“Powerless”
Writer: Mark Waid
Artist: Dan Mora
Color Artist: Alejandro Sànchez
Letterer: Ariana Maher
Review by James Attias
Absolute Power #1 is here, and in this instance, it takes a lot, and it gives me a bad feeling…
Before reading this review, which was written in shock and awe, be sure to read my review of Absolute Power: Ground Zero for context, plus even more shock and awe!
Generals Gathered in Their Masses
When it comes to DC’s big event books over the last few years, they feel like they start with an idea and then change course. This time around I was expecting something else and immediately blown out of the water. This book isn’t going to be Good vs Evil for the fate of humanity, no. This story’s got the greatest strategic minds in the DC Universe battling it out in the most important battle that our heroes have ever had to face.
Batman v Amanda Waller: No Holds Barred. Outside help is limited. Weapons: your mind and… anything else you can find. LET’S GO!
Red, White and Black and Blue
I just want to come out and say that Dan Mora’s been one of the best things to happen to comic book art in the last decade. Every hero looks how I picture them in my mind; the warmth of Superman’s smile, the fear in a Gotham goon’s eyes… I couldn’t be more thrilled that he’s the one drawing this event. If you’re one of my loyal readers, you know one of my favorite things is art consistency. I mean, it helps maintain the illusion! (Yes that was a Spider-Man 2 quote).
In terms of Mark Waid, how do you talk about a man who’s written some of the most important, iconic superhero stories of my lifetime? How do you put into scale how none of us can comprehend through what lens this man sees the Comic World? So many stories have been leading to this, so if it doesn’t live up to the hype then that will be the biggest shock of all.
Conclusion
Absolute Power #1 was more than a warning shot… it was a shot to the heart, on multiple fronts. Brace yourselves, loyal readers, the war has only just begun.
Images Courtesy of DC Entertainment