A Journey Through the Labyrinth
Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 10, published by DC Comics, is a compelling addition to the series. The issue is written by Kelly Thompson, with art by Hayden Sherman, colors by Jordie Bellaire, and letters by Becca Carey. This issue is divided into two parts, both taking place within the same location, creating a dynamic and engaging narrative.
The first half of the issue focuses on an escape, occurring immediately after the previous one. Wonder Woman must help Petra the siren escape from the labyrinth, with assistance from Ferdinand the Minotaur. This part of the story is filled with noble intentions and emotional sacrifice. The pace quickly accelerates as Wonder Woman takes off running, leading to a dramatic confrontation between a young Diana and Artemis, the next in line of Greek gods.
This battle is not only intense and emotional but also serves as a profound reflection on the creation of Wonder Woman and the core values that define her story. The seamless transition between past and present in Thompson’s work keeps the story fresh and maintains reader interest while expanding the world and mythology.
When returning to the labyrinth, the landscape has changed significantly. Wonder Woman delves deeper into the maze, and her opponents resort to more cunning tactics to gain the upper hand. This shift creates a fascinating finale when the story returns to the same location.
The inclusion of two versions of Wonder Woman—her younger self and the modern-day version—allows readers to witness the events that shaped her personality. Her defiance in the face of powerful figures remains consistent. The confrontation with Artemis is particularly well-written, showcasing the depth of the character.
All the gods depicted in the story carry an air of arrogance and ancient authority, yet Diana remains undeterred. She is brave and resilient, but she only fights for a cause she believes in. The reasons behind her actions are both adorable and heartfelt, emphasizing the sacredness of every life to her.
During this time, Hecate discusses the reasons for Diana’s creation with Circe, highlighting her kindness and purity. This nature versus nurture debate is adapted to a divine level, and Thompson’s script is truly stunning. The tone of the story remains calm and serious throughout, with Diana’s narration playing a crucial role in explaining the events during the heat of battle.
Her intelligence and ability to reason with herself are evident as she considers her options. Both her strength and compassion make even immortals pause and respect her.
Artistic Excellence
The art in Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 10 is remarkable, featuring two distinct styles and visuals. The first style is familiar, continuing from the last issue. The fight against freakish fish-men is chaotic, with an endless number of minions whose designs are unsettling. Then comes Artemis, awe-inspiring and surprising. She appears as a massive panther, fearsome in size, with a face covered in blood that drips everywhere as the giant cat god prowls around the little Amazon.
Diana, though small, carries an axe that seems too large for her. She looks like she's playing at being a warrior, but as the fight begins, her ferocity and worthiness of wielding the weapon become clear. In the final act of the issue, the art becomes trippy and psychedelic. Wonder Woman’s perception and mind warp, and the bodies become wobbly masses; the panel shapes twist and morph. This transformation prevents the labyrinth from becoming monotonous, especially since it would otherwise be a repeat of the issue’s beginning.
Colorful Transformation
The colors in Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 10 become progressively brighter and more engaging as the story unfolds. It starts dark and gloomy, with no light inside the tight hallways of the maze. During the confrontation with Artemis, there’s a celestial purple that surrounds the page and glows from the eternal being’s eyes.
In the final part of the issue, the pages are awash with color. The walls and figures around Wonder Woman are almost luminescent, shining due to what’s flowing through her system. The lettering remains clear, even when it bends on the later pages.
Expanding the World
Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 10 adds layers to the labyrinth. Despite spending a lot of time in the maze, Thompson makes a conscious effort to add something new and unexpected to keep readers engaged. The minotaur is friendly, the siren is a mystery, and there are scarier creatures further in. The flow between stories is seamless, overlapping across issues to create a desire to continue reading. The flashbacks have meaning and depth, revealing the faces of gods that are always unexpected and rewarding.
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