Absolute Wonder Woman # 16 Cover C Mark Brooks Variant Second Printing 2026 BN

Absolute Wonder Woman # 16, released by DC Comics on January 28, 2026, is titled "Magic is a Fickle Thing" and is the start of the new story arc "Season of the Witch". This issue is a crucial turning point, as Diana is confronted by the powerful magician Zatanna, who is working against her. 

"Magic is a Fickle Thing" 

The issue picks up after Diana's escape from the mysterious Area 41 maze and the defeat of the Tetracide threat. Diana is trying to reconcile her personal mission with the public role of a superhero. 

• Steve Trevor's Crisis: The issue opens with Steve Trevor facing a court-martial for his actions in defying military orders to help Diana in the first arc. His devotion to Diana is highlighted, as his military career is on the line.
• A Public Figure: Wonder Woman's fame is growing rapidly in the "Absolute Universe," which went from having no heroes to one in the spotlight. She attends a ribbon-cutting ceremony at a museum, where her public presence is celebrated.
• Zatanna's Arrival: The celebration is interrupted by the arrival of Zatanna Zatara, the fan-favorite magician, who is introduced not as an ally, but as a formidable antagonist. Zatanna leads the newly debuted Absolute Suicide Squad, a team assembled by the main villain, Veronica Cale.
• A Magical Showdown: Zatanna subdues Diana's magic immediately, proving to be one of the deadliest enemies Diana has faced yet because she is able to turn Diana's own magic against her. The issue sets up a high-stakes magical conflict and a personal rivalry between the two powerful women. 
• Writer: Kelly Thompson
• Artist: Hayden Sherman
• Colors: Jordie Bellaire
• Letters: Becca Carey
• Publisher: DC Comics 

First Appearances 

• Zatanna Zatara: This is the first full appearance of the Absolute Universe version of Zatanna, though she previously had a cameo in issue #12. She is introduced as a powerful antagonist and a prisoner of Veronica Cale, leading the new Suicide Squad.
• The Absolute Suicide Squad: The issue marks the first team appearance of this new iteration of the villain team.
• Absolute Doctor Poison: A new version of the classic Wonder Woman foe.
• Absolute Giganta: A new version of another classic villain, appearing as part of the team.
• Absolute Cheetah: This is a version of Cheetah different from Barbara Minerva (who is a friend of Diana in this universe), introduced as part of the Absolute Suicide Squad.
• Absolute Queen of the Kappa: A new, unnamed character in the form of a fish-woman, teased as being the Queen of the Kappa from Japanese legend.