Absolute Wonder Woman #21: Is Hope Lost?

Absolute Wonder Woman #21 picks up with Diana in Hell, serving as the beginning of a two-issue interlude between major story arcs. This issue feels like a turning point for the titular character, as the usually joyful and optimistic Diana is now presented as distraught and uncertain of herself. The previous arc ended with her defeat at the hands of Veronica Cale’s forces. She was subsequently “saved” by being transported to Hell after honoring a deal that required her to spend one month of every year there. As a result, Diana was unable to save Barbara, who had also been captured, and upon arriving in Hell, she discovered that her mother had gone missing as well.

The issue is divided into two primary storylines, along with a smaller section that catches readers up on the supporting cast. This brief segment follows a militaristic force attempting to seize Diana’s Hieron sanctuary, only to be stopped by the magical defenses she placed around the building. It is also revealed that Steve Trevor and his lawyer, a reimagined version of the long-standing George Pérez-created character Dr. Julia Kapatelis, are watching over the sanctuary in Diana’s absence. The section also checks in with Etta and Gia, hinting that their exploration of magic may become far more significant than it has been so far.

The main story centers on Diana’s search for her missing mother. It quickly becomes apparent that she was kidnapped and taken against her will, leading Diana to investigate several of the monsters from the Wild Isle who may have had a motive. This storyline presents Diana in a way rarely seen throughout the series, even during previous hardships. By the end of the issue, she realizes that this is not a battle she can simply punch and kick her way through. Instead, she comes to understand that these events are unfolding for a reason and that her goddess, Hecate, has a role to play in keeping her focused. It is almost heartbreaking to watch Diana struggle in this way after spending the last twenty issues establishing herself as one of the most hopeful figures in this dark and twisted version of the DC Universe.

The final section shifts focus to Barbara, who remains imprisoned within Veronica Cale’s fortress. As it turns out, Cale simply left the dying body of Cheetah in Barbara’s cell, creating an especially disturbing and unpleasant situation. Longtime DC Comics fans, particularly Wonder Woman readers, know that Barbara Minerva is destined to become Cheetah. Because of that, it was somewhat perplexing when another character assumed the mantle during the previous story arc. The explanation offered here for how Barbara ultimately becomes Cheetah is genuinely intriguing and provides a fresh take on the character. While the next issue will undoubtedly shed more light on the transformation, the setup presented here paints Barbara as something closer to a dark reflection of Wonder Woman, making for a compelling direction moving forward.