Warning: Spoilers for Absolute Wonder Woman #2Steve Trevorhas finally made his debut in DC’s Absolute Universe, marking the highly anticipated arrival ofWonder Woman’siconic love interest. A pivotal character from Wonder Woman lore is at last being integrated into her bold new continuity, and Diana’s bond with Steve already differs from that of their original counterparts in compelling ways.
Absolute Wonder Woman#2 by Kelly Thompson, Hayden Sherman, Jordie Bellaire, and Becca Carey opens with a continuation of Wonder Woman’s fight against Harbinger Prime. Sheunleashes her powerful Nemesis Lassoagainst the monstrous creature, showcasing her newfound magical powers. As the bloody battle draws to a close and the dust settles, a familiar voice suddenly calls Diana’s name, leaving her stunned as she turns to face Steve Trevor.
As it turns out,the introduction of Steve Trevor to the Absolute Universe isn’t his first introduction to Wonder Woman, and their first proper meeting subverts their classic narrative in an intriguing rewrite of their romance.
Steve Trevor Makes His Absolute Universe Debut in a Major Rewrite of DC Lore
Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor had met before in DC’sAbsolute Universeprior to this initial encounter, evidenced by how they know each other’s names. In actuality, they meet for the first time during Wonder Woman’s yearsliving in Hell with Circe, whenSteve appears in the underworld under mysterious circumstances. He’s shocked when Diana informs him that he’s in Hell, having believed that he was a good enough person to not warrant such a fate. All is not lost, though, as he has Wonder Woman to keep him company until his eventual return to the living realm.
Absolute Wonder Woman’s New Origin Fixes the Biggest Problem with the Original’s Lore
Wonder Woman’s new origin story in the Absolute Universe rewrites a major flaw from other takes on her backstory, returning her to her feminist roots.
Wonder Woman and Steveforge a bond during his tenure in Hell, as Steve marvels at the witchy warrior. His awe is warranted, seeing asshe rescues him from the Hydra in a valiant display. On the flip side, Steve serves as Diana’s introduction to humankind, aligning with the core purpose of his character.Wonder Woman’s love for Steve Trevoris emblematic of her love for humanity, since it is through him that she sees the curiosity that defines the mortal experience and is thus further motivated to defend him and his kind - in every universe.
Wonder Woman’s Main Love Interest Is Already the Opposite of His Original Version
The Absolute Universe’s Steve Trevor Arrives Just as His Main Counterpart Dies
In DC’s primary continuity, Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor cross paths for the first time in 1941’sAll Star Comics#8by William Marston and Harry G. Peter, when Steve crashes onto the shore of Themyscira and is found by Wonder Woman. The meetings of these two pairs strike many near-identical notes as Absolute Wonder Woman discovers him ashore in the Wild Isle, despite the drastic change in setting. However, their true differences are found when comparing their present circumstances. Steve Trevor believes himself to be dead in the pages ofAbsolute Wonder Woman#2, buthis DC Universe counterpart is actually dead.
For more on Steve Trevor’s tragic demise in the main DC Universe - as well as the birth of his and Wonder Woman’s child - check outWonder Woman#14 by Tom King and Daniel Sampere, available now from DC Comics.
In “Elysium” fromWonder Woman#15 by Tom King and Khary Randolph, followingSteve’s untimely deathat the hands of the Sovereign, he ends up in an idyllic afterlife where he’s surrounded by everything he could possibly want - yet he isn’t satisfied. When asked what more he wants, Steve simply says, “Her.” One variant of Steve Trevor is miserable in Paradise without Wonder Woman, while another finds himself enjoying her company in Hell. These opposing visuals createa fascinating contrast between each of DC’s takes on Steve, redefining thisWonder Woman romancefrom one continuity to the next.
Absolute Wonder Woman May Soon Spark a Romance in DC’s New Universe
Will Wonder Woman Pursue Her Iconic Relationship with Steve Trevor?
Not every take on Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor’s relationship is inherently romantic, and they’ve both been involved with other people despite their deep history with one another. In DC’s post-Crisis era, Steve even married Etta Candy, and Wonder Woman has infamously shared arelationship with Supermanin DC’s New 52 continuity. Therefore,there’s no guarantee that the Absolute Universe will take a romance-oriented approach to Steve and Diana’s dynamic, as their relationship is powerful enough to transcend any singular label like “romantic” or “platonic”.
Wonder Woman and Steve Trevor’s bond - in whatever shape it manifests - remains as strong as ever in all reinterpretations of DC lore.
With that being said, there’s unmistakable chemistry between Absolute Wonder Woman and Steve during their interactions in this issue. Steve’s dreamy compliment about Diana’s eyes being “something else” suggests that he feels a stir of emotion in her presence. Likewise, Diana seems to be similarly moved by Steve, judging by her joyous reaction to seeing him again after such a long time. The full extent of their relationship has yet to be explored, but it’s clear thatWonder WomanandSteve Trevor’sbond - in whatever shape it manifests - remains as strong as ever in all reinterpretations of DC lore.
Absolute Wonder Woman#2is available now from DC Comics.
Wonder Woman
Wonder Woman is the superhero identity of Diana, Princess of the Amazons. Created on the island of Themyscira, Wonder Woman is a super-powered demi-goddess with extreme physical strength who utilizes magical gifts (like her famous Lasso of Truth) to defeat her foes. As mighty as her fellow heroes Superman and the Justice League, Wonder Woman is unmatched in her compassion and virtue.
