REVIEW: ‘Absolute Power: Task Force VII’ Issue #1

Absolute Power: Task Force VII #1 is published by DC Comics, written by Leah Williams, art by Cailtin Yarksy, colors by Alex Guimarães and Dave Sharpe. This is part of the Absolute Power event. Amanda Waller sends one of her Amazo robots, one filled with Kryptonian powers, after Billy Batson and Mary Marvel, leading to a wave of destruction being torn through the Rock of Eternity.

The concept of this tie-in is interesting, framing the hunt of superheroes through the eyes of the emotionless villain. The mission briefing is quick, which fits the comic’s pacing. Williams keeps the book moving forward, whether the story follows the hunter or the hunted. There is a feeling of inevitability within Absolute Power: Task Force VII #1, with a relentless figure carving its way through one of DC’s most secure and famous locations. Once the fighting starts, it becomes constant, with different figures emerging to face Amzao and protect the children.

There are some questionable moments. For example, there are some spoilers for pieces of the crossover that haven’t yet happened, which is never easy to coordinate during these vast stories. But also, the final moments of battles are skipped over to switch to the next scenes, hiding moments of brutality. This is even the case for the ending, where the ultimate confrontation between Last Son, the Amazo robot, and Billy is cut off rather suddenly. Whilst it adds mystery to the status of the characters caught in the battles, it lacks finality or payoff.

The characters and the dialogue are interesting. The character carving through the Rock of Eternity looks like a heartless, soulless, killing machine at first. But a twist within the plot makes the chase so much more enjoyable. Whilst committing horrible acts, Last Soul is spitting out righteous and heroic schpiel. It speaks like the hero on a quest, like an arrogant medieval king who can’t respond to any stimulus. This dialogue is haunting, especially when it’s coming while the robot is potentially slaughtering well-known and beloved characters.

It is not just Mary and Billy who are in trouble; others within the mystical haven find themselves in danger. It is fascinating to see familiar faces come to the children’s aid, giving everything to protect them. It may take a small amount of knowledge of the current, ongoing Shazam! series, but it is not vital.

The art is magnificent, delighting in fear and chaos. The design of Last Son is outstanding. It has all the attributes of a Kryptonian without revealing too much. With only eyes on display, the faceless features add a cold and expressionless stare that removes any chance of reasoning with the robot. Yarksy has their unique style, yet many of the character designs show love and tribute to Dan Mora’s work during his work on Shazam! The zaniness of that series is brought crashing down to Earth with the very real danger that Last Son brings.

The location looks stunning and immaculately detailed as it’s being torn apart and the fighters use the environment to their advantage. As Last Son faces a different opponent, its immense power is phenomenal and expertly depicted by Yarsky. It comes up against various power sets and sizes, yet all of them pale in significance to it.

The colors are also brilliant. The landscape of the Rock of Eternity is nicely textured yet features a dull tone. This allows for the shades of the characters and the powers that they exude to pop more vibrantly than they would if they were in a brighter location. The blending of the colors across the issue is terrific. The lettering shows some commitment to consistency, translating the same fonts and styles the characters use in their own comic. Each custom word balloon, including Last Son, is created to emphasise a voice and does so successfully.

Absolute Power: Task Force VII #1 attempts to be ruthless. The issue is an exciting and dramatic brawl through an iconic location. Using the Rock of Eternity as the first battleground for the tie-in suggests that no place is immune from the Amazo robots and Waller’s wrath. The fights are spectacular, and there is a curious subplot laced within, as Last Son has echoes of personality. It may lack a satisfying finishing blow, but it’s an excellent beginning to an event that has been immensely exciting.

Absolute Power: Task Force VII #1 is available where comics are sold.