Absolute Wonder Woman 2026 Annual #1: All The Pieces On The Board

Absolute Wonder Woman 2026 Annual #1 is a mostly standalone story centered on Diana’s desire to see Athena end Medusa’s suffering after experiencing what Medusa endures when she is transformed into her in Absolute Wonder Woman #5. The issue opens with a poignant back-and-forth between Diana’s superheroic adventures and her persistent pleas to Athena, which ultimately lead to her quest to right the wrongs done to Medusa.

Mattia De Iulis returns to Absolute Wonder Woman for this special issue, delivering top-tier artwork. One splash page in particular, featuring Diana bowing to Athena, exemplifies the level of artistry on display, brilliantly showcasing awe-inspiring detail. As the issue progresses, De Iulis illustrates even more larger-than-life characters and landscapes, giving this world a sense of life and vibrancy unlike anything seen before.

While the surface story focuses on Diana’s journey to right the wrongs done to Medusa, the deeper context lies in the internal monologue Kelly Thompson weaves throughout the issue. This is ultimately an exploration of fact versus fiction, as history is often written by the victors and frequently omits important details. Diana connects this idea to mythology, which is essentially her own history, and to the way different myths often conflict with one another. In the end, this becomes a thoughtful examination of what truth really means, and why it can never be completely clear-cut in a world shaped by infinite perspectives.

For a standalone tale, Absolute Wonder Woman 2026 Annual #1 delivers a remarkable amount of substance without ever feeling watered down. Whenever Thompson has the opportunity to explore Diana outside the main story arcs, readers are treated to new facets of her character that enrich the world in meaningful and unique ways. Combined with the exceptional work of De Iulis, this issue stands as a near-perfect example of just how strong this run has been.