REVIEW: ‘Absolute Power: Task Force VII’ Issue #2

Absolute Power: Task Force VII #2 is published by DC Comics, written by John Layman, art by Max Raynor, colors by Luis Guerrero and letters by Dave Sharpe. This is part of the Absolute Power event. Another one of Waller’s Amazo’s robots, Depth Charge, sets its sights on a new target for neutralisation: Atlantis.

Each chapter of this tie-in is a battle within a much greater war. It is clear that the Amazo onslaught is happening rapidly, almost simultaneously, across the planet. The comic has an interesting start, beginning after the first wave of the attack by Depth Charge. This has scattered the heroes and given the robot the chance to steal the powers that are now used for the rest of the comic. Like with the first issue of the tie-in, there is a general feeling of inevitability within this book. The Amazos are relentless and immensely powerful, robbing the heroes of their own powers.

The difference between the first chapter and this one is that there are more defenders here. Atlanteans and other characters that have found themselves underwater. But it matters little against Depth Charge. The danger is enormous, and the unpredictability of who may live and die fills every page with dread. The power theft from one of the major heroes creates a surprising complication that flips their entire concept upside down. Whilst the previous issue cut away just before a final blow, Layman is much more decisive, leading to some startling scenes.

The spirit of the Atlanteans shines through within Absolute Power: Task Force VII #2. They are resilient, territorial, and formidable. Even when facing an unstoppable foe, every single soldier at the bottom of the sea would fight until their last breath. Tempest, Aquaman, and Aqualad all appear in the book, and all share devotion to their home. But the frantic, scrambled nature of the event also migrates members from Doom Patrol into the issue. It doesn’t help much regarding reinforcements but diversifies the dialogue and generates an exciting situation.

This Amazo robot is much more terrifying than Fallen Son. That version generated a hero complex created by the nobility of the Kryptonian heroes who made up his abilities. This one is much darker. It may speak of peace and not wanting to cause harm, but his full force meets any form of resistance. This dampens the fierce spirit of the Atlanteans and causes some of them to change their minds.

The art is sensational, enhancing the sense of danger. The first page is an example of the destruction the Amazo robots cause. The battles between the robots and the superheroes are not bloody and visceral, but they are still brutal.  The force with which the characters go down and the potential ramifications of losing their powers create a remarkable intensity. Depth Charge is enormous and taller than the city itself. The sense of scale is phenomenal, making the odds seem even more impossible.

Depth Charge has the ability to communicate with aquatic animals, bringing a shiver of sharks into battle with him. Not only does it terrify the Ataltenas to see some of their previous creatures turned against them, but it is also an immensely hardcore image to see the sharks flank the humongous automaton.

The colors are also magnificent. Every panel contains distinct and interesting tones, making them battle against each other. This is present above the water but is most noticeable underneath it. The lights of Depth Charge and Atlantis generate an orange glow, shining into the dark blue sea. This makes it seem like the sunken city is burning. The letters are extremely efficient and always easy to read.

Absolute Power: Task Force VII #2 continues a ruthless rollout of robots. Viewing this event through the eyes of the monster hunting the heroes down exposes readers to sensational fight scenes and deeply uncomfortable scenarios. The robots are relentless, with no chance of negotiations or mercy. Even when the level of opposition rises, the results remain the same. And these aren’t just meaningless battles either. So far, both issues have spun out of the main book, showing how major players have been taken off the board. It’s a brilliant example of how this event intertwines the titles, with the creators moving as a singular entity.

Absolute Power: Task Force VII #2 is available where comics are sold.