Absolute Wonder Woman #18: Unlikely Allies

Absolute Wonder Woman #18 continues to prove just how incredible this series is. Writer Kelly Thompson and artist Hayden Sherman once again steer the story in a direction that feels wholly true to the version of Diana they’ve created, while still managing to subvert expectations. Picking up directly from the previous issue, the mysterious flaming skeleton man outmatches Diana magically, forcing her to retreat to the Hieron, where a former enemy emerges as a powerful ally. What follows is a clever twist on the classic comic trope of heroes clashing over a misunderstanding before ultimately joining forces against a greater threat.

When Zatanna escaped Veronica Cale’s grasp last issue, it seemed as though she might be held in reserve for a future spin-off or story arc. Instead, Thompson smartly reintroduces her here as an enemy-turned-ally in a turn that feels both surprising and earned. Zatanna’s explanation for her recent actions maintains a sense of ambiguity, suggesting she may still be withholding something from Diana. Even so, the development reads as confident, well-planned storytelling from the creative team.

Her return also allows for a deeper exploration of her character, particularly through her interactions with Diana’s allies at the Hieron. Previously presented as somewhat one-note, Zatanna is imbued here with a greater sense of pathos. Thompson and Sherman flesh out her motivations while also showcasing the full extent of her abilities during another confrontation with Diana.

As mentioned earlier, this fight avoids feeling like a routine misunderstanding. Instead, it carries genuine emotional weight, driven by Diana’s anger over Zatanna’s recent actions. This moment reveals a new facet of Diana’s character, one that feels raw and human. A well-placed flashback reinforces this idea, suggesting that her boundless love for others can also be a vulnerability, leaving her open to heartbreak. The battle itself also ties back to earlier arcs, as Diana once again uses the Trident from the Area 51 maze to shift the momentum. Altogether, these elements establish a compelling rivalry between two powerful witches that fits seamlessly within the tone of the series.

By the issue’s end, the “flaming skeleton man” is revealed to be Giovanni Zatarra, Zatanna’s father, whom she is desperate to save. This revelation adds a compelling layer of conflict for Diana, who must now contend not only with a magic user more powerful than herself, but also with the moral weight of saving him from Veronica Cale’s control. If this issue is any indication, the current arc is shaping up to be the strongest yet, a remarkable feat given how consistently excellent this series has been.