Absolute Wonder Woman #10 Review: Diana’s Mythic Struggle & New Villains (2025)
Introduction Absolute Wonder Woman #10
DC’s Absolute line continues to redefine its iconic characters, and Absolute Wonder Woman #10 (2025) is no exception. Written by Kelly Thompson (Captain Marvel, Black Widow) with art by Hayden Sherman (The Rush, Wasted Space), this issue blends mythic storytelling, political intrigue, and superhero action into a compelling chapter of Diana Prince’s journey.
As part of a reimagined continuity, this series takes bold liberties with Wonder Woman’s lore, presenting a Diana who is both a divine weapon and a beacon of empathy. Issue #10 ramps up the stakes as Diana navigates a deadly maze, confronts a ruthless queen, and grapples with her own destiny.
This review will break down the issue’s narrative, themes, artwork, and overall execution, examining what works and what doesn’t in this latest installment.
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| Absolute Wonder Woman #10 (2025) - Diana’s Greatest Test Yet! |
Plot Summary
The story picks up in Area 41, a labyrinthine prison controlled by the tyrannical Queen Clea and her army of "Men-Fish." Diana is on a rescue mission to save Petra, a mysterious siren whose silence may hide immense power, and Ferdinand, an ally captured by Clea’s forces.
Key Scenes:
1. The Maze Escape (Pages 4–7)
- Diana and Petra evade Clea’s forces in tight corridors, using the environment to their advantage.
- Clea’s obsession with Petra is hinted at—she wants the siren alive for unknown reasons.
- Diana’s past is explored, showing her as a compassionate child who refuses violence unless necessary.
- A confrontation with a hostile creature reinforces her belief in redemption over brutality.
- Hecate and Circe talk about Diana's role: she's really a weapon hidden behind a gentle and caring personality.Themes of destiny vs. free will are highlighted—was Diana made for war, or is her kindness her true power?
- Clea's people drug Diana, causing her to become confused and leading to a chaotic chase.
- The issue ends with Diana captured and Clea declaring her a "prime candidate for the Pit."
- The ominous tagline "Here Be Dragons" suggests even greater threats ahead.
Themes & Character Analysis
1. Diana as a "Compassionate Weapon"
This issue reinforces Diana’s dual nature—a warrior forged by gods, yet inherently kind. Unlike traditional portrayals where she is a diplomat first, this Absolute version leans into her role as a disruptor.
✔"She is a little girl because men are dismissive of little girls, and thus she will be unseen." (Page 16)
- The gods designed Diana to be underestimated, using her compassion as a tactical advantage.
✔"I can show them another way to be." (Page 11)
- Even when provoked, Diana seeks to redeem rather than destroy.
This take is reminiscent of Grant Morrison’s Wonder Woman: Earth One, where Diana’s idealism is both her strength and her burden.
2. The Cost of Power
The goddesses’ discussion (Pages 14–16) reveals that Diana’s upbringing was a deliberate act of manipulation.
✔"If you were trying to make a weapon, why also make her a kind little girl?"
Circe’s question underscores the cruelty of Diana’s conditioning.
✔"The very point of her is to place an undefeatable weapon into the heart of a system that must be disrupted."
Diana is a Trojan Horse, meant to dismantle oppression from within.
This adds tragic depth—Diana’s kindness is genuine, but it was also engineered for war.
3. Survival vs. Morality
The maze sequences force Diana into brutal choices:
- Keeping Petra safe no matter what, even though we still don't fully understand her powers.
- Refusing to kill enemies (Page 11), even when it might be pragmatic.
Her struggle mirrors Tom King’s Wonder Woman run, where Diana’s ethics are constantly tested.
Art & Visual Storytelling
Strengths:
✅ Hayden Sherman’s Chaotic Action
- The maze fight scenes (Pages 5–7) are claustrophobic and intense, with jagged panel layouts enhancing disorientation.
- Clea’s hallucinogenic trap (Pages 20–21) uses surreal, distorted imagery to convey Diana’s drugged state.
✅ Jordie Bellaire’s Colors
- Warm, golden hues in Themyscira flashbacks contrast with the cold blues of Area 41.
- The eerie green glow of Clea’s poison adds to the issue’s tension.
Weaknesses:
❌ Inconsistent Facial Expressions
- Some emotional beats (e.g., Diana’s determination in Page 13) lack detail, flattening key moments.
- Petra’s mute reactions could be more nuanced—her fear and trust in Diana aren’t always clear.
❌ Overcrowded Panels
- A few action scenes (Page 6) are hard to follow due to excessive clutter.
Critique: What Works & What Doesn’t
Pros:
✔ Fresh Take on Wonder Woman – This isn’t just another origin retelling; it’s a bold reimagining with political and mythological weight.
✔ Strong Dialogue – Thompson’s writing shines in the goddesses’ debate and Diana’s quiet defiance.
✔ High Stakes – Clea is a compelling villain, and the Pit tease promises darker trials ahead.
Cons:
✖ Pacing Issues – The maze escape, Ferdinand’s capture, and goddess subplots compete for focus.
✖ Underdeveloped Side Characters – Petra’s importance isn’t fully explained, making her feel like a MacGuffin.
Final Verdict: 8.5/10 – A Mythic, Ambitious Entry
Absolute Wonder Woman #10 is a chapter that makes you think and keeps you entertained with lots of action. It helps show more about Diana's role in this new story. Even though the artwork isn't always perfect and the story has a lot going on, the ideas about fate, kindness, and fighting back really make this issue special.
Who Will Love This?
- Fans of Wonder Woman: Historia or Earth One’s mythic approach.
- Readers who enjoy morally complex superhero storytelling.
- Those curious about DC’s Absolute universe and its fresh spins on classics.
Next Issue Prediction:
- The Pit may be a gladiatorial arena or a psychological trial.
- Petra’s voice (or lack thereof) will likely play a major role.
Final Thought: This isn’t just another Wonder Woman comic, it’s a reinvention that challenges who Diana is and what she represents. If Thompson and Sherman stick the landing, this could be one of the most memorable Wonder Woman runs in years.