Absolute Wonder Woman #21 Review – Pieces Of A Story

Absolute Wonder Woman #21 (DC Comics, 6/24/26): Writer Kelly Thompson and Artist Dillon Snook unveil the origin of Cheetah as the avatar of a god, and Diana sets out to find her mother. Filled with wistful pacing and a LOT of dialog, fans of the series will find more of what they love. Verdict: For existing fans only.

• Writer: Kelly Thompson
• Artist: Dillon Snook
• Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
• Letterer: Becca Carey
• Cover Artist: Hayden Sherman (cover A)
• Publisher: DC Comics
• Release Date: June 24, 2026
• Comic Rating: Teen
• Cover Price: $4.99
• Page Count: 24
• Format: Single Issue

Covers:

Analysis of Absolute Wonder Woman #21:

First Impressions:

There’s something odd/off about this issue. Kelly Thompson made a point of not leaning into the typical big-action spectacle of the typical DC Comics, and she’s stuck to that approach, but this issue feels more lacking in energy and urgency than usual.

Recap:

Circe is gone. Her and Diana’s home in the Wild Isle is burned down. Barbara Minerva is a captured “guest” of Veronica Cale, and her captivity has invited a conversation with the god behind the now-dead, previous Cheetah.

Plot Analysis (SPOILERS):

The issue splits into multiple, seemingly disconnected threads.

First, a cadre of armed soldiers approached The Hieron in Gateway City.
They are promptly warded off by the threat of legal action by Steve Trevor.

Gaia says goodbye to her sister as she heads off to Gotham City.

Barbara Minerva entertains a conversation with the disembodied voice of Urzkartaga, the “plant god” responsible for creating the previous Cheetah, whose body remains in Barbara’s cell with her. Barbara tastes Cheetah’s blood and sees how Priscilla became Cheetah when possessed by the god, but the possession drove her a little bit mad. Barbara believes the god is now inviting her to become the new Cheetah.

Elsewhere, Diana buries the charred remains of creatures caught in the fire and sets off to find Circe. First, she finds, battles, and defeats the Manticore to confirm if the beast took Circe. When the answer is negative, she climbs a seaside cliff to catch the attention of Hecate, who confirms the god was responsible for Circe’s capture.

How is the story in Absolute Wonder Woman #21?

If you read the description above and said to yourself, “Is that a story? What does one thing have to do with the other? It feels like a jumble of pieces,” you’d be absolutely right. Things are happening, sort of, but there’s no cohesion, purpose, momentum, urgency, or direction. It’s all just so random.

It doesn’t help that Cheetah’s backstory is page after page of lengthy word balloons.

How is the art in Absolute Wonder Woman #21?

The art is not great. Hayden Sherman failed to impress at the beginning of the series due to his indie, squiggly linework. Here, Dillon Snook said “Hold my inkwell” and does his darndest to mimic Sherman’s style, almost to the point of sloppiness.

Furthermore, Jordie Bellaire’s muddy colors aren’t doing Snook any favors.

Characters

Whose the focus of this issue? Based on pure page count, it’s a toss-up between Diana and Barbara. They both embark on journeys of discovery, but one journey is largely informational while the other is largely action-packed. Again, the story is split into pieces without coming together.

Originality & Concept Execution

Yes, you could say this issue is largely original because you’ll have no idea where this story is going, which character to pay attention to, and what (if anything) to feel about it. There’s a complete lack of resonance or impact, which you could argue is original.

Pros and Cons

What We Loved

• Interesting setup for the new Cheetah
• Diana’s quest is clear
• Snook handles Diana’s facial emoting adequately

Room for Improvement

• A muddled, directionsless plot
• Snook’s squiggly art style looks sloppy
• A complete lack of urgency or energy

Art Samples:

The Scorecard:

Writing Quality (Clarity & Pacing): 1.5/4
Art Quality (Execution & Synergy): 1.5/4
Value (Originality & Entertainment): 1/2

Final Thoughts:

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Absolute Wonder Woman #21 says nothing and goes nowhere, other than to fill space with mild plot progression on multiple fronts. Kelly Thompsons issue feels like baby steps of movement toward some unknown destination, and Dillon Snook’s squiggly art undercuts what little potential there is.

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