DC Comics’ All In initiative has been a game-changer, bringing fans to the edge of their seats with daring reimaginings of iconic characters through the Absolute Universe. After the explosive launch of Absolute Batman, it’s time to delve into another bold retelling: Absolute Wonder Woman. In this new universe, Diana of Themyscira is not just a warrior princess; she is the Princess of Hell, raised in a realm far more treacherous than the familiar paradise of Themyscira.
In Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 1, we witness a captivating origin story unlike anything seen before. This version of Diana is forged in the fires of Hell, molded by dark magic, and destined to wield powers that challenge even the gods themselves. If you thought Wonder Woman was powerful before, this iteration will blow your expectations out of the water. Let’s dive into the details and explore how Diana’s journey begins in this twisted new universe.
A Mysterious Arrival and a Terrifying Threat
The story opens with a scene straight out of a disaster movie. Two news reporters, visibly terrified, stand on a balcony near the Gateway City Boardwalk as they broadcast the arrival of an ominous, unidentified flying object. Their voices tremble with fear as one of them bravely steps forward to report the chaos: “We’re here just beyond the Gateway City Boardwalk, filming from an unsecured location to bring you the sight of a literal unidentified flying object on our doorstep.”
This isn’t just a UFO—it’s an upside-down pyramid hanging menacingly in the sky. Before the reporters can say much more, all hell breaks loose (literally), as monstrous creatures begin spilling out of the pyramid, creating havoc. As the police and military scramble to evacuate civilians, a savior appears—Absolute Wonder Woman.
Diana’s entrance is nothing short of epic. She arrives soaring on the skeletal remains of a dark Pegasus, a creature as fierce as it is terrifying. Clad in dark armor and wielding an enormous sword, Diana wastes no time in tearing through the demon-like creatures that pour from the pyramid. This is our first glimpse of the Princess of Hell, and it’s immediately clear that this Wonder Woman is a far cry from the hero we once knew.
As she battles, the narration tells us: “Once upon a time, there was a princess. The princess had all the gifts any princess could hope to have: beauty, grace, compassion, kindness, and wisdom.” But this is no fairy tale. The narration continues: “This princess had the ability to outrun a hellhound and conjure the darkest of magics—things every princess needs when she was raised in Hell.” Diana’s powers are on full display as she unleashes her iconic bracelet energy blast, annihilating dozens of enemies in an instant.
The Start of a Dark and Twisted Journey
To understand how Diana became the Princess of Hell, the comic takes us back two years earlier, to the Isle of Hell—a desolate prison where the sorceress Circe has been banished by the gods. Circe laments her fate, saying: “Once I ruled a remote paradise called Aeaea. Now I am a prisoner of a solitary wasteland.” Her bitterness is interrupted by the arrival of the god Apollo, who carries with him a baby girl—none other than Diana herself.
Apollo reveals the shocking truth: Diana is the last Amazon, taken from her people by Zeus as punishment for the Amazons’ crimes against the gods. Stripped of her heritage, Diana is delivered to Circe to be raised in Hell, forever separated from her Amazonian sisters. As if that weren’t enough, Apollo decrees that the very word Amazon is now forbidden, robbing Diana of even the identity she would have otherwise known.
Circe, indifferent at first, tosses the baby aside, ready to let fate take its course. But Diana proves herself to be more than just an ordinary child. When a poisonous snake slithers toward her, Diana grabs it by the head and hisses, tossing it aside without fear. Similarly, when a fire-breathing lizard approaches, Diana remains unfazed, petting the creature before letting it go. These displays of strength and fearlessness impress Circe, who begins to feel a growing affection for the child she once intended to abandon.
Over time, Circe comes to love Diana as her own daughter, and she raises the child in the depths of Hell. Their once-barren cave evolves into a home, filled with warmth and life—plants, books, candles, and even a makeshift kitchen. Circe teaches Diana the dark arts, and as Diana grows, she hones her magical abilities, becoming not just a warrior but also a powerful sorceress.
A Mother’s Love, A Daughter’s Destiny
One of the most poignant themes in Absolute Wonder Woman is the evolving relationship between Diana and Circe. Circe, who starts out as an unwilling guardian, slowly becomes a devoted mother, guiding Diana’s growth in both strength and magic. This mother-daughter bond is beautifully depicted, especially when Circe reflects on her role as Diana’s caretaker: “Raising a child is how you fall in love, but letting them go is how you prove your love.”
As Diana matures, her connection to her Amazonian heritage becomes more significant. In a flashback, Diana asks Circe about a word she saw as a child: “Amazon.” Circe, unable to say the forbidden word, encourages Diana to speak it herself. This moment marks a turning point for Diana, as she begins to understand her true identity. The word “Amazon” becomes a symbol of defiance—something that the gods wanted her to forget, but something she knows she must embrace.
Facing Harbinger Prime: A Battle for Earth
Back in the present, the action heats up as Absolute Wonder Woman faces an even greater threat. After dispatching the initial wave of demonic creatures, Diana confronts the real danger—the monstrous Harbinger Prime, a colossal being born from the upside-down pyramid. With her mystical Athena Blade, Diana stands her ground, declaring: “You are not welcome, Harbinger Prime. This world will defend itself.”
The ensuing battle is nothing short of epic. Wonder Woman deflects Harbinger’s devastating shockwave with her bracelets, while her dark Pegasus joins the fight, launching flames at the creature’s head. But Harbinger Prime is no ordinary foe. Commanding his minions to rise again, the beast unleashes a devastating laser attack that knocks Diana off her feet.
But Diana is far from defeated. Drawing on the lessons she learned in Hell and the strength of her Amazonian heritage, she gets back up and delivers a defiant proclamation: “For I am Diana of Themyscira, last of the Amazons, daughter of Circe, Princess of Hell, Witch of the Wild Isle. And you will not have this world while I still draw breath.”
A Complex, Multi-Layered Hero
As the first issue of Absolute Wonder Woman comes to a close, it’s clear that this new version of Diana is a complex and multi-layered hero. Raised in the fiery depths of Hell, trained in dark magic by Circe, and armed with powerful weapons like the Athena Blade and her new red lasso, Diana is a force to be reckoned with. But her journey is far from over.
One of the most intriguing aspects of this retelling is the mystery surrounding Diana’s past. What exactly did the Amazons do to anger the gods so severely? Why are they so terrified of her potential? And what other powers and abilities will Diana unlock as the story unfolds? We’ve already seen glimpses of her magical prowess, her ability to deflect powerful blasts, and her formidable combat skills, but there’s still so much more to discover.
Another key element of Diana’s character in this universe is the balance between her Amazonian roots and her hellish upbringing. While she carries the spirit of her people, she has also been shaped by the harsh environment of Hell, making her a unique blend of hero and antihero. This inner conflict adds depth to her character, as she grapples with questions of identity, power, and destiny.
Looking Forward: The Future of Absolute Wonder Woman
With Absolute Wonder Woman Issue 1, DC has set the stage for a thrilling and unpredictable new chapter in Diana’s story. Fans are already buzzing with excitement over what’s to come, especially as the series promises to explore not only Diana’s backstory but also her future in this dark, alternate universe.
What will happen in Issue 2? Will Diana uncover more secrets about the Amazons and their fate? How will her relationship with Circe evolve as she continues to embrace her powers? And perhaps most importantly, what new threats will she face as the Princess of Hell?
For now, all we can do is wait—and speculate. But one thing is certain: Absolute Wonder Woman is a game-changer for DC’s iconic heroine, and we can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next.
