The ever-evolving pantheon of Wonder Woman stories has a new top contender with Absolute Wonder Woman. It has carved out its place in just three issues as a bold, intricate, and emotional reimagining of Wonder Woman. This series has explored what it means to be a hero with themes of sacrifice, humanity, and resilience through a stunning blend of narrative and visual artistry.
With issue #4 set to release this week, writer Kelly Thompson and artist Hayden Sherman sat down to discuss their creative process, inspirations, and what fans can anticipate from this transformative series. Talking to them, it’s clear they have a synergetic relationship and vision while also bringing a deeply human layer to her godlike persona, all while pushing the boundaries of what comic storytelling can achieve.
Courtesy DC Comics
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants
“I drew from all of it,” Thompson says when asked about the influence of Historia, a recent landmark Wonder Woman story. “We stood on their shoulders to build this. I sent Hayden tons of references from it, for iconography and themes we wanted to lean toward.” Thompson acknowledges how Historia informed their portrayal of Diana’s interactions with the gods, though it’s not part of the canon, adding, “It feels very Historia-driven, but darker. We’re not here without that book.”
Sherman echoes this sentiment from a visual perspective, praising Historia’s groundbreaking page construction. “Prior to that book, I didn’t associate Wonder Woman with such daring layouts. It’s fun to explore that now because it feels at home in her world.” Both creators agree that the narrative and visual risks taken in Historia paved the way for their own ambitious storytelling.
A Holistic Collaboration
Sherman’s approach to crafting pages as interconnected puzzles has become a hallmark of the series. Thompson describes their dynamic as transformative: “Working with Hayden has made me think about comics differently. They construct pages with such a holistic perspective, connecting panels like pieces of a puzzle.”
Sherman shares insight into their process, revealing that initial sketches focus on page composition rather than specific details. “I think about what beats need to be emphasized and how shapes can fit together to heighten emotion or action.” This method has led to some of the series’ most memorable visuals, like the symmetrical stained-glass-inspired layouts of issue #4. “Kelly’s feedback ensures the storytelling remains clear, which allows me to push creative boundaries,” Sherman notes.
Sacrifice and Emotional Resonance
One of the boldest moments in the series so far has been Diana’s decision to sacrifice her arm, a narrative choice Thompson describes as deeply considered. “Magic has consequences,” she explains. “You don’t just get something for nothing. This was a way to show that sacrifice on the page in a powerful, tangible way.”
Sherman’s depiction of the aftermath of Diana’s sacrifice added to the emotional weight of the moment. Instead of focusing on the act itself, the story shifts perspective to Circe’s reaction, a decision Thompson says adds layers to the scene. “There’s a difference between seeing Diana make that choice and seeing a mother witness her child’s sacrifice. It’s a deeper emotional reckoning.”
Courtesy DC Comics
Representation Through a New Lens
The loss of Diana’s arm has also sparked discussions about disability representation. Thompson acknowledges the complexities of this portrayal. Thompson said they were careful with every detail, including the prosthetic arm. “We wanted to make it clear that this isn’t just an extension of her armor; it’s a replacement for something lost, and that loss has to feel real. At the same time, it’s tricky because Diana exists in a magical world where certain problems can be solved in ways that aren’t available to most people.”
By grounding Diana’s prosthetic arm in both functionality and symbolism, the creative team ensures it serves as a meaningful aspect of her character rather than a gimmick.
Ultraviolence with a Purpose
The series’ use of ultraviolence is also compelling, as it must be balanced against Wonder Woman’s compassion. Thompson insists that every action sequence is rooted in narrative necessity. “It can’t just be violence for violence’s sake. It has to come from something authentic, or it feels unearned. Diana’s reluctance and the emotional stakes behind her battles make the violence impactful rather than gratuitous.”
Sherman, who admits to being “gore-averse,” approaches these sequences with a focus on character. “Diana doesn’t want to fight; she does it because she has to. That reluctance and resolve are key to making the action meaningful.” They add, “I’m not a fan of gore either. My media diet skews toward less graphic depictions, so when we push the intensity, it’s about making sure the focus remains on the emotional and narrative impact rather than the shock factor.”
Courtesy DC Comics
Looking Ahead
As Absolute Wonder Woman approaches the conclusion of its first arc, Thompson hints at significant tonal shifts in the upcoming issues. “Issues #6 and #7 take place entirely in the underworld, blending flashbacks and present-day events. They’ll delve deeper into Diana’s backstory and introduce new gods. It’s mythology-heavy and visually stunning.”
The transition to a new artist for these issues with artist Mattia De Iulis was a deliberate choice. “Hayden’s style is so distinct, and we didn’t want someone coming in and trying to mimic it. Bringing in a different voice adds to the tapestry of the story,” Thompson explains.
A Testament to Collaboration
Through their innovative storytelling and meticulous artistry, Thompson and Sherman have crafted a Wonder Woman story that feels both timeless and revolutionary. As Sherman reflects, “We’re lucky to be building on such a rich legacy.”
With each issue, Absolute Wonder Woman proves that the character’s enduring appeal lies not only in her strength but also in her humanity.
Absolute Wonder Woman #4 will be released on January 22nd. Stay tuned for more coverage from AIPT!
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