REVIEW: ‘Absolute Evil’ Issue 1

Absolute Evil Issue 1 is published by DC Comics and written by Al Ewing, art by Giuseppe Camuncoli and Stefano Nesi, colors by Romulo Fajardo Jr, and letters by Tom Napolitano.

The villains of the various Absolute series come together for a meeting to discuss the rise in superheroes that threatens their rule.

This issue is the first reminder in a long time that the Absolute Universe comics are all part of the same world. The books are so unique in their genres that it’s easy to forget they take place on the same Earth. Absolute Evil brings the vicious, sickening, and volatile enemies from the comics and puts them in one place. The first meeting between this gang of vile people is tense and intriguing. And then they begin discussing the history of the world. This is a planet where evil has already won.

Their capitalistic ways go unchecked, and they can kill and conquer whoever they like. The reason for this is that the heroes were never able to grow. There wasn’t an Absolute Silver Age, because it wasn’t allowed to happen. The exposition is bulky, but it’s mending and intriguing. So much of the foundations around the series are built, filling in cracks and extending bridges.

As the villains gather, a subplot unfolds beneath it. Another famous hero makes their Absolute debut. From their introduction, you may think that another series is about to spin off from this comic. But the ending is shocking, and a devastating statement of intent.

Ewing understands all of these characters perfectly, even if they are just borrowed from other books. There’s Ra’s Al Ghul from Absolute Superman, Elenore Thawne from Absolute Flash, Hector Hammond from Absolute Green Lantern, and Veronica Cale from Absolute Wonder Woman. Should others. They’re the perfect mix of muscle, money, brains, and political influence.

They control this world with a perfect but unfair order. They are all terrifying in their own way, especially Ra’s Al Ghul. But what makes them even scarier is that they genuinely believe they’re the heroes of this story. They present themselves as justice, and those that are popping up around the country are anarchic evil. The power dynamic is incredible, making the plight of these heroes even larger.

The art is phenomenal. The combination of Camuncoli and Nesi is terrific for bringing the characters in Absolute Evil Issue 1 to life. All of them have this dangerous, vicious look in their eyes that pierces the soul and reveals exactly what they’re thinking. The issue almost exclusively takes place inside a small boardroom, yet it’s still exciting. Likewise, most of the figures inside that room are just regular people in suits. However, they are also dangerous in other ways.

Ra’s Al Ghul has a magnificent design. His sheer size makes the others in the room smaller. He’s wearing glasses, but when he lowers them, there’s a murderous glare behind them. And on the screen behind them are old costumes, reimagined versions of classic heroes, with grizzly and unsettling fates. Each slide that references an existing comic emulates the art style of the primary artist on the book, which is a charming detail.

The colors work hard to make the boardroom less dull to the eye. Little flickers of brighter tones offset the beige and gray. Hector Hammond has a particularly garish suit, and even Ra’s has a red waistcoat that livens up the room. There is also a blue glow from the screen that provides some light. The lettering is very easy to read.

Absolute Evil Issue 1 reveals the fingers of the iron fist clenched around this Earth. It laces the books together fantastically and ingeniously. By doing this, it doesn’t affect the uniqueness of the series themselves, which has been their strength, whilst also connecting them. The villains in the Absolute Universe are merciless but are also clever and resourceful. They literally hold all the cards. The villains are combining, whilst the heroes are still fighting alone.

Absolute Evil Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.