Absolute Wonder Woman #19 Ending Explained: What Is the Iron Maiden?

With the release of issue #19 of Absolute Wonder Woman, we finally saw how the Troika Lasso was able to free Giovanni Zatara from the control of Veronica Cale, and how Zatanna managed to finally reunite with her father. The issue also revealed that one of the reasons why Diana is so charismatic is due to her being imbued with a piece of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, beauty, and desire.

But it was during the ending panels that a whole new threat was introduced by Cale to bring the Amazonian warrior down once and for all, which was none other than the introduction of the Iron Maiden into the Absolute Universe.

Thus, after reading the latest installment in the series, which you can by form authorised resellers like GlobalComix, let’s take a look at what the Iron Maiden is.

Absolute Wonder Woman #19: Diana Goes up Against the Iron Maiden

Through the help of the Troika Lasso, which makes the one wrapped in its clutches face the crossroads of their choices, Giovanni Zatara was finally able to be freed from his Burning Man form and reunited with his daughter, Zatanna.

But like the persistent antagonist she is, Veronica Cale wants her assets back in her possession, which is why she orders the deployment of the Iron Maiden, which is revealed in its full mechanical six-legged glory. And just like what the Absolute Universe is known for, this character is completely twisted and reimagined from its mainline counterpart for this continuity.

In the mainline DC Universe, the Iron Maiden was a title given to a female warrior named Valda, who hailed from Europe and was clad head to toe in armor similar to the knights of ancient Europe, hence her title.

She was created by Roy Thomas as a supporting character for the main protagonist of Arak, Son of Thunder series, first seen in Arak, Son of Thunder #3, in November 1981. Here, she was a skilled hand-to-hand fighter and swordswoman, whether it be on the ground or horseback.

Over the years, through many iterations and retcons, she was brought into the mainline DC Universe as an antagonist of Wonder Woman, as well as the Teen Titans. But now, in the Absolute Universe, in a stark contrast to her knightly form, the Iron Maiden is a humongous six-legged mechanical monstrosity that is tasked with capturing Giovanni and Zatanna, which Diana isn’t eager to let happen.

Diana’s Ultimate Sacrifice Will Be In Absolute Wonder Woman #20

With the introduction of the Iron Maiden in the Absolute Universe, the upcoming Absolute Wonder Woman #20 is gearing up to conclude the ‘Season of the Witch’ arc. And according to the official description (via League of Comic Geeks), this issue will see Diana making the ultimate sacrifice, fighting alongside Zatanna, to save her and her father and defeat Cale in a war she waged.

The upcoming issue is also said to be setting up plot points and narratives for the next arcs in the series, as it claims many entities have their vested interest in Wonder Woman and her existence, which will be revealed. At the same time, we may also get to know the fate of Dr. Barbara Minerva, who was kidnapped by Giganta in issue #19 on the orders of Cale.

Here’s an overview of Absolute Wonder Woman #20.

Expected Release Date	May 27, 2026
Creative Team	Writer: Kelly Thompson Artist: Hayden Sherman Colorist: Jordie Bellaire
Publisher	DC Comics

What are your expectations for the upcoming issue? Tell us in the comments below.

Absolute Wonder Woman is now available on DC Universe Infinite.