Absolute Wonder Woman #13: A Price to Pay

Absolute Wonder Woman #13 offers a brief break from the main narrative as Diana works with her allies to learn more about the Amazons and her origins. Meanwhile, a mysterious individual launches attacks around the world, prompting Diana to intervene. All of this culminates in a look behind the curtain at the magic Diana has been using throughout the series, expanding the world in an intriguing way. Likewise, Diana’s supporting cast gets a bit more to do here, emphasizing their importance and roles in her story while also highlighting their individual strengths.

One of the more engaging plot elements introduced here is Diana’s insistence on monitoring international news so she can be present and assist with crises across the globe. This is an important detail within this issue, but it also adds depth to her character’s growth. Many fans have viewed this version of Wonder Woman as a quasi-Superman for the Absolute Universe, and this narrative choice further reinforces that comparison. Unlike the other Absolute heroes, Diana remains the most genuine embodiment of traditional heroism,  and while that may not be Kelly Thompson’s explicit intention, giving these qualities to Diana positions her as the moral and emotional center of good in this twisted alternate universe.

Interim arcs can often feel like pauses in the main story, but Absolute Wonder Woman #13 fully embraces the opportunity to slow down and let readers connect with its characters. Much of this enjoyment stems from the way Thompson writes the interactions between them. One particularly memorable moment comes when Diana is asked about the possibility of being immortal, to which she coyly replies that she knows as little about her people’s history as her friends do. While this could easily read as a throwaway line, it’s precisely this kind of rapport that makes the book feel both momentous and deeply personal.

Matías Bergara takes over art duties for this issue and does a fantastic job maintaining the tone established by the series’ regular artist, Hayden Sherman. Their stylistic similarities shine most in the quieter scenes, preserving Diana’s calm and dignified demeanor. Bergara truly impresses, however, when the action ignites, particularly during Diana’s battle against the mysterious lightning creature. It’s one of the first times Diana is portrayed as genuinely frustrated, and Bergara captures that emotion with striking precision.