazon. But having a major comic book character dealing with limb loss and taking it in stride is a strong symbol and shot across the bow that losing a limb is not the be all, end all it might seem to be.
Delivering this message is as important for representation as seeing someone with the same color skin as them for the first time in a comic, or the same gender identity. Some little girl (or boy) is going to see Diana down an arm but still making time to sweep both Steve Trevor and Barbara Minerva off their feet, and it will be a life-changing.
Beyond this bit, though, the action in the present is huge. The flashback, as noted, powerfully emotional. And Sherman’s designs for Wonder Woman and Steve in particular are beautiful and romantic. They infuse so much earnest emotion in every single panel, it’s jaw-dropping to read. Add in the introduction of Barbara Minerva, the future Cheetah, and the cast is meticulously fleshing out for this stand-out book.
ENTER: STEVE TREVOR! A Harbinger is but a messenger. It is The Tetracide that you must fear, for The Tetracide leaves nothing behind. Diana’s true enemy has been revealed — and it will take everything she has to save Gateway City from oblivion!
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“]] Read our review of Absolute Wonder Woman #3 from DC Comics, written by Kelly Thompson with art by Hayden Sherman. Read More