Absolute Wonder Woman’s Best Trait Isn’t New (And That’s The Best Part)

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DC’s Absolute Universe was designed as a fresh start, a completely new world with different rules than the main DC universe. While the traditional DC world has always been shaped by heroes striving for good, this new universe is rooted in the selfish darkness of Darkseid. This fundamental change drastically altered the heroes themselves. Though they still represent their core values – Superman embodies hope and the Green Lantern fights fear – they are all fundamentally different. Superman has lost his optimism, and the Green Lantern Corps no longer exists. Each hero is recognizable, yet distinct, with one notable exception: Wonder Woman.

Absolute Wonder Woman is essentially the same character as the original Wonder Woman. While their backgrounds and feelings might differ slightly – Absolute Wonder Woman grew up in Hell, for example – their core personalities and goals are identical. You could easily switch them in a story, and the only noticeable changes would be their appearance and connection to Themyscira. Unlike other ‘Absolute’ versions of characters which are often reimagined, Absolute Wonder Woman feels like a natural continuation of the original, and that’s what makes her so compelling.

Two Women Made of Wonder

Let’s explore why having two versions of Wonder Woman that are so alike actually works really well, starting with what makes these characters similar in the first place. The core idea behind all the ‘Absolute’ heroes is that they’re fundamentally the same as the heroes we already know and love, but placed in a darker, more challenging world where they’re working to create hope. While these Absolute versions share the same heroic spirit, they’re also distinct. They’re generally younger and less seasoned, and often grapple with truly living up to their ideals. In some cases, the differences are quite significant – for example, Martian Manhunter exists as a purely mental being, and the original Green Arrow is no longer alive.

The traditional rules about alternate versions of characters were broken with Wonder Woman. While Absolute Wonder Woman has some differences – she’s more skilled in magic and was raised in Hell instead of Themyscira – she’s fundamentally the same hero. Both versions came to our world to defend it, champion truth and compassion, and believe love is the key to saving the world. What’s really remarkable is how similar their personalities are, which is unusual for the Absolute line of characters. They’re both warriors who prioritize peace, and their conversations could easily be swapped without anyone noticing. They’re essentially the same character, and that’s incredibly well done.

A New Chance to Make a Mark

Keeping Absolute Wonder Woman consistent with her main version is great for the character, introducing her to a new generation of fans. While Wonder Woman is a hugely important and recognizable hero, her comics haven’t traditionally sold as well as those featuring Batman or Superman. The ‘Absolute’ versions of both World’s Finest heroes offer fresh takes – Batman is portrayed as more rough around the edges and immature, and Superman struggles with feeling ineffective. Given that Batman and Superman are already DC’s most prominent and frequently featured characters, these changes to their ‘Absolute’ versions feel fitting.

It’s understandable that Wonder Woman is finally gaining a wider audience. Despite being a well-known character, she hasn’t always been as popular as other superheroes, possibly because many alternate versions haven’t been very well-received. However, the recent release of the ‘Absolute’ line of comics has dramatically increased her visibility. These books have attracted both longtime fans and new readers, boosting Wonder Woman’s popularity to an all-time high. While the regular Wonder Woman comic does reasonably well, Absolute Wonder Woman consistently ranks among the top-selling comics each month.

Readers familiar with the Absolute Wonder Woman series will easily transition to the main Wonder Woman comics, unlike those new to the character from other titles. The similarities between the two versions of Diana will make the switch seamless. This could significantly boost readership for the main Wonder Woman series and, importantly, introduce a character who hasn’t received enough attention to a new audience. Wonder Woman is a top-tier DC character, but she often feels overshadowed by Superman and Batman. This is a great opportunity to connect with a new readership and showcase everything Wonder Woman has to offer.

Honestly, I think we could all use a little more Wonder Woman in our lives! What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear them – let’s chat about it over on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-02-14 18:12