In the latest issue of Absolute Wonder Woman, writer Kelly Thompson and artist Hayden Sherman deliver a revitalized take on one of DC Comics’ most iconic heroines. This issue propels readers into a whirlwind of high-stakes action, mystical transformation, and deep emotional introspection—all wrapped in a narrative that both honors and reinvents Wonder Woman’s legacy. The comic not only redefines the character’s strength and vulnerability but also artfully balances mythological elements with modern superhero drama.
The Unyielding Battle Against a Monstrous Foe
From the very first panel, the story thrusts readers into a fierce confrontation. Wonder Woman finds herself face-to-face with the formidable Tetra side—a monstrous entity that has already been pushed to its limits. Although she seemingly defeats the beast in Issue 4, the conflict intensifies as the creature begins to knit itself back together. The narrative wastes no time building tension; even a near-fatal missile strike from military jets sets the stage for Wonder Woman’s continued struggle.
Acting decisively, Diana maneuvers through chaos, using both her combat prowess and mystical abilities. When missiles rain down from the sky, she conjures magic to divert some of the deadly projectiles. However, a missile continues its path toward the heart of a city—a threat that demands immediate resolution. In a moment of quick thinking, Pegasus swoops in to deflect the missile, saving innocent lives and reinforcing the teamwork that underscores Wonder Woman’s journey.
Harnessing the Power of Transformation
Central to this issue is the mystical green lasso, a unique artifact crafted by Diana’s mother, Cersei. Unlike any traditional lasso, this magical tool embodies the theme of transformation. Through a series of flashbacks, readers witness a poignant conversation between Diana and her mother on the wild isle—an otherworldly realm imbued with both beauty and danger. In that intimate setting, Cersei presents the lasso as a last-resort weapon, cautioning that its power comes at a great cost. She explains that the lasso of transmogrification not only holds the potential to transform enemies into allies but also to reveal the hidden truths within oneself.
This enchanted lasso symbolizes the balance of love and pain, a duality that runs deep in Diana’s character. In her conversation with Cersei, Wonder Woman grapples with the cruelty inherent in the world of gods and monsters. While she acknowledges that the sacrifice demanded by this transformative tool may not be her ideal weapon, she ultimately accepts its necessity. The dialogue between mother and daughter is a study in contrasts—between the promise of beauty and the inevitability of hardship, between the burden of power and the strength derived from it.
The Weight of Sacrifice and the Shadows of the Past
As the comic delves further into its mythological roots, the narrative shifts to explore themes of sacrifice and destiny. Diana’s interactions with her mystical mentor, hak, shed light on her inner turmoil. The conversation exposes her fears and vulnerabilities, as she admits that her trust in her mother, and by extension in fate itself, sometimes blinds her to the underlying cruelty of their world. Hak’s blunt admonitions remind her that power comes with the painful reality of loss and betrayal. In his candid assessment, he labels the lasso as “your mother,” a reminder that every tool in Diana’s arsenal carries the legacy of personal sacrifice.
This reflective interlude contrasts sharply with the adrenaline-fueled action scenes. After all the internal questioning and dialogue, Diana returns to the battlefield, driven by a fierce determination to correct the course of fate. The transformation induced by the lasso takes an unexpected turn when it metamorphoses her into a monstrous version of Medusa. This transformation is not merely physical; it symbolizes the internal conflict between the hero she is and the power that threatens to corrupt her identity.
An Unexpected Twist: Becoming Medusa
In a dramatic twist, the lasso’s magic turns Diana into a Medusa-like figure—a being whose very gaze can petrify. This metamorphosis is layered with irony and tragedy. The curse of Medusa, as the comic reinterprets it, extends beyond the myth of turning onlookers to stone. It reflects the deeper curse of becoming something that embodies both terror and sorrow. The transformation forces Diana to confront her own duality: the capacity for both heroism and destruction.
Friends and allies witness this dramatic change in real time. Through a live newsfeed, her companions Steve, Eda, and Barbara watch in disbelief as Diana struggles with her new form. Their reactions mirror the shock of the broader public, yet they also reveal an unyielding faith in her true self. The live broadcast serves as a metaphor for the scrutiny public figures face when they undergo profound personal change. Even when transformed into a creature of myth, Diana’s inner heroism shines through.
The Power of Redemption Through Friendship
Even amid this dark transformation, the comic emphasizes that redemption lies in the bonds we share. Steve, one of Diana’s closest allies, plays a pivotal role in rekindling her identity. In a heartfelt moment, he removes his own sleeve to create a blindfold—a symbolic gesture designed to help Diana remember who she truly is without being overwhelmed by the harsh reflections of her monstrous form. His unwavering support and gentle reminders of her past heroics—like her heroic sacrifice in the underworld—rekindle her inner strength.
This interaction underscores one of the comic’s most compelling messages: even when circumstances force us into roles we never imagined, the support of friends can help us reclaim our true selves. In a powerful exchange, Diana hears Steve’s voice urging her to remember that she is not defined by the curse of transformation but by the legacy of bravery and sacrifice she has forged over time.
Embracing the Gods and Their Flawed Gifts
As the battle reaches its climax, Diana’s introspection shifts to a broader contemplation of the divine. She extends her gratitude to the pantheon of gods who have influenced her journey, each representing different facets of power, wisdom, and protection. She praises Hera, Artemis, Hestia, Aphrodite, and Athena—not merely for their assistance in her current struggle but also for the lessons they impart. Her thanks to Athena is particularly layered, acknowledging that even the cruelty embedded in the goddess’s actions (as seen in the Medusa myth) can serve a higher purpose.
By invoking the names of these deities, Diana bridges the gap between mortal frailty and divine intervention. She recognizes that every blessing and curse from the gods carries with it the dual potential to elevate and to devastate. This acknowledgment of the gods’ complex nature adds a rich philosophical layer to the narrative, prompting readers to consider how power, fate, and personal choice interweave in the tapestry of life.
A Fiery Descent Into the Unknown
Just as the conflict seems to reach a resolution, the issue delivers a gut-wrenching cliffhanger. In a visually arresting finale, the ground splits open beneath Diana, and a massive hand engulfed in blue flames emerges. The hand seizes the transformed hero, dragging her into the earth while her allies look on in shock. This unexpected turn of events leaves readers on the edge of their seats, eager to learn what awaits Wonder Woman in the depths below.
The imagery of the blue flames and the consuming hand evokes powerful symbols of rebirth and destruction. While the immediate future appears bleak, this dramatic descent hints at the possibility of transformation—both physical and spiritual—that lies ahead. The cliffhanger encapsulates the comic’s overarching theme: that every end paves the way for a new beginning, even if it means plunging into darkness first.
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