Absolute Wonder Woman Is the Bold Reboot the DCU Needs

This Darker Origin Reinvents Diana Without Losing What Makes Her Iconic

Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman did a phenomenal job of bringing the Amazon Princess to life in live-action, especially in how she introduced viewers to key elements of Diana’s character-defining lore. This included her Amazon heritage, her relationship with Steve Trevor, her rivalry with Cheetah, and other traits first established in the comics. That said, it would feel repetitive to simply recreate what Gadot already accomplished, just with a different actress. This desire for something fresh, yet still recognizable as Diana of Themyscira, creates a unique opportunity for James Gunn to explore the Absolute Universe version of Wonder Woman.

The biggest change Absolute Wonder Woman makes to Diana’s lore is that she was raised in Hell by the witch Circe, rather than on Themyscira by Queen Hippolyta and the Amazons. Her Amazon heritage remains the same, but due to a twist of fate she was exiled to Hell as a baby, which completely alters her upbringing. This catalytic event sets off a ripple effect that reshapes other aspects of her mythology. Bringing this origin to the DCU would offer fans a story they haven’t been overexposed to, while still feeling grounded in what makes Wonder Woman familiar.

Despite this major shift in narrative, Thompson keeps Diana’s character highly recognizable, now with a Hellish twist that makes her even more compelling. Many of the differences stemming from her new upbringing are mostly visual or situational, but at her core, Diana is still the same comionate, love-driven hero fans know and ire. That is what makes Absolute Wonder Woman such a strong blueprint. It does not change what defines Diana as a character. Instead, it gives her a fresh and unique aesthetic that feels both new and true to who she has always been.

Absolute Wonder Woman Unlocks a Magical Evolution for Diana in the DCU

Cover C JeeHyung Lee Variant for Absolute Wonder Woman #5 (2025)

Another reason James Gunn should seriously consider using Absolute Wonder Woman as a blueprint for his new take on the character is that the narrative brings something entirely new to Diana’s story: magic. While magic has always existed on the fringes of Wonder Woman’s mythos, Thompson brings it to the forefront by essentially transforming Diana into a witch. Thanks to her upbringing in Hell by Circe, one of the most powerful witches in existence, Diana gains both the ability and the skill to practice magic. This is arguably the most significant change to her character in the Absolute Universe, especially since she is not typically portrayed as a magic in mainstream continuity.

What makes Diana being a witch in this version so compelling is that it does not take anything away from her identity as a warrior. As most fans would agree, one of the most iconic aspects of Wonder Woman is her role as one of DC’s most skilled combatants. That remains true in the Absolute Universe. In fact, this version of Diana could be considered even more of a warrior than her Earth-Prime counterpart. She grows up slaying monsters, participating in brutal ring fights orchestrated by the god Hades, and carries a visually striking warrior aesthetic (complete with a magical sword) that only enhances her fearsome presence.

James Gunn Should Use Absolute Wonder Woman as Inspiration, Not a Rulebook

DC’s Forgotten Lore Can Shine Again With the Right Modern Twist

Some readers may still be hesitant about James Gunn using Absolute Wonder Woman as the basis for the DCU’s next live-action Diana, believing it strays too far from the character’s classic portrayal. That’s a valid concern. However, this article is not suggesting Gunn follow the Absolute storyline beat for beat, but rather draw inspiration from its most compelling elements. For instance, it would make sense to retain Diana’s traditional character design, while also considering bold ideas like her Absolute origin, where she is raised in Hell.

Gunn could also choose to focus solely on her warrior side, without incorporating the magical aspects tied to her witch upbringing in the Absolute Universe. The point is that Absolute Wonder Woman offers fresh, imaginative lore that doesn’t need to serve as a strict blueprint. Instead, it can be a tool for reimagining the character in exciting ways. The series also demonstrates how DC can revive forgotten aspects of Wonder Woman’s mythology with a modern edge. For example, Diana’s pet Pegasus may have faded from popularity, but Absolute Wonder Woman reintroduces it as a dead, winged horse, proving that even long-abandoned elements can return in bold and engaging ways.

Absolute Wonder Woman Offers the Perfect Bridge Between Prequel and Film

Cover B Elizabeth Torque Variant for Absolute Wonder Woman #4 (2025)

While there has yet to be official news about a solo Wonder Woman movie in development from DC, there is chatter about a Game of Thrones-style TV series called Paradise Lost that will focus on the Amazons. This is especially exciting and could pair well with Absolute Wonder Woman as inspiration for DC’s next take on the hero, since in the Absolute universe the Amazons are quite literally lost, sealed away by Zeus after incurring his wrath. Because Paradise Lost is essentially a prequel to Diana’s story, the Absolute Wonder Woman narrative could offer a smooth and compelling transition from the series into a future solo Wonder Woman film.

ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #1-7 is available now from DC Comics!

Wonder Woman

Created By

William Moulton Marston, H. G. Peter

Cast

Gal Gadot