Absolute Wonder Woman #25: Absolutely Cheetahrific!

Absolute Wonder Woman #25 serves as the formal introduction of Barbara Minerva as the Absolute Universe’s version of Cheetah. While her origin story was explored a few issues ago, this marks the first time readers get to see the character in action following her transformation. Unfortunately, this development comes at the cost of Diana’s fortitude, beginning with her taking a serum designed to drown out her fear so she can confront her former friend. Meanwhile, back at the Hieron, Steve and Ferdinand contemplate taking the same serum, hoping to gain the strength necessary to assist Diana in saving the city. Their decision sets the stage for some unexpected changes, promising to fundamentally alter Diana’s relationship with her supporting cast moving forward.

In the first two issues of this storyline, Diana returned to Earth in full force, confronting Veronica Cale and demanding to know where Barbara was being held. Throughout this issue, however, it becomes clear that Diana has been burying the lede, as she was already somewhat aware of what Barbara had become. This revelation comes through a flashback to Diana’s time in Hell, where she worked alongside Circe to develop a plan for her eventual return. The sequence is an interesting departure from the storytelling structure readers have come to expect from this series. Most of Diana’s flashbacks explore her distant past, whereas this one revisits a relatively recent event that was deliberately omitted from the narrative until now. Although the shift in approach initially feels unusual, it works remarkably well within the context of the issue. More importantly, it reveals additional layers to Diana’s planning and introduces abilities that could prove invaluable as the story progresses.

Much of the issue serves as a definitive introduction to the Absolute Cheetah. The character appeared in the background of the previous issue, where Phobos and Deimos located her with the expectation that she would hunt Diana on their behalf. Without spoiling the specifics of what unfolds, Barbara ultimately turns the tables on them and begins pursuing an agenda of her own. What remains unclear is whether she is fully in control of her actions or whether she is serving the interests of the god responsible for transforming her into this monstrous creature. Either way, the change in her characterization is immediately apparent, making her feel like a genuinely dangerous threat rather than simply another obstacle for Diana to overcome.

Naturally, the inevitable confrontation between Barbara and Diana becomes the emotional centerpiece of the issue. Their history adds considerable weight to the encounter, transforming what could have been a straightforward superhero battle into something far more personal. The confrontation feels like a culmination of everything that has come before, drawing together the complicated history between these characters and the tragic circumstances that have brought them to this point. There is a genuine sense of heartbreak beneath the spectacle, making their conflict all the more compelling. Even as Barbara embraces her new identity, the remnants of her former self make the situation feel less like the birth of a villain and more like the possible destruction of someone Diana once cared about.

There is nothing but good things to say about Hayden Sherman’s artwork throughout this series, and this issue is another excellent showcase of their abilities. Their design for the Absolute Cheetah is as horrifying as it is spectacular, striking an impressive balance between monstrous physicality and striking visual detail. While the cover reveals the full extent of her transformation, the interior artwork takes things even further, featuring several breathtaking double-page spreads that emphasize Barbara’s immense size and imposing presence. Sherman makes excellent use of scale, ensuring that the character feels genuinely overwhelming whenever she appears on the page. The action sequences benefit tremendously from this approach, with the artwork giving each encounter a sense of weight and intensity that elevates the storytelling.

Beyond the spectacle, however, the artwork also reinforces the emotional tragedy at the heart of Barbara’s transformation. The contrast between her terrifying new appearance and her history with Diana gives their confrontation an added layer of poignancy. Every monstrous detail serves as a reminder of just how much Barbara has changed, while the expressive character work ensures that the emotional stakes are never lost amid the chaos. Combined with the strong pacing and character-driven storytelling, Sherman’s illustrations make the Absolute Cheetah an absolute joy to read about, even as her transformation proves both horrifying and heartbreaking.

Ultimately, Absolute Wonder Woman #25 delivers an excellent introduction to one of the Absolute Universe’s most intriguing new threats. The issue balances world-building, revelations about Diana’s past actions, spectacular artwork, and a deeply personal conflict without allowing any one element to overshadow the others. Barbara Minerva’s transformation feels like a meaningful evolution of her character rather than a simple visual reinvention, while the developments involving Steve and Ferdinand suggest that the consequences of this storyline will extend well beyond Dia na’s confrontation with Cheetah. With its emotional storytelling and unforgettable visuals, this is another strong installment in a series that continues to find exciting ways to reinvent Wonder Woman’s world.