REVIEW: ‘Absolute Power’ Issue #1

Absolute Power #1 is published by DC Comics, written by Mark Waid, art by Dan Mora, colors by Alejandro Sánchez and letters by Ariana Maher. This is the start of the blockbuster event of the year. Amanda Waller enacts the final stages of the plan, destroying the reputation of heroes and unleashing powerful enemies against them.

After a long build-up and gathering of resources, it is satisfying to see Waller’s moves finally be made. Through sneaky tactics and shady alliances, the head of the Suicide Squad has gathered an army and cut off the escape routes. Appearing in other books across the DC Universe, she causes problems and gains support for her anti-superhero agenda. Many of them came to fruition when Absolute Power launched. These threads coming into the book are helpful but not essential, as most are explained within these pages.

The pace rapidly rolls out the carnage. The devastation Waller unleashes happens quickly, with a feeling of dread and danger immediately erupting. Through deepfakes, Waller controls the media and spreads dangerous lies about all of the heroes, leading to violent retaliations. Those vicious opening blows quickly take many of the most important players off the board, showing ruthlessness within Waid’s writing. The stakes appear completely unbeatable, with some enormous surprises within.

Absolute Power #1 immediately spreads itself globally, implementing a global event. From Superman to Animal Man, Waller and her Trinity of Evil clamp down on all aspects of the superhero community. The panic that sets in within the strongest of heroes is jarring. It usually takes time to build to that, but the speed at which the organization sets in is alarming. Waid is one of the most experienced writers currently working and intrinsically knows most of these characters.

Waller is finding vulnerability within the strength of the superheroes. Her lack of emotion makes her extremely dangerous, and she has enough firepower to match her words now. Batman’s reaction towards the end of the issue fully cements her as a terrifying villain, one that  to outplay all of the greatest minds and most powerful bodies in the DC Universe.

The art is gorgeous. Mora has worked alongside Waid on series such as Batman/Superman: World’s Finest and Shazam, and that relationship translates perfectly over to the blockbuster event of the summer. Every one of the heroes and villains included looks incredible, and there are many that feature. They have their stature and superhuman qualities, but Mora’s art also humanizes them. This is important for one of the major concepts within the issue.

The general public, those that the heroes have sworn to protect, also look treacherous and threatening. The panic within the characters expertly plays on their faces. The villains are terrifying, and two of the significant elements are drastically different when it comes to design. Failsafe, a robot created by Batman but stolen by Waller, is sleek. In contrast, Brainiac Queen is all wires and chaos. The fight scene features brutal and distressing attacks on the heroes, an accurate statement of intent from the creators.

The colors are sensational. The brilliance of many hero costumes threatens to be submerged in the darkness of the situation. The shadows appear to get heavier as the book progresses, matching the mood of the opening issue. The colours intensify and embolden many of the powers and effects, especially during those final pages. The lettering is crisp and easy to read, which is crucial when so much is happening on the page.

Absolute Power #1 enters the endgame of events. This storyline is the culmination of years of hints and building, with Waller’s plan starting long ago. Waller has traversed the different titles, building armies and allegiances and setting plans in motion. The beginning of Absolute Power unleashes her final moves with an enormous magnitude that shatters the superhero community.

Enlisting a creative team that has spent years collaborating brings expertise and energy to Absolute Power #1, which is instantly noticeable. It’s an issue filled with shocks from start to finish, swinging with savagery. The writing and the art are phenomenal, presenting the brutality of Waller’s final moves with the ruthlessness they deserve. It’s not a chess game; it’s an onslaught.

Absolute Power #1 is available where comics are sold.