Absolute Wonder Woman 2026 Annual #1 is written by Kelly Thompson and published by DC Comics. Artwork is by Mattia De Iulis, colours by Mattia De Iulis and letters by Becca Carey. Main cover art (left) is by Mattia De Iulis.
Absolute Wonder Woman Annual #1 is available from today, in comic book stores and on digital platforms where all good comic books are sold. Grab your physical copy from Forbidden Planet or digitally from Amazon Comixology UK.
Synopsis
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!
Review
Absolute Wonder Woman Annual #1 explores the repercussions of Diana’s previous transformation into Medusa in what I expect will be a very satisfying conclusion for readers. Set before Diana’s nail-biting confrontation with Zatanna but after her encounter with Batman, this issue offers a glimpse at an adventure between adventures. The story kicks off with an action montage spanning an unspecified period, interspersed with still moments of Diana praying to Athena for answers.
Mattia De Iulis returns as artist and colourist, and every page is a feast for the eyes, elevating this powerhouse story to the heights of Mount Olympus itself. The full reveal of Athena is truly spectacular—and let’s just say it’ll be an epic day when Diana finally dons a similar golden look.
But let’s get back to the story. There is a noticeable maturity in the writing as Diana confronts her faith and, respectfully, questions Athena’s curse on Medusa. After Diana’s relentless intercession with Athena the Princess of Hell goes on a hero’s journey that would make Joseph Campbell proud.
There are big themes at play here: truth vs. myth, justice vs. injustice, the seen vs. the unseen, and god vs. woman. The narrative asks the heavy question: What do you do when the being you worship is responsible for cruelty spun as a victory? Back in issue #5, post-Medusa transformation, Diana prays to Athena, saying, “Perhaps there is a lesson for me in that event…” Diana must learn what that lesson is if she wishes to confront the snake-headed Gorgon.
As we glimpse into Diana’s past, we learn that her determination to solve problems without resorting to punches or bloodshed is rooted in how she plays chess with Athena. Admittedly, when the scene started, I was momentarily worried; chess is so often used (read overused) as a battle analogy that it risks becoming stale, goofy, or lazy. However, Thompson skirts the cliché, utilising its message in a way that feels unique and, most importantly, narratively vital. The end result—which I won’t spoil here—offers brilliant insight into Diana’s character.
What stands out to me is the complexity of Diana’s character and how Thompson explores a side of her, here, that goes beyond the warrior and taps into something more sophisticated and empathetic. Diana wrestles with her internal conflict to know when it is a time to fight, and when it is time to show kindness to monsters—and if the gods won’t do it, she will, even at great risk to herself. However, the burning question remains: Will Diana’s empathy lead to further consequences? I certainly hope so. For as valiant as Diana is in this issue, there is a sense of apathy toward holding the gods accountable for their actions, which one can foresee coming to a head in the future.
Verdict
Absolute Wonder Woman Annual #1 is a uniquely personal quest for Wonder Woman that dives into the core of who she is as a hero. It challenges the gods, demands justice, and shows the lengths she will go to in order to right a cruelty. Thompson continues to prove how mighty her pen is, balancing heart-pumping action with powerful interpersonal moments. That, combined with the stunning art of Mattia De Iulis, makes this an annual readers definitely shouldn’t sleep on.
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