Absolute Wonder Woman #19: Breaking The Spell

Absolute Wonder Woman #19 picks up with Diana facing down Giovanni Zatara, who appears to be trapped under a spell that leaves him engulfed in flames and under the control of Veronica Cale. To remedy the situation, Diana deploys a new weapon from her utility belt, the Lasso Troika, which seemingly forces its target to confront a pivotal crossroads in their life and accept their fate in order to be freed. As with all magic, however, this power comes at a cost. The spell is ultimately disrupted by the return of Zatanna, setting the stage for a major showdown as this compelling story arc approaches its finale.

The issue opens with a flashback to Diana’s youth, revealing more about her history, particularly a defining moment tied to her relationship with Aphrodite. It’s revealed that Aphrodite imparted a portion of her power, which causes others to fall in love with her, onto Diana. This creates a paradox in which Diana may struggle to distinguish friend from foe. While the full implications are not completely explored by the issue’s end, the revelation helps explain why Diana is often able to form alliances so quickly. The irony, of course, is that readers understand Diana to be genuinely compassionate, trustworthy, and sincere, making this twist all the more tragic. Despite its broader narrative implications, the emotional weight of this development lands in a deeply affecting way.

The central conflict of the issue revolves around Zatanna’s return, which appears poised to have significant consequences moving forward. Her intentions seem pure, yet her interference with Diana’s spellwork could lead to disastrous outcomes. Even so, the story remains focused on further developing this Absolute Universe version of Zatanna, whose presence has been a highlight since her introduction several issues ago.

While the writing and structure of the issue are exceptionally strong, its impact is elevated by Hayden Sherman’s artwork. Sherman skillfully weaves intimate, character-driven moments with the grand, otherworldly consequences of magic. The visual storytelling reinforces the narrative in ways that make the emotional beats resonate even more deeply. Additionally, Sherman maintains strong visual consistency among the characters, particularly with Diana, who is always depicted as the tallest figure in the room. This deliberate choice creates a compelling contrast between her imposing physical presence and her measured, empathetic demeanor. The result is a visually and emotionally cohesive issue that highlights Sherman’s ability to fully bring this world and its characters to life.