Absolute Wonder Woman #17: A Gigantic Battle

Absolute Wonder Woman #17 is the second part to the big “Season of the Witch” storyline, showcasing Diana facing off with the Absolute version of the Suicide Squad. With the proper introduction of Absolute Zatanna in the last issue, this installment kicks off in a surprising manner, allowing the other members of the team to get more page real estate than expected. The result is an action-packed issue full of the kind of drama and nuance that fans have come to expect, ending with a shocking reveal of yet another reimagined character for this alternate universe.

Right off the bat, writer Kelly Thompson flips the script on what fans have expected, showcasing the more nuanced and intriguing side of Zatanna beyond being just another parasite-controlled victim. In many ways, this adds more depth to the character, despite making it so she does not appear in most of the issue. Instead, she takes agency of her perilous situation, using her abilities to escape rather than continue to do Veronica Cale’s bidding. While there is no guarantee, this shift in expectation seems to indicate that this character will return in another capacity, although it is not certain if she will be an ally, adversary, or something in between.

While the issue shifts focus to Diana facing off with the rest of the Suicide Squad, the creative team smartly centers it around just one member, Giganta. Diana quickly dispatches the others, showing that they pose little threat to her, and instead focuses on the sheer power threat that Giganta poses due to her size. In a fun twist on the classic battle between these two in the main universe, Absolute Wonder Woman uses her magic and abilities to match Giganta’s size, rather than outwit her in some other way. This version of Diana has proven to be cunning and intensely powerful, but she also isn’t afraid to tackle the most obvious solution when it is the quickest and cleanest way to get the job done.

Absolute Wonder Woman #17 is a thrilling continuation of the “Season of the Witch” storyline, delivering unexpected twists and deep character moments. Kelly Thompson’s writing keeps readers on their toes, while the art team brings dynamic action and emotion to life. Fans of the series will undoubtedly be eager to see what surprises lie ahead in this engaging alternate universe.