In Review: Absolute Wonder Woman (2024-) #5 – Diana’s Fierce Battle for Gateway City

Synopsis: It’s only been a few hours since Wonder Woman took up the mission of the missing Amazons and swore to protect Gateway City from an unspeakable cosmic horror…and her first battle may already be ending in defeat, unless her own homegrown tribe of Amazons steps into the breach beside her!

The Story

After reclaiming her arm in the previous issue, Wonder Woman steps up once more to face the Tetracide. The odds are stacked against her, and defeating the beast will require something extraordinary—something that challenges Diana to her very core. That “something” is the Lasso of Transformation, a gift from Circe.

In a flashback, we learn that Diana immediately recognized the lasso as a living thing, forged from magic. When using it, she can’t shake the feeling that she is being unkind, unsettled by what she senses from the lasso. Doubtful, she prays to Hecate for guidance, where it is revealed that the lasso embodies all of Circe’s experiences—pain, cruelty, and more. However, as a magical object, it remains indifferent to these emotions, instead channeling them into whatever transformation is needed.

Now, against the seemingly invincible Tetracide, Wonder Woman calls upon the goddesses and the spirits of her ancestors to wield the lasso for the ultimate transformation. She becomes the only monster capable of defeating the beast—Medusa, whose mere gaze turns living creatures to stone. Yet, even with this power, Diana will likely need her new allies to help her find her way back to herself.

Artwork

Hayden Sherman puts in a fantastic shift in this issue, bringing a truly terrifying Medusa to life. I also really enjoyed the panels where Diana speaks with Hecate about the emotions she senses from the lasso.

Overall

I’ve really enjoyed this opening story arc and am excited to see where Kelly Thompson takes things next. In this issue, I particularly liked Wonder Woman’s doubts about using the new Lasso of Transformation, which we’ve been assured won’t replace the iconic Lasso of Truth. I also appreciated how the Lasso of Transformation was explained and have enjoyed the way the rules of this new universe are being established.

Overall, a solid issue that wraps up the opening arc in a satisfying way.