Warning: Spoilers for Absolute Wonder Woman #4

The Absolute Universe has been nothing short of a success for DC Comics, but until its take on Wonder Woman came along, I will be the first to it that I was skeptical upon its initial announcement. It's because of Wonder Woman that I finally understand the appeal of this harrowing new continuity, as she proves why DC's latest line of comics has resonated with readers.

Absolute Wonder Woman #4 by Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman, Jordie Bellaire, and Becca Carey continues the thrilling saga of Diana's fight against the nightmarish Tetracide. While Wonder Woman's epic battle is undoubtedly a highlight of the issue, the moment that stands out to me more than any other is her conversation with Etta Candy.

As Diana prepares to face the Tetracide, Etta comments, "You make everything seem better than it is. Hopeful." Even when the situation seems dire, Wonder Woman finds a way to bring hope to the Absolute Universe, and that's what I believe makes it work so well.

Wonder Woman Embodies Hope in the Otherwise Hopeless Absolute Universe

DC's New Universe Isn't Too Depressing, Thanks to Wonder Woman

Etta's belief in Wonder Woman as a symbol of hope can be traced back to her comforting words in Absolute Wonder Woman #3. The creature attacking Gateway City preys on its victims by drawing them in with a sound they can't resist, so Diana elects to deafen the city's inhabitants to save their lives. She delivers a speech on live television and gently reassures them by saying, "Wonder Woman believes in you." Through her message, she empowers the civilians. Wonder Woman never succumbs to the despair around her in the Absolute Universe, instead countering its darkness with light.

Even prior to the Tetracide's arrival, before Wonder Woman Steve Trevor meets Wonder Woman, he is touched by how kind she is despite her circumstances. Wonder Woman's comion persists against all the odds stacked against her, thus disproving my preconceived notion that the Absolute Universe would be too bleak for its own good.

Darkseid's Plans For His Absolute Universe Are Upended by Wonder Woman

The Absolute Universe's Darkness Doesn't Put Out Heroes' Light

My main fear surrounding the Absolute Universe was that its attempts to deviate from the prime continuity would be to its detriment. After all, it's a world that spawns from Batman loses his millionaire status. In casting these norms aside, Darkseid aims to weaken them so that they cannot overpower him any longer. I thus feared that this origin would lead to the Absolute Universe relying on excessive edginess to win over readers, neglecting the hearts of its heroes.

Witness Darkseid's death and subsequent formation of the Absolute Universe in DC All In Special #1 by Joshua Williamson, Scott Snyder, Daniel Sampere, Wes Craig, Dan Mora, Tamra Bonvillain, Alejandro Sánchez, and Steve Wands!

Thankfully, Wonder Woman eases my skepticism of the Absolute Universe with her boundless optimism. Although the heroes of this continuity are disadvantaged, they nonetheless strive to improve their world rather than accepting it as it is. Batman's lack of wealth doesn't dissuade him from challenging the corruption in Gotham, nor does Superman not being raised by the Kents deter his fight on innocent Earthlings' behalf. Instead of veering into pessimism, they hold onto their faith that they can make a difference. Wonder Woman's heroic nature perseveres in spite of Darkseid's attempts to squander it, and the same can be said for every Absolute superhero.

Wonder Woman & Her Allies Always Fight for Justice, Even In Darkseid's Twisted Reality

Wonder Woman's Heroism Has Won Me Over to the Absolute Universe

Darkseid can eradicate every aspect of Wonder Woman's status quo, yet there is nothing he can take from her that would break her spirit entirely. No matter the reality they find themselves in, DC's superheroes retain their determination to combat the forces of evil in defense of the helpless. My worries about this quality being forgotten in favor of an excessively gritty tone were all for naught, and Wonder Woman has helped me realize that fact. The Absolute Universe's darkness is most effective when it's balanced by the heroes' light, so I'm glad that Wonder Woman's kindness has remained intact to override Darkseid's will.

Absolute Wonder Woman #4 is available now from DC Comics!