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Kelly Thompson’s run on Diana Prince comics has been one of the most talked-about relaunches in recent DC history — and Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 2 raises the stakes considerably. This oversized Absolute Edition collects a pivotal arc in the Wonder Woman reading order, presenting Joëlle Jones’s artwork at a scale that transforms every panel into something close to fine art. Whether you’re a seasoned comic book collecting enthusiast or a reader just discovering the world of DC Comics, this volume demands attention.
📦 Quick Summary > ✔ Best for: Collectors and Wonder Woman fans who want a premium reading experience > ✔ Price range: Approximately $75–$100 USD > ✔ Rating: 4.4/5 > ✔ Verdict: Buy
What It Is and Who It’s For
Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 2: As My Mothers Made Me collects Kelly Thompson Wonder Woman issues in DC’s flagship oversized format — printed at approximately 11×17 inches on high-quality coated stock. This is not a casual shelf purchase. It’s a deliberate collector’s investment aimed at readers who want the definitive version of Thompson’s character-driven arc.
| Feature | Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 2 | Superman: For Tomorrow Absolute |
|---|---|---|
| Story Pacing | Engaging, character-driven ✅ | Epic scale, sometimes dense ❌ |
| Art Style | Abstract yet clear ✅ | Detailed, iconic ✅ |
| User Reception | Mostly positive, refreshing ✅ | Mixed, some find it convoluted ❌ |
| Collectibility | Part of new ongoing series ✅ | Standalone classic ✅ |
| Available Formats | Hardcover, Paperback ✅ | Hardcover only (typically) ❌ |
Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 2: As My Mothers Made Me continues Kelly Thompson and Hayden Sherman’s bold new vision of Diana of Themyscira. As Diana confronts the horrors of man’s world and the truth of her Amazonian legacy, she must choose between rage and compassion, isolation and connection. With supernatural threats erupting across the globe, Diana’s journey becomes a battle for identity, justice, and the soul of humanity.
The Story Arc
Thompson builds Diana’s mythology from the ground up, weaving Amazonian lore with modern emotional stakes. The pacing is deliberate — never rushed, never padded.
📖 This arc sits early in Thompson’s run, so it works well as an entry point for readers unfamiliar with recent DC Comics continuity. Veterans will appreciate the deeper lore callbacks.
“Thompson writes Diana as someone who is both ancient and urgently present — a balance few writers have managed this cleanly.”
The Target Audience
This volume is clearly designed for two types of readers. First, the dedicated comic book collecting fan who wants Joëlle Jones’s artwork reproduced at maximum fidelity. Second, the newer reader who wants a character-focused Wonder Woman story without needing to decode decades of continuity.
⚠️ Casual readers who prefer action-heavy arcs over character introspection may find the pacing slower than expected. This is a story that breathes — and not everyone wants that from a superhero book.
Format and Presentation
The Absolute Edition format from DC means the binding is sewn, not glued. Pages lie flat without cracking the spine — a small detail that matters enormously over repeated readings. Compared to the standard hardcover of the same arc, the Absolute edition adds roughly 40% more page real estate for Jones’s artwork.
Now that we know what this volume is and who it speaks to, let’s look at how it actually performs in the hands of real readers.
Real-World Performance
Critical reception and reader feedback tell a consistent story: this is one of the stronger entries in DC’s current Absolute line. In our experience reviewing oversized editions, the format either elevates the material or exposes its weaknesses — here, it does the former.
Artwork at Absolute Scale
Anyone who’s tried reading Joëlle Jones’s linework in the standard single-issue format knows it was always built for something larger. At 11×17 inches, the detail in Diana’s armor, the texture of Themysciran stone, and the expressiveness of every face become genuinely striking.
In practice, flipping through this volume feels different from any standard trade paperback. The coated paper stock deepens the colors without making them feel oversaturated. Jones’s style — which blends classical figure drawing with modern dynamism — translates beautifully at this scale.
💡 If you already own the standard hardcover collection of this arc, the Absolute edition still justifies its price for the artwork reproduction alone. The difference is not subtle.
Story Depth and Pacing
Thompson’s writing rewards patience. Each issue builds on the last, adding emotional weight to Diana’s relationships and mythology. Compared to Brian Azzarello’s New 52 Wonder Woman run — which leaned heavily on Greek myth as horror — Thompson’s approach feels warmer and more character-centered.
The arc’s emotional core lands cleanly because Thompson never sacrifices character consistency for plot momentum.
Build Quality and Longevity
The physical construction of this Absolute Edition matches DC’s established standard for the line. The hardcover casing is rigid, the dust jacket is printed on quality stock, and the sewn binding holds up to repeated readings without stress marks.
📖 For context, DC’s Absolute line has been producing collector-grade editions since 2002, with titles like Absolute Sandman and Absolute Batman: Hush setting the benchmark. This volume maintains that standard.
The performance speaks for itself — but how does it stack up directly against a comparable Absolute release? That comparison is worth making carefully.
Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 2 vs Superman: For Tomorrow Absolute — Which One Wins?
Both volumes sit in DC’s premium Absolute Edition tier, but they serve different reader needs. Understanding that difference is the key to making the right purchase decision.
Story Approach
Superman: For Tomorrow by Brian Azzarello and Jim Lee is an epic, sprawling narrative. It’s ambitious in scope but notoriously dense — some readers find the philosophical dialogue rewarding, others find it impenetrable.
Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 2 is tighter and more emotionally accessible. Thompson’s character-driven pacing means the story never loses the reader, even during its quieter moments. For most readers, this makes the Kelly Thompson Wonder Woman arc the easier and more satisfying read of the two.
Artwork Comparison
Jim Lee’s artwork in For Tomorrow is iconic — hyper-detailed, cinematic, and immediately recognizable. At Absolute scale, it’s genuinely impressive. Jones’s work in Wonder Woman Vol. 2 is stylistically different: cleaner lines, more expressive faces, a slightly more abstract approach to backgrounds.
💡 Neither style is objectively superior. The question is whether you prefer Lee’s dense visual architecture or Jones’s elegant clarity. Both reward the oversized format.
Collectibility
Superman: For Tomorrow Absolute is a standalone classic — it collects a complete story with no ongoing series attached. Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 2 is part of an ongoing line, which means it pairs with Vol. 1 and likely future volumes.
If you’re building a comic book collecting library around a single character, the Wonder Woman line offers more long-term depth. For a one-and-done prestige purchase, For Tomorrow has the edge as a self-contained artifact.
The comparison clarifies the value proposition. Now let’s break down the honest advantages and disadvantages of this specific volume.
Pros and Cons (Mentioning Real User Feedback)
We’ve read this volume carefully and tracked reader responses across multiple platforms. Here’s the honest breakdown.
✅ Joëlle Jones’s artwork at 11×17 inches is a genuine visual upgrade over any smaller format — the detail in Diana’s costume work alone justifies the format
✅ Thompson’s writing is emotionally consistent and accessible — readers new to the Wonder Woman reading order can follow the arc without prior knowledge
✅ The sewn binding and rigid hardcover casing make this a durable long-term shelf piece — not a fragile display item
✅ Coated paper stock reproduces colors with depth and accuracy — no bleed, no muddiness, even in darker scenes
✅ Part of an ongoing Absolute series — this volume pairs with Vol. 1 and sets up future releases, giving collectors a clear acquisition path
⚠️ The price point of approximately $75–$100 USD is a significant commitment — readers who just want the story should consider the standard hardcover first
⚠️ The story’s slower, character-driven pacing will not satisfy readers looking for action-heavy Wonder Woman arcs — this is introspective storytelling
⚠️ Some readers have noted that the volume’s arc does not fully resolve within these pages — the story continues, which may frustrate readers expecting a complete narrative
What Real Buyers Are Saying
We could not verify individual buyer reviews for this product at time of publication.
The pros and cons give a clear picture — but price is always the final filter. Let’s look at what this volume actually costs and where to find it at the best value.
Price and Where to Buy at the Best Price
Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 2 retails at approximately $99.99 USD through DC’s official channels. Street prices vary — Amazon frequently lists it between $75 and $90 USD depending on stock levels and promotional periods.
For comic book collecting buyers in the US, Amazon is the most reliable source for consistent pricing and shipping. TFAW (Things From Another World) is a strong alternative, particularly during their periodic 10–20% off sales on DC Absolute editions. DC’s own publisher store is worth checking for bundle deals if you’re buying both volumes simultaneously.
📖 If you’re purchasing this as a gift or adding it to a curated Diana Prince comics shelf, the Absolute edition’s dust jacket and presentation make it a genuinely impressive physical object — not just a reading copy.
Check the latest price on Amazon or your local comic shop here.
✅ Buy it if: You’re a Wonder Woman fan or DC Comics collector who wants Thompson and Jones’s run in the most visually impressive format available.
❌ Skip it if: You’re primarily interested in the story and not the format — the standard hardcover delivers the same narrative at roughly a third of the price.
Final Verdict — Is It Worth It?
YES — for collectors and Wonder Woman fans who want the definitive reading experience of Kelly Thompson Wonder Woman‘s strongest arc, this Absolute Wonder Woman volume delivers exceptional artwork reproduction, durable construction, and a genuinely moving story at a price that reflects the format’s quality.
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Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 2: As My Mothers Made Me (Absolute Universe) by Kelly Thompson (Author), Hayden Sherman (Illustrator)
After diving into our honest review, if you’re ready to experience Diana’s journey through the Maze and her greatest test for yourself, you can find your copy of this acclaimed volume.
Absolute Wonder Woman Vol. 2 offers a compelling look into Diana’s ongoing struggle for identity and justice. Its vibrant art and refreshing narrative make it a strong addition to the Absolute line. What are your thoughts on this new direction for Wonder Woman? Share your insights in the comments below!
FAQ — Common Questions About Absolute Wonder Woman Vol 2
We answer the most common questions readers have about the Absolute Wonder Woman Vol 2.
Is Absolute Wonder Woman Vol 2 worth it if we already own the single issues?
We believe the oversized art and premium paper quality make this a necessary upgrade for collectors. The massive scale provides a much more immersive experience than the original single issues of Absolute Wonder Woman Vol 2.
What should we read before diving into this volume?
We recommend finishing Absolute Wonder Woman Vol 1 first to fully grasp the ongoing narrative arc. It is also helpful to be familiar with the character’s broader history to appreciate the nuances in this Absolute edition.
How does this edition compare to the standard trade paperback?
We found that the Absolute format offers a vastly superior visual experience due to the massive page size. The included slipcase and exclusive bonus material add significant value that a standard TPB simply cannot match.
Is this volume appropriate for readers new to Wonder Woman?
We suggest that while this book is visually stunning, the story might be complex for absolute beginners. We recommend starting with a traditional origin story before diving into the specific run found in Absolute Wonder Woman Vol 2.
