John Dodge is an MTV Writer for CBR who specializes in movies, television, comics, and pop culture. He has a deep knowledge of franchises like Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Marvel, and DC Comics, along with a passion for indie and horror titles. An expert on obscure productions from the ’80s and ’90s, John is known for his encyclopedic recall of cult classics like Beetleborgs.
Two of the Absolute Universe's most powerful heroes have finally teamed up under some truly fantastic circumstances.
In a preview of Absolute Wonder Woman #15 (by Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman, Jordie Ballaire, and Becca Carey) from DC Comics, readers see the titular hero make her way to Gotham City in pursuit of answers regarding a recent string of murders bearing the Mark of Hecate. And, while Diana doesn't know exactly where to look for the fabled Batman for help, she knows exactly how to use her magic to send him a signal.
Absolute Wonder Woman #15
- Written by KELLY THOMPSON
- Art by HAYDEN SHERMAN
- Colors by JORDIE BELLAIRE
- Letters by BECCA CAREY
- Main cover art by HAYDEN SHERMAN & JORDIE BELLAIRE
- Variant covers by KYUYON EOM; DERRICK CHEW; and LEIRIX
The Absolute Wonder Woman's version of the Bat-Signal is just the latest in a long line of iterations of the concept. The very first Bat-Signal was introduced in Jack Schiff and Bob Kane's opening story from Detective Comics #60, "Case of the Costume-Clad Killers," all the way back in 1940.
While the Bat-Signal has long been a fixture of various Batman storylines, it has also played a bigger role than merely calling upon the Dark Knight on numerous occasions. One of the most iconic instances of this was when Commissioner Gordon destroyed the Bat-Signal in Batman: Shadow of the Bat #28 by Alan Grant and Bret Blevins after becoming suspicious that Batman, then Jean-Paul Valley, wasn't himself.
Although the Absolute Wonder Woman took it upon herself to seek out Batman's help, her visit to Gotham City was largely orchestrated by none other than Veronica Cale. Like previous mainstream iterations of the character, who were corporate executives and genuinely genius scientists in their own rights, the Veronica Cale of the Absolute Universe is the Director of G.A.T.E.S., as well as the national security advisor to the President of the United States.
This unique position of power has made Veronica Cale of the Absolute Universe one of the most formidable foes the Absolute Wonder Woman could ever imagine going up against. Despite having no real powers of her own to speak of, Veronica Cale commands what may as well be limitless resources and has proven her might by imprisoning numerous DC Icons as part of her efforts to maintain the status quo on her world.
Perhaps Cale's biggest claim to fame so far is being largely responsible for bringing together the various villains who now comprise the Absolute Universe's Justice League. Among its members so far are Cale herself, along with Doctor Elenore Thawne, Hector Hammond, Ra's al Ghul, and the Joker. Also on the roster, at least potentially, is Lex Luthor, who was seen receiving a phone call with an offer from the group, albeit without ever offering a definitive answer of his own.
Absolute Wonder Woman #15 goes on sale December 24 from DC Comics.
Writer Greg Rucka, William Moulton Marston, Joye Hummel, Robert Kanigher, Dennis O'Neil
Penciler Harry G. Peter, Ross Andru, Mike Sekowsky, Don Heck, Ric Estrada, Curt Swan, Irv Novick, John Rosenberger, José Delbo, Gene Colan,
English (US) · 