Absolute Wonder Woman 2026 Annual (2026-) #1 (Absolute Wonder Woman

by Kelly Thompson, Mattia de Iulis (Artist)

The experience of briefly becoming Medusa in order to save Gateway City changed Diana. It haunts her, and she has never stopped seeking an answer from the gods. Her pleas to Athena have gone unanswered…until now. If she wants justice, the mission is deadly and uncertain. Is it worth the risk just to set right one injustice? Breakout artist Mattia de Iulis returns to the series for a visually spectacular epic of mythological crimes and personal redemption!

Genres: Comics, Wonder Woman, Dc Comics, Fantasy, Superheroes, Mythology

Kindle Edition

Published February 11, 2026

About the author

KELLY THOMPSON has a degree in Sequential Art from The Savannah College of Art & Design. Her love of comics and superheroes have compelled her since she first discovered them as a teenager. Currently living in Portland, Oregon with her boyfriend and the two brilliant cats that run their lives, you can find Kelly all over the Internet where she is generally well liked, except where she's detested.

Kelly has published two novels - THE GIRL WHO WOULD BE KING (2012) and STORYKILLER (2014) and the graphic novel HEART IN A BOX from Dark Horse Comics (2015). She's currently writing ROGUE & GAMBIT, HAWKEYE, and PHASMA for Marvel Comics and GHOSTBUSTERS for IDW. Other major credits include: A-Force, Captain Marvel & The Carol Corps, Jem and The Holograms, Misfits, Power Rangers Pink, and the creator-owned mini-series Mega Princess.

Kelly's ambitions are eclipsed only by her desire to exist entirely in pajamas. Fortunately pajamas and writers go hand in hand (most of the time). Please buy all her stuff so that she can buy (and wear) more pajamas.

Reviews

[Machiavelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this Annual. It taps straight into everything that makes Wonder Woman work for me — myth, hope, and compassion. Kelly Thompson really understands Diana’s heart, delivering a story that feels both epic and deeply human.

Mattia De Iulis’ art is stunning throughout. The scale, the atmosphere, the emotion — every page looks gorgeous and elevates the story.

Another Absolute Annual home run. The narrative pulled me in immediately, and the visuals never stopped impressing. Easy recommendation for Wonder Woman fans.

[MrGlassWontBreak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diana tries to help Medusa after experiencing firsthand the immense pain of one who can never be seen by another. So she pesters the goddess who supposedly cursed her, Athena, until she grants her an audience and permission to help Medusa.

Diana temporarily trades all her powers excluding her magic, for the ability to withstand Medusa’s gaze without petrifaction. She finds Medusa and her sisters, and convinces them that she’s trying to help just before they can kill her, as she is now without her usual abilities.

She then gifts Medusa her Sacrifice Lasso, which will allow her to retake her original Gorgon form whenever she needs, effectively freeing her from her curse. This was another great addition to the already great Absolute universe, I don’t even know what to say at this point. Just go read Absolute Wonder Woman.

[dusty · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had very high hopes for this annual, especially after reading Absolute Batman’s annual last year, and thankfully, like every issue of Absolute Wonder Woman, it did not miss a beat!

This was such a beautiful exploration of Diana as a character. The entire issue feels fueled by compassion, specifically her ability to see the world through someone else’s eyes. Wonder Woman has always represented hope, but in this adaptation, it feels like she holds onto it closer than ever. That hope pushes her to think differently, to look for solutions where everyone can heal, and to ensure that suffering is never the only answer.

This annual genuinely moved me. I was completely locked into the story, and as always, the artwork stood out in a major way. Certain moments reminded me of the care and detail found in Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, which is high praise because I absolutely love that book! One panel in particular really stayed with me, when Diana tells Medusa, “Sister, your punishment is so cruel you have forgotten what kindness is. But I see you.”

Another home run for Absolute Wonder Woman. I’d recommend everyone pick this up and experience it for themselves. This run continues to be everything I want from a Wonder Woman story, and then some.

[AJ Easterday · Rating 4 out of 5]

The owner of my LCS hyped this issue up waaayyy too much when I came in to buy it, lol. He kept saying it was a future Eisner award-winner, best issue of the year, and that I needed to read it last because anything I read afterwards would pale in comparison. I fear he built it up too much in my head because when I finally did read it, I thought it was very good, but not necessarily mind-blowing best-issue-of-the-year kind of good. It's not even my favorite issue of Absolute Wonder Woman. But I will say it's still a fabulous story that illustrates what a kind and empathetic person Diana is. I also love any story that humanizes Medusa, who I think is one of the most misunderstood figures from Greek mythology and a character that I really love.

On the other hand, I think the way this story tries to absolve Athena of any role she may have had in Medusa's transformation wasn't great. I think sometimes Wonder Woman stories try too hard to make the Greek goddesses seem like gracious beings as some sort of women's empowerment thing, but it kinda misses the point of Greek mythology. All the gods, including the goddesses, are meant to be extremely flawed and fallible just like human beings are. They are meant to be a reflection of us. And not all women are good people. Some women are even misogynist themselves! This could've been an opportunity to use Athena to discuss the ways women can sometimes perpetuate victim-blaming, but instead Thompson just decided to make Athena totally innocent in this story, and I don't think it served the story as well as it could have.

[Zoey · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this annual issue, Thompson brings us back to the first creative solution when Wonder Woman used Medusa’s form to stop the Tetracide. The loneliness she felt when she wore Medusa’s skin and curse was too much to bear, so naturally, Wonder Woman takes it upon herself to free Medusa from her curse. She bargains with Athena to grant Medusa the one gift she has not been granted in centuries— the gift of being seen.

Once again, we see Wonder Woman representing the beautiful things humanity is capable of— bottomless empathy.

[Craig Schorling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Utterly fantastic! Might be my favorite comic issue of 2026 so far. This is the perfect representation of what makes Wonder Woman so special. Absolutely terrific art captures the emotion in all the facial expressions. This was such a touching story and great experience.

[Yara The Destructor · Rating 5 out of 5]

great adaption of the medusa mythos; fits perfectly within a!wws' main story and characterizations

[zachariah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diana joymaxxes and empathymoggs Medusa

[Cybernex007 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow that was an experience, that is what I call an annual. That had me fully tearing up at the end, what a way to expand upon a previous concept with the level of compassion only Wonder Woman can have. We jump into this issue during wonder woman’s normal routine as she is saving kids from house fires, pulling people from rubble and floods, and defeating gunbunny, crimson centipede, and a few other monsters and possible rogues they just sped through at the start. But in her free time we continually see her praying to the goddess Athena. Since taking the form of Medusa to defeat the tetracide in issue 5, she has felt the pain Medusa experiences everyday and she prays to Athena to help her right this wrong. Diana understands that history, mythology in her view, is written by the winners, so a lot of details are lost through time. When it comes to Medusa, Diana leaves herself open to the thought that the stories got it wrong, even if it means accepting that the goddess who has only ever blessed her…is also capable of being cruel. Eventually after a lot of praying, Athena had enough of it. She sent down a few thunderbolts to get Diana to hush and then she sent an owl to guide Diana to her domain. Diana passes through a portal into a rocky world filled with red mist until it opened into a lush grotto with one large tree surrounded by blue skies and clouds. There we witnessed the insanely beautiful and huge design of absolute hawkwoman…COUGH…I mean ATHENA! And wow they continue to knock it kit of the park with the goddess designs. She appears as a giant golden owl like creature, her body made up of armor, and her wings spanning larger around Diana as she heals before Athena…who s demanding an explanation from Diana as to why she has let the lies of men lead her here.

Diana interacted with all of the goddesses during her time in the wild isle, and Athena is no different, except Athena appeared to Diana as a giant helmet as the two would spend a lot of time playing chess. Athena likes the game because it rewards creativity as much as knowledge and encourages the players to see the entire board. Diana likes the game because nobody has to win, you can force your opponent to yield instead and you get the same result but the feelings are less angry. Athena sighs at this comment, Diana realizes her mistake as Athena does not like to talk about feelings. Athena wouldn’t put it that way, she believes feelings make you vulnerable. But Dian does not see it as a weakness, she looks at the whole board and does not just see the moves we make now but the ones that are coming. But it also matters how we win because we can’t just beat everyone, we have to show there is a better way. Unfortunately Diana could never put that into practice then as she never beat Athena in chess…and that very thought is weighing on her as she bows her head before Athena. The goddess invites Diana to look upon her and explain herself. Diana explains she is seeking justice for Medusa, but Athena clams she has nothing to do with the curse upon her and Athena helping her would only reinforce that false narrative, as if Athena had inflicted her punishment…Medusa would be dead. As such, Diana offers to do it herself. Athena promises not to stop her if she wishes to pursue this endeavor, and will also not help if things go poorly. Diana thanks her but is not done, as she requests further help to prevail. Athena will give no more gifts, so Diana suggests a temporary trade. All of her powers gifted by the gods for what she needs. She will not give up her magic as that is a skill and she cannot give it up, Athena agrees.

Suddenly we see Diana without her powers, bloody and torn up, as she is taking the difficult route to get to Medusa and her sisters. She really wishes she kept her flight and she isn’t sure how Bruce can do this, lol. Diana finally reaches the top of the mountain and dons her armor, she is aware that first she still face Medusa’s sisters, Stheno and Eurydale. They are described as dangerous and unreasonable in the old texts, but Diana sees how they have stayed at their sister’s side even if they could be turned to stone at a glance. As Dias walks deeper into the cave she makes sure to keep her eyes close as doing this with them open would be fatal. Suddenly one of the sisters, large and foreboding, crashes down in front of Diana and knocks her back with the power of their yell. Diana stands up and attempts to introduce herself, refusing to fight as she means them no harm and wanes to help. They proceed to slash into her, but they do not go for a fatal wound as they are only playing with her and setting her up for their sister. As Diana is ripped into and her armor taken off until her face, with her eyes closed tight, is revealed…only then does Medusa come down and wrap herself around Diana. She gets close down to Diana and comes face to face, snakes hissing the entire time. Diana has been in her body before, and she understands that the true horror of this transformation is never being able to look into the eyes of another, to see their soul inside their eyes and be seen back…Diana gives Medusa this gift. Face to face Diana opens her eyes to reveal the power she got from Athena was to withstand being tuned to stone. Diana, with her beautiful blue eyes, looks deep into Medusa’s soul and for the first time in a long time…Medusa is seen, and immediately begins to weep as Diana takes her head in her hands. For a moment there is recognition until Medusa rushes back away from her. Diana is finally able to introduce herself and her offer of friendship she brings with her and an offer to free Medusa from her curse, even if that freedom may entirely depend on Medusa. Medusa does not understand what Diana is offering, but Diana holds out the lasso known as sacrifice known for being able to change the shape of its holder. But their heart and mind must be clear and focused, if Medusa is afraid or if panic sets in…it can go wrong, with a heavy heart Diana mentions that she has seen this before. Medusa is confused as to why Diana would offer this. Diana explains that, with no disrespect, she used Medusa’s form in a fight and found it a prison and could only think of freeing Medusa after Diana freed herself. That is how Diana knew the eyes were the real prison. Even for this short amount of time, Medusa thanks Diana for giving her the gift of seeing another creature. But she has been angry for a long time, what if she were to become an even more powerful monster? Diana wouldn’t mind as at least it would mean Medusa chose it for herself. Medusa is astounded that Diana knows her story, but it is one story if many and Medusa agrees that everyone has their own version of the truth and it has been so long she does not even remember it accurately. Medusa agrees to take the bargain. Diana wraps the lasso around her arm and tells her to feel it, believe it, and let it shape what she believes is hers. Suddenly Medusa begins to thrash and transform in front of Diana as a human like skin returns and she replaces the snakes for wings as she returns to the large harpy form she knew before being transformed. She can still turn anyone to stone, but it has gone back to being her choice. Medusa once again joins her sisters as they rejoice and Medusa cries as she thanks Diana and promises she will. It fight this. Future team up when? As Diana leaves her powers return and she has a whole new appreciation for them. Athena comes down to Diana to compliment her on a job well done for playing the game her way. Diana appreciates it but she still knows she could never beat Athena, but Athena isn’t so sure and states that if they played chess today Diana would win…that’s the nicest thing she has ever said to Diana, what an amazing issue.

[Neil Pearson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I added Absolute Wonder Woman to my reading list last month as I began my regular comics reading for 2026.
Traditionally superhero annuals felt more like an afterthought or at best a teaser for new readers picking up a comic in a store in holiday, which isn't really relevant to today's market where regular readers need a good reason to spend more money on comics.

Luckily this Absolute annual balances giving new readers a self contained story that gives a good flavour of the title while simultaneously resolving a plot thread from the main series. I'd say it's an essential issue for ongoing readers to the point it could easily have been a full in artist issue.

The story resolves a Medusa storyline and involves Diana enlisting help from a greek god before facing said monster with a number of trials on the way. I'd argue Thompson spends a little too long on the opening act of summoning the god but I understand it was meant to be a labour but it resulted in the story being first act heavy. The story's resolution is neat and a lot more about compassion than force - an interesting thing I'm noticing in absolute Superman too. For an imprint that's "darker" I like the undertone that core heroes are almost more positive than their regular versions.
I also like the strength of Diana which again isn't raw might but considered and reflective. She doesn't hit things if their are better solutions. There is also an air of grace to the character, she knows who she is and what her place is in the world and how to operate within it, quietly challenging where appropriate.

The art for this issue is excellent. It fits well with the main series and has a cinematic air. Maybe in the style of video games as much of the plot fits a game structure and the design for Athena is very reminiscent of the Valkyries in "God of War" in that it evokes an otherworldliness as if our eyes can't quite perceive their true form, rather than a tall human in sandals.
The colouring really stands out in this book too adding to the alien Ness of the monsters/gods but also adding to the cinematic feel - the climbing scene on the mountain stood out for me.

I think if this had been my first sampling of absolute Wonder Woman, I'd have been checking out the main series next so if that was a goal of the annual it has succeeded. In terms of release, I would have had this come out before Absolute Wonder Woman #16 as this would have allowed new readers to jump into the first part of a new story arc, instead of joining in on the second part next month. This won't be an issue if the reader buys digitally or the comic store is well stocked. Although I think Absolute titles tend to disappear quickly.


Overall = 5/5
Writing = 4/5
Art = 5/5

Will I read the next issue? Yes, I'll read the ongoing title.

Did I need to read previous issues/series? No, enough context is provided but I'm sure it's more rewarding if you've read about Diana's time as Medusa.

Will I read previous issues? Yes, I need to read the issues where Diana was Medusa in trade collection.

[Brooke (B for Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Medusa Re-telling
Diana beseeches Athena for Medusa, for she has seen through her eyes and can't rest until she gains retribution for the disaffected. Finally, Athena answers. Diana gains audience with the goddess and is humbled. Even Wonder Woman can be humbled. Diana's empathetic spirit has been haunted Medusa's eternal pain.

🦸🏻‍♀️We get a glimpse into some of the backstory with Athena and Diana as a young girl. She is still dishing out difficult life lessons, typical god. Diana is like look, Athena, you the goddess, I can't compete, I just want Justice for Medusa, Justice only you can deliver.

🦸🏻‍♀️Diana succeeds in trading her god-gifted powers for the ability to look Medusa in the eyes and really see her. She confronts Medusa's sisters, and finally Medusa herself. The build-up of this emotional encounter really grabbed me. Diana and Medusa have a brief yet incredibly powerful encounter, one with huge pay-off for this volume, and for the character work of Diana being the kindest most empathetic heroine ever.

🐍The real horror is that you can never look another soul in the eyes and be seen.
"Sister, your punishment is so cruel you have forgotten what kindness is. But I see you"
"The loneliness of a milennia of not being seen ? It's a fate none should face."

And even if the gift Diana offers risks Medusa to make herself a more powerful monster than she already is, then at least that is one thing she can choose for herself. Diana offers Medusa the dignity of choosing a new ending to her story.

This is a very emotional, and very unique Medusa reimagining. This issue could be read as a stand alone, although all the Absolute Wonder Woman comics by Kelly Thompson are FAB. This was so good, I re-read it immediately.

[AviChaim Snyder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This issue perfectly captures everything that makes Absolute Wonder Woman such a compelling character and series. Kelly Thompson continues to deliver at a high level, and this annual makes it abundantly clear who Diana of the Wild Isle truly is at her core. She embodies strength, compassion, grace, and cunning. She is not only capable of defeating her enemies but also of listening, understanding, and caring deeply about the well-being of others. If there is any chance to save someone or something, she will take it.
One of my favorite moments was seeing Diana save Medusa, not simply because she encountered the Gorgon, but because she walked in her place, even if only for a few minutes, and truly understood her suffering. That empathy is what defines this version of Wonder Woman and sets her apart.
The art by Mattia De Iulis was outstanding. While Haydon Sherman’s work fits the series beautifully, De Iulis brings a cinematic quality to this issue that elevates the storytelling and makes each moment feel grand and emotionally resonant. This is an issue, and a series, that I highly recommend.
Grade: A

[Colin Post · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very satisfying one-shot that ties into the bigger story. A classic feminist retelling of a myth as Diana seeks to reverse Medusa’s curse, revealing that the story is always more complicated than a pithy myth. My only issue is that this undoing of the curse plays out in the end in a kind of simplified, pat way - the lesson learned articulated a bit too directly. Still, there are amazing moments that continue to add nuance and complexity to Diana’s character, as we see her in a complicated relationship between the gods and humans.

De Iulis is a great complement to Sherman as a fill-in artist, too. His very different style lends itself to crafting big monsters and goddesses. The opening montage, alternating Diana praying and fighting injustice around the world, was choice.

[Hugotron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soy genuinamente parcial en este libro todo me parece bien.
Un número entero de WW buscando a Atenea para preguntarle porque le hizo eso a Medusa y la respuesta de Atenea sea "pff si las historias fueran certeras Medusa no tendría cabeza y sin embargo...".
Kelly Thompson una vez más demuestra que sabe escribir a Diana como si la hubiese creado hace 80 años ella misma, y nos muestra como de ferrea es en su búsqueda de la verdad, sobretodo si se trata de alguien que estima. Medusa consiguió lo que merecía, no sentirse encerrada en su propio cuerpo y ser vista.

[Roland Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s really telling that this is now the true representation of Wonder Woman. I don’t know what kind of imposter Tom King is writing but I have been a WW fan for over 40 years and Kelly Thompson really gets her. Even this AU version is truer to the core fundamental traits at the root of the character. This is the best Wonder Woman story I’ve read since the Greg Rucka run on the main title both V1 & V2

[Nicolo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute Wonder Woman returns to her mythological roots to correct the grave injustice done on Medusa. Kelly Thompson does the best version of Wonder Woman by cladding the character in grace and compassion.

The artist for this annual, De Iulis, has a cinematic style and their colors give their figures a nice, polished sheen.

Should Sherman move on from this title, which I hope never happens, De Iulis can be a great replacement.

[Juliano Stefani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another victory on this title! It’s amazing when a creator understands what makes the character what she is. Using the greatness of Greek mythology, we can see the kindness behind Diana’s actions. Using the resolution of the first arc of Absolute WW, she searches for justice for Medusa. And then we can follow (with the terrific art and colors!) the inventive narrative that takes us closer to the witch, closer to the hero! An amazing issue of maybe the best in the Absolute Universe.

[Jadyn❀ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful story showcasing Diana’s endless compassion, creativity, and selflessness, facilitated by stunning artwork and colors. My greatest of thanks to the team behind Absolute Wonder Woman for delivering gorgeous, well-written stories month after month, showcasing all that the Wonder Woman character deserves.

[Raymond Paquette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diana never gave up, becoming the tick in a God's ear. Like a tick, you can ignore it for only so long before it becomes too annoying. Athena gave her a chance, but Diana made it work.

Punching, anger, cutting off her head, nothing would work. Diana beat the unstoppable gorgon using compassion and respect.

The writing and artwork were beyond reproach. I love this take on Wonder Woman.

[Abbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how compassion is still the most important trait of Absolute Wonder Woman. It's also nice to see the people of the absolute universe and how hopeful they are when they see good thriumfs against evil. Medusa was handled quite well, it's a good choice by Kelly to use a composite version of the myth rather than just choosing one.

[Riley Pilgrim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal. Kelly Thompson nails Wonder Woman, and each issue is better and better. This annual did an amazing job of showcasing Diana's love and compassion. Didn't think I'd end up caring for Medusa, but here we are. The art is amazing, and this self contained story perfectly demonstrates why this run is so good. Pick this up if you haven't.

[Xaanua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Qué preciosidad de historia. esa empatía que muestra Diana con Medusa. Esa forma de jugar con un mito, tan injusto, como es el de Medusa y acabar humanizando la historia, y haciendo un poco de justicia a un personaje tan maltratado siempre. Estoy totalmente enamorada de la forma en que Thompson juega cada número con los mitos griegos

[Brandon · Rating 5 out of 5]

10/10

Athena's design is bad fucking ass. Medusa's sick as hell too. Great storytelling for a one-shot. Also really cool the parallels I personally felt to pleading with Athena in the game Hades 2 to reverse Arachne's punishment.

[Paul wiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolute Wonder Woman Annual #1

Absolutely loved this story, it moved fast and was over with too soon. Looking forward to seeing more of the Greek Gods in future issues. Once again for a first annual this was a resounding win. Keep them coming.

[pavi 🪷 · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars ⭐️

absolute wonder woman annual was such a great story that tied back to the first couple of issues. diana calling medusa beautiful and really seeing her brought tears to my eyes and just reaffirmed my love for her even more.

[Madison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god that one was on incredible. Diana’s kindness and compassion—! Just everything about this story was SO good. I absolutely love her so much. To allow Medusa to be seen? To know kindness once more? Oh my god! So good!!

[nat · Rating 5 out of 5]

ooouuuuu this was so freaking good oh my god i needed it to be 200 pages longer actually i love you diana of the wild isle princess of hell daughter of circe

[Ushnav Shroff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This IS Wonder Woman in all its pure glory. Such a hopeful, wonderful read; I got goosebumps at one point!

[emilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is so full of compassion, i am moved.

[josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*