WARNING: Contains potential spoilers for ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #`1!
The debut of Absoluto Wonder Woman radically reimagined Diana of Themyscira, weaving an epic new origin that now establishes her as the Last Amazon, Daughter of Circe, Princess of Hell, and a Witch of the Wild Island. These exciting changes reshape her character in bold ways, but this version of Wonder Woman also revives one of her most iconic—and my favorite—pieces of lore, albeit with an undead twist.
Although only the first issue was released, Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman, Jordie Bellaire and Becca Carey’s Absolute Wonder Woman It’s already one of my favorite Wonder Woman stories of all time.
The Absolute Universe gave Thompson and Sherman the creative freedom to reimagine Diana in a completely new way while preserving her long history, as the original Diana Prince and her classic origin still exist in the main DC Universe. However, despite all the new features that the duo brings to Absolute Wonder Woman, they also brought back a bit of the old, reviving one of my favorite pieces of Diana – Pegasus lore.
Pegasus returns Absolute Wonder Woman #1 with Hellish Makeover (literally)
Diana’s white-winged horse, once immaculate, is now an undead creature from hell
Pegasus, originally born from Medusa’s neck, was once Wonder Woman’s loyal white-winged horse before eventually transforming into her now-iconic Invisible Jet. Although Pegasus hasn’t appeared in his horse form in mainstream continuity for some time, he technically remains present as the jet in Tom King’s film. Wonder Woman series. This transformation from winged horse to Invisible Jet occurred in Wonder Woman #128 (1962) by Robert Kanigher and Ross Andru, when, in gratitude for being rescued by Diana, Pegasus pledged his service and adapted to the modern world as her Invisible Jet.
In Absolute Wonder Woman #1, however, Pegasus returns as a winged horse, but has undergone a dramatic transformation that matches Diana’s new origin story. Created in Hell by the witch Circe, this version of Wonder Woman has a Pegasus who is also a creature from Hell, now portrayed as a skeletal undead horse with blackened bones and glowing red eyes. Despite these intense changes, Pegasus still sports a pair of feathered white wings, creating a vivid contrast to his mysterious new form.
While I’ve always loved the original Pegasus, I’m especially drawn to this new version. As blasphemous as it may sound, I think I might actually prefer this version. The design is a big part of my preference, but I also love how Thompson turned Pegasus into more than just a mount, creating a dynamic between Diana and Pegasus that feels like a true partnership as they fight side by side. I also like the fact that this Pegasus has an emerging personality – when Diana orders him to do a perimeter sweep, he snorts as if to say: “Don’t send me.”
Absolute Pegasus has a new ability that the original never had
Pegasus debuts his hellfire breath in an epic battle
Coupled with his tough, undead look and the beginnings of a striking personality, This version of Pegasus features another difference from the original – he can spit hellfire. While not explicitly confirmed, Sherman’s art shows Pegasus releasing flames at the massive herald, and since he comes from Hell, it’s safe to assume those flames are hellfire. This is a major upgrade from the original Pegasus, whose abilities were limited to immortality, super speed, and flight. It will be exciting to see if Absolute Pegasus has even more unique powers in store.
Absolute Pegasus isn’t the first time Wonder Woman’s winged horse has returned to comics
Pegasus received a post-apocalyptic update in Wonder Woman: Dead Land
The return of Pegasus in Absolute Wonder Woman #1 is not the first time that the winged horse has reappeared in comics with a less than lifelike appearance. He notably reappeared in Wonder Woman: Dead Land (2020) — the post-apocalyptic Black Label series that follows Diana as she navigates the wasteland that was once Earth. However, instead of the majestic winged creature fans are used to, Pegasus mutated due to nuclear fallout, resulting in a distorted redesign marked by gaping lacerations. While I thought this version of Pegasus was epic, I’m thrilled to say that Absolute Wonder Woman taking on Diana’s companion is even more intriguing.
ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #1 is now available from DC Comics!
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ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN #`1 (2024) |
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