Absolute Wonder Woman #16: Magic is a Fickle Thing

Absolute Wonder Woman #16 kicks off the next major arc for the breakout star of the Absolute line, diving into Veronica Cale’s latest attempt to put an end to Wonder Woman once and for all. Although this issue follows the first Absolute crossover between Batman and Wonder Woman, its focus shifts back to Diana’s own ongoing narrative, picking up more directly from the previous two-issue arc rather than the crossover.

The story opens by recontextualizing the supporting cast, who have all moved into significantly different phases of their lives since their initial encounters with Diana, especially Steve Trevor, who takes center stage here. As the issue unfolds, the primary antagonist of the arc, Zatanna, makes her presence known, delivering an excellent introduction while dropping several spoiler-heavy revelations.

A major portion of this issue revolves around Steve Trevor grappling with the consequences of his actions during the very first story arc. For context, that arc centered on Diana saving Gateway City from the Tetracide, an event where Steve defied military orders to ensure Diana’s plan succeeded. Fast forward to now: Steve faces court-martial on charges of abandoning his post and colluding with a potential national threat. His monologue during this sequence is a standout moment, showcasing his individuality and unwavering commitment to protecting others above all else. Steve has always been a cornerstone of Wonder Woman lore and seeing this iteration of the character truly come into his own is inspiring.

This section also carries strong social commentary, particularly on the U.S. tendency to view any external power as a threat. Whether intentional or not, Diana’s status as an immigrant resonates deeply in today’s political climate, where policies have militarized agencies like ICE to serve divisive agendas. The notion that the U.S. government perceives Diana as a danger, despite her saving Gateway City when the military could not, underscores this theme. It also adds nuance to Veronica Cale’s motivations, as she operates as a government arm seemingly willing to use lethal force against Diana with little justification.

The action ramps up in the latter part of the issue with the introduction (or reintroduction) of Zatanna, revealed as the mysterious figure Diana encountered in the previous arc. Her arrival brings a major DC continuity concept into play, one that feels both unexpected and brilliantly executed, though discussing it would spoil too much for this review. While these developments occur near the end, they set the stage for an arc that promises to be powerful and compelling.