DC Comics 4/22/26 – JLU 18, Absolute Wonder Woman 19

Absolute Wonder Woman 19

After last issue’s wild cliffhanger where Veronica Cale’s deadly magician Zatara whose fire actually burned Diana, Wonder Woman is going to need some help. Fortunately she’s got another magical ally ready to lend a spell or two in Zatara’s daughter, Zatana.

Writer Kelly Thompson adds an interesting wrinkle to Wonder Woman’s backstory as Aphrodite reveals an inadvertent curse that was added to a blessing that explains why people are so drawn to her. This does go a long way to explaining the effect Diana has had on most people.

Zatara has been trapped in a complex illusion where he’s being tormented reliving the traumatic choice that cost him his wife. With Diana and Zatanna’s help, Cale loses her big magical weapon even if she doesn’t lose her biggest gun in Giganta. It’s Giganta who pulls off the move that might prove the most significant strike Cale lands against Diana. Before she can deal with that threat, Diana has to tangle with Cale’s final strike to ensnare Zatara.

Artist Hayden Sherman is delivering some gorgeous work with lively, energetic panels that sell the magnitude of these intense, dangerous moments. Sherman’s work was sound at the start of the series but it’s hitting a new level and the series looks better than ever. Colorist Jordie Bellaire brings a wide array of rich colors that bring an ethereal quality to the pages. Letterer Becca Carey dabbles in various creative fonts especially for the spellcasting.

Absolute Wonder Woman remains a sensational read and never disappoints outside of the wait for the next issue.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10