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Absolute Wonder Woman (2024) (Single Issues)
Absolute Wonder Woman (2024-) #23
Back from the underworld, Diana returns to Area 41 with more than justice on her mind. What she finds is not what she expected, but neither is life in Gateway, as a new threat is rising. Unfortunately, Diana recognizes this particular threat…the gods themselves have come to Gateway City!
Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2026
About the author
Kelly Thompson
837 books1,148 followersKELLY 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
October 30, 2026
Diana is back from the Underworld and ready to kick Cale's ass.
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Her main concern is Barbara, and she becomes a wrecking ball inside of Area 41 in an effort ot find her. But Cale has removed everything and scrubbed the systems, so all that's left is a bloodstain on Barbara's cell floor.
Cale's not off the hook yet, though. Diana confronts her at her home, only to learn of a secret that haunts Cale.
[image error]
Recommended!
[image error]
Her main concern is Barbara, and she becomes a wrecking ball inside of Area 41 in an effort ot find her. But Cale has removed everything and scrubbed the systems, so all that's left is a bloodstain on Barbara's cell floor.
Cale's not off the hook yet, though. Diana confronts her at her home, only to learn of a secret that haunts Cale.
[image error]
Recommended!
August 28, 2026
Absolute Wonder Woman #23 begins a new arc with Diana tearing through Area 41X in search of Barbara while Ares and Zeus enter the larger conflict. I liked seeing Diana’s barely contained rage, and the revelation involving Veronica Cale’s daughter adds some needed complexity to her motivations. Hayden Sherman and Jordie Bellaire continue to deliver striking visuals, especially Diana’s “wrecking ball mode” and the imposing designs for the gods.Still, the story felt more like positioning pieces for the coming war than an especially compelling issue on its own. There are interesting ideas here, but despite the intensity on the page, it never fully grabbed me. Hopefully the arrival of the gods gives the arc more momentum from here. 3.5⭐️
August 26, 2026
Rage is power, and Diana has a lot. I was confused by her new arm though. Hopefully that will be explained. The Midas touch, the giant eyeball, and her unlikely ally, those are making me drool for the next chapter.
August 28, 2026
A strong start to the newstory arc. Diana is done playing around and I liked this side of her. It was also nice that towards the end something made her slow down and show that she still has compassion.
August 30, 2026
We are so back
August 30, 2026
fucking heaterrrr🔥🔥🔥
August 27, 2026
This team continues to deliver with incredibly creative designs for the Greek gods. I look forward to this book so much every month.
October 27, 2026
WHERE IS SHE!?!
Easily my favorite issue in a hot minute.
Easily my favorite issue in a hot minute.
August 30, 2026
“For I have made friends with rage. Together we have made weapons. And plans. And promises. And it has kept me warm…in darkest night. But when? When will it consume me? Will I know? Will I care?”
What a fantastic start to the new arc, the new magic robot arm is a little out of left field and caught me off guard…but what caught me even further off guard is the reveal of Zeus’ design!! When looking at the cover of the book, I thought the giant eye in the back was Barbara’s blown up cheetah eye…NOPE! Turns out Zeus is designed like a literal giant eye, and it works so well. This arc is so promising, we are seeing a completely different side of Diana and it’s terrifying to see how far she will fall into this pit of rage until she finally realizes she needs to drag herself out. But this issue also reassures me that no matter how long she walks the line and temps war, Diana is absolutely ready to come back. Even in moments of anger, she finds compassion for her enemies. I love this series so much!! But the way this book starts is phenomenal, as we actually get our first look at Olympus! And guess what, it’s in ruins. It feels lifeless and cold. But what else do you expect from a group that feeds off of devotion, only to damn and lock away those most devoted to you. We are here because ares is here to speak to his father, he removed his spartan style helmet to reveal a face befitting a god. His father comes down to him on the form of a giant eye, ares scoffs at the “subtly” of it. Ares already knows why Zeus wants to talk, to try and convince him against setting his eyes on Diana. Ares explains that he is the god of war and Diana is poised to bring the greatest war the world will ever know…so he isn’t going to stop pushing towards that goal even if Zeus doesn’t want him to. A strange thing begins to happen, as hands form over Ares skin and begin to claw their way out of his armor. Ares quells his anger and tells Zeus that the amazons were his favorite only for Zeus to punish them in a way that everyone knows was “excessive and stupid.” As Zeus leaves ares alone, the god of war gives into the feeling all of his body. His armor is cast away as he explodes into a fury of hands (Sherman and Bellaire are geniuses and Carey’s lettering is beautiful). The true chaos of war on full display, un-contained.
Back in hell, Diana has spent some time with her mother on the wild isle cultivating her rage…something Circe is quite good at. In the process she has gotten some upgrades, including a wicked looking magic arm with some robotic properties to it she calls Ceda Six. They are currently working on a specific spell to send Diana back to a location of her choosing as her allotted time here has come to an end. She gives her love to her mother as Hades hand swoops up in a blue flame and drops Diana off in area 41.X, exactly where she wanted to be to try and find Barbara as quickly as possible. Diana is filled with anger as she can’t wait to destroy this place, but as she begins to explore and she has her arm scan the systems…she finds it completely empty. She is directed to the last known location of Barbara, only to find the trails of blood and the claw marks leading to an opening in the wall. There is nothing else for Diana to find here, so she activates something called “wrecking ball mode” to surround herself with a protective aura as she bashes through everything in the facility. Letting her rage run wild at the thought of loosing her friend, with no end in sight. Now if you remember from the last few issues, Etta decided to take a trip out to Gotham to get more information on Diana’s trip to Gotham from her old friend Barbara Gordon! Etta used to be in the force but so much led into her decision to leave, now she feels like she does more good from outside the system. Unfortunately Barbara can’t help much with Etta’s questions, the case files are tied up and the top brass are watching her heavily as she questions the death of her father. But their conversation is cut short as the news on the tv cuts to a special report on the first footage of Wonder Woman seen in months. Etta has to get back as quickly as possible now.
Diana realizes there is only one place she can go to look for her friend, and she is done playing nice…so she busts right into the office of Veronica Cale!! Diana gets right to the point as she asks Cale where Barbara is, and when she refuses to answer she takes Cale by the neck and hangs her out of the window Diana just broke through. She makes sure Cale knows not to remove her gloves and expose her cursed hands or they will be crushed. Cale doesn’t play well with others, especially when they threaten her, she activates her defense protocols to fill the room with gas as she slips through a trap door into another room. The gas doesn’t affect Diana and she that’s down the door quickly. Cake is able to get her hands on a weapon which covers Diana in a highly advanced net…Dina rips it apart while making it known that Cale started all of this by coming after her first and she has no room to complain about how she is being treated. But Cale argues that they have to try and protect themselves from someone as powerful as Diana for the day she eventually turns on them. But Cale is also the type willing to kill anyone among the path to taking Diana down, protecting herself and her position above humanity. Diana still boils down the topic of conversation to “where is Dr Minerva?” Cale finally admits she doesn’t know, and up until this point she thought Diana broke her out. Diana reads this as true but she can’t trust her, she steps up close as she demands Cale show her the secret level to her house before leaving. Cale tries to deny the existence of it, but Diana has seen the house plans and knows she’s it is. Diana wants to see inside and if Minerva isn’t there she will leave…Cale refuses so Diana has to assume Barbara is there. She ties Cale up and uses the most destructive method, bashing through the weakest part of the floor, to get to the secret level. It’s a good distraction to work through the rage Diana has for Cale. With a hole opened up, Diana flies down only to find a child standing in the middle of the room…stone cold frozen in time, clearly the result of Cale’s touch. Moments later Cale falls to the floor. Diana unties her and asks about the child. Her name is Isadore. Zatanna cursed her hands and claimed she would only uncurse them after her father was free. Before Cale could make that happen, her daughter grabbed her hand…that was three years ago. When Zatanna was told of this, her answer was “EVAH GNIHTON.” I love this moment of compassion from Diana, her hatred for Cale is quelled by the innocence of a child. The gears in her head are already turning about what Zatanna could have meant by that, what answer is hiding in plain sight. But the thoughts are interrupted by a crack of thunder and lightning outside as Diana recognizes the approach of Zeus coming to gateway city.
“And if you have any gods of your own, I suggest you start praying to them now.”
What a fantastic start to the new arc, the new magic robot arm is a little out of left field and caught me off guard…but what caught me even further off guard is the reveal of Zeus’ design!! When looking at the cover of the book, I thought the giant eye in the back was Barbara’s blown up cheetah eye…NOPE! Turns out Zeus is designed like a literal giant eye, and it works so well. This arc is so promising, we are seeing a completely different side of Diana and it’s terrifying to see how far she will fall into this pit of rage until she finally realizes she needs to drag herself out. But this issue also reassures me that no matter how long she walks the line and temps war, Diana is absolutely ready to come back. Even in moments of anger, she finds compassion for her enemies. I love this series so much!! But the way this book starts is phenomenal, as we actually get our first look at Olympus! And guess what, it’s in ruins. It feels lifeless and cold. But what else do you expect from a group that feeds off of devotion, only to damn and lock away those most devoted to you. We are here because ares is here to speak to his father, he removed his spartan style helmet to reveal a face befitting a god. His father comes down to him on the form of a giant eye, ares scoffs at the “subtly” of it. Ares already knows why Zeus wants to talk, to try and convince him against setting his eyes on Diana. Ares explains that he is the god of war and Diana is poised to bring the greatest war the world will ever know…so he isn’t going to stop pushing towards that goal even if Zeus doesn’t want him to. A strange thing begins to happen, as hands form over Ares skin and begin to claw their way out of his armor. Ares quells his anger and tells Zeus that the amazons were his favorite only for Zeus to punish them in a way that everyone knows was “excessive and stupid.” As Zeus leaves ares alone, the god of war gives into the feeling all of his body. His armor is cast away as he explodes into a fury of hands (Sherman and Bellaire are geniuses and Carey’s lettering is beautiful). The true chaos of war on full display, un-contained.
Back in hell, Diana has spent some time with her mother on the wild isle cultivating her rage…something Circe is quite good at. In the process she has gotten some upgrades, including a wicked looking magic arm with some robotic properties to it she calls Ceda Six. They are currently working on a specific spell to send Diana back to a location of her choosing as her allotted time here has come to an end. She gives her love to her mother as Hades hand swoops up in a blue flame and drops Diana off in area 41.X, exactly where she wanted to be to try and find Barbara as quickly as possible. Diana is filled with anger as she can’t wait to destroy this place, but as she begins to explore and she has her arm scan the systems…she finds it completely empty. She is directed to the last known location of Barbara, only to find the trails of blood and the claw marks leading to an opening in the wall. There is nothing else for Diana to find here, so she activates something called “wrecking ball mode” to surround herself with a protective aura as she bashes through everything in the facility. Letting her rage run wild at the thought of loosing her friend, with no end in sight. Now if you remember from the last few issues, Etta decided to take a trip out to Gotham to get more information on Diana’s trip to Gotham from her old friend Barbara Gordon! Etta used to be in the force but so much led into her decision to leave, now she feels like she does more good from outside the system. Unfortunately Barbara can’t help much with Etta’s questions, the case files are tied up and the top brass are watching her heavily as she questions the death of her father. But their conversation is cut short as the news on the tv cuts to a special report on the first footage of Wonder Woman seen in months. Etta has to get back as quickly as possible now.
Diana realizes there is only one place she can go to look for her friend, and she is done playing nice…so she busts right into the office of Veronica Cale!! Diana gets right to the point as she asks Cale where Barbara is, and when she refuses to answer she takes Cale by the neck and hangs her out of the window Diana just broke through. She makes sure Cale knows not to remove her gloves and expose her cursed hands or they will be crushed. Cale doesn’t play well with others, especially when they threaten her, she activates her defense protocols to fill the room with gas as she slips through a trap door into another room. The gas doesn’t affect Diana and she that’s down the door quickly. Cake is able to get her hands on a weapon which covers Diana in a highly advanced net…Dina rips it apart while making it known that Cale started all of this by coming after her first and she has no room to complain about how she is being treated. But Cale argues that they have to try and protect themselves from someone as powerful as Diana for the day she eventually turns on them. But Cale is also the type willing to kill anyone among the path to taking Diana down, protecting herself and her position above humanity. Diana still boils down the topic of conversation to “where is Dr Minerva?” Cale finally admits she doesn’t know, and up until this point she thought Diana broke her out. Diana reads this as true but she can’t trust her, she steps up close as she demands Cale show her the secret level to her house before leaving. Cale tries to deny the existence of it, but Diana has seen the house plans and knows she’s it is. Diana wants to see inside and if Minerva isn’t there she will leave…Cale refuses so Diana has to assume Barbara is there. She ties Cale up and uses the most destructive method, bashing through the weakest part of the floor, to get to the secret level. It’s a good distraction to work through the rage Diana has for Cale. With a hole opened up, Diana flies down only to find a child standing in the middle of the room…stone cold frozen in time, clearly the result of Cale’s touch. Moments later Cale falls to the floor. Diana unties her and asks about the child. Her name is Isadore. Zatanna cursed her hands and claimed she would only uncurse them after her father was free. Before Cale could make that happen, her daughter grabbed her hand…that was three years ago. When Zatanna was told of this, her answer was “EVAH GNIHTON.” I love this moment of compassion from Diana, her hatred for Cale is quelled by the innocence of a child. The gears in her head are already turning about what Zatanna could have meant by that, what answer is hiding in plain sight. But the thoughts are interrupted by a crack of thunder and lightning outside as Diana recognizes the approach of Zeus coming to gateway city.
“And if you have any gods of your own, I suggest you start praying to them now.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2026
Wow, this is a juggernaut of an issue, with Diana on a tactical yet controlled rampage. She's showing that she is more than capable of taking down an enemy if they cross the line and enters the battle fully prepared. The only thing she hasn't planned for is discovering Cale's secret, which then highlights the deep compassion of this Wonder Woman.
This whole issue reminds me of the Daniel Craig "James Bond" smashing through a construction site instead of manoeuvring around obstacles in pursuit of his prey, but at god-like levels.
Needless to say the art displays the raw determination and indefatigable nature of the story with an excellent isometric panelled page showing Diana smash through walls with informative close-up panels. Sherman is such a fascinating talent, I just hope they are capable of two monthly titles when they launch "legion of superheroes" because we can't lose them off this book.
My only criticism of this issue is the confusion over what's happening with the AI arm in this issue. Where did it come from and how did I miss it?
That still doesn't detract from this being a 5 star read though. If the rest of the arc can maintain this intensity we may be in for the strongest arc yet.
Overall impression = 5/5
Writing = 4/5
Art = 5/5
Will I read the next issue? yes.
Wait for the trade collection? No, this issue works as an action packed punch that I think would be lessened as part of a trade. It's like the short, heavy track in a metal track album that everyone wants to hear at gigs.
Did I need to read previous issues/series? the last 3 issues explain why she's looking for Barbara and why she's angry with Cale. But even I'm nonplussed about the AI arm.
This whole issue reminds me of the Daniel Craig "James Bond" smashing through a construction site instead of manoeuvring around obstacles in pursuit of his prey, but at god-like levels.
Needless to say the art displays the raw determination and indefatigable nature of the story with an excellent isometric panelled page showing Diana smash through walls with informative close-up panels. Sherman is such a fascinating talent, I just hope they are capable of two monthly titles when they launch "legion of superheroes" because we can't lose them off this book.
My only criticism of this issue is the confusion over what's happening with the AI arm in this issue. Where did it come from and how did I miss it?
That still doesn't detract from this being a 5 star read though. If the rest of the arc can maintain this intensity we may be in for the strongest arc yet.
Overall impression = 5/5
Writing = 4/5
Art = 5/5
Will I read the next issue? yes.
Wait for the trade collection? No, this issue works as an action packed punch that I think would be lessened as part of a trade. It's like the short, heavy track in a metal track album that everyone wants to hear at gigs.
Did I need to read previous issues/series? the last 3 issues explain why she's looking for Barbara and why she's angry with Cale. But even I'm nonplussed about the AI arm.
August 27, 2026
This series continues to blow me away. I thought the last arc, while still very good, was not quite as strong as what came before it. This new arc, however, is already bringing the series back to that level of excellence. I am incredibly intrigued to see where the story with Ares and Zeus goes and how they will challenge Diana. Even though they only appear for a fraction of the issue, their presence immediately grabbed my attention, and I already want significantly more from them.
For the majority of this issue, we see Diana embracing her rage as she confronts Cale to discover what she has done with Barbara Minerva and where she is hiding her. I am very excited to see where that storyline goes. Diana absolutely goes beast mode here and holds very little back, but I love that she never loses the intelligence and cunning that make her such a compelling character. Even in her rage, she remains calculated and smart with her decision-making.
We also get some additional background on Cale and learn more about the condition her daughter is in, adding another interesting layer to her character and motivations. The story continues to evolve in brilliant and unexpected ways, and it is incredible how much this series continues to build upon everything that came before.
Sherman's art is fantastic as well. The way he visually builds the story, action, and stakes only strengthens Thompson's already excellent script. This continues to be such a great series, and I could not recommend this issue or the series as a whole more.
Grade: A
For the majority of this issue, we see Diana embracing her rage as she confronts Cale to discover what she has done with Barbara Minerva and where she is hiding her. I am very excited to see where that storyline goes. Diana absolutely goes beast mode here and holds very little back, but I love that she never loses the intelligence and cunning that make her such a compelling character. Even in her rage, she remains calculated and smart with her decision-making.
We also get some additional background on Cale and learn more about the condition her daughter is in, adding another interesting layer to her character and motivations. The story continues to evolve in brilliant and unexpected ways, and it is incredible how much this series continues to build upon everything that came before.
Sherman's art is fantastic as well. The way he visually builds the story, action, and stakes only strengthens Thompson's already excellent script. This continues to be such a great series, and I could not recommend this issue or the series as a whole more.
Grade: A
August 26, 2026
It's ramping up lads. interesting part about this chapter is Veronica. Didn't think she'd have this kind of backstory, though she's still evil!!!. One petrified daughter isn't enough to redeem whatever you've done. The set up of have nothing is great though, that's if Veronica follows through with it, else she'll be as despicable as the gods.
Really love the compassion that's present in Absolute Wonder Woman, makes me feel good about myself a bit.
Go read it folks!
Really love the compassion that's present in Absolute Wonder Woman, makes me feel good about myself a bit.
Go read it folks!
August 30, 2026
Diana viciously pursuing Cale was one of the hardest sequences in any absolute book yet. I think we talk a lot about how hard Absolute Batman goes without recognizing that WW is right up there, too. Plus, Zeus as a giant orange eye is so inspired, and Becca Carey’s letters are off the hook. This book is so good.
October 19, 2026
This was another fantastic issue and great start to a new arc. Incredibly engaging, cool depiction of Ares and Zeus, and fun character building for Diana. She’s very powerful.
However, this issue jumps right in with the Ceda 6 arm and that feels like an oversight. I thought I was forgetting something only to come across numerous other confused readers.
However, this issue jumps right in with the Ceda 6 arm and that feels like an oversight. I thought I was forgetting something only to come across numerous other confused readers.
August 26, 2026
The Gods have arrived to gateway city. This could shape up to be the biggest arc yet. Loved seeing Wonder Woman slap around Cale. The new arm is pretty neat, and loved how Kelly reinterpreted Cale’s origin.
August 27, 2026
What a start to the new arc, with great character progression for Diana and Veronica. I am certainly hooked and excited for the next issue.
As always, Sherman's art and panelling are wonderful as well.
As always, Sherman's art and panelling are wonderful as well.
September 28, 2026
I feel like Diana’s new AI arm is a ripoff of Absolute Superman’s cape. It feels too technological for a character so heavily rooted in the magical.
I feel like she’s become part Iron Man 🤣😅🤣.
I feel like she’s become part Iron Man 🤣😅🤣.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2026
New arc starts here...and wow, it surely doesn't disappoint!
August 27, 2026
I too would enjoy beating on Veronica Cale for some stress relief.
August 27, 2026
Exemplary!
August 27, 2026
6 STARS, EVEN.
After so long, we're finally getting the bombastic action of the first arc. Couldn't be happier.
After so long, we're finally getting the bombastic action of the first arc. Couldn't be happier.
August 28, 2026
Another very good issue. Did not expect the range from Diana, but it suited well. The conversations in this issue were all really interesting.
September 3, 2026
Que gran inicio, no puedo creer como se pondrá Diana cuando vea a Bárbara convertida en Cheetah
September 4, 2026
it's setting up the new arc, so not as compelling, but I love that WW showed her ruthlessness. Much appreciated. and interesting turn with Veronica...
September 7, 2026
4.6 Cale could turn good???
September 11, 2026
Nobody:
This issue: 👁️
This issue: 👁️
September 27, 2026
A interpretação de Kelly e Hayden dos Deuses Gregis não param de me surpreender.
October 1, 2026
She is kinda scary in this
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews