Absolute Power: Ground Zero #1: Just the Start

“Absolute Power” is set to be the next event in Dawn of DC. Readers had an initial look with Free Comic Book Day 2024: Absolute Power Special Edition, but with the release of Absolute Power: Ground Zero #1, readers get a much closer look at the characters involved, their alliances, and just how everything sets into motion. The issue is separated into three parts: Stage One, Stage Two, and Stage Three. Each stage follows Amanda Waller and her actions as she sets the stage for what is to come next. Stage One is written by Nicole Maines and Mark Waid, illustrated by Skylar Patridge, colored by Patricio Delpeche, and lettered by Steve Wands. With Mark Waid writing the main Absolute Power book set to release in July, this issue benefited from his involvement in Stage One and Stage Two. Stage One depicts Amanda Waller forcing Dreamer to capture Jay Nakamura. This section establishes that Waller is up to her old tricks, but demonstrates the desperation of those forced to participate. Dreamer only helps Waller to protect her family, but in doing so Jay’s mother is murdered. Skylar Patridge’s art works well with the writing and does an especially powerful job of depicting the range of emotions going on between Dreamer and Jay. 

Stage Two is written by Chip Zdarsky and Mark Waid, illustrated by V. Ken Marion, colored by Patricio Delpeche, and lettered by Steve Wands. In this section, Waller enlists, or forces, John Starr into repairing Failsafe. V. Ken Marion’s art is especially effective in this section. It establishes both Waller and Failsafe as terrifying presences and perfectly captures the panic and desperation of Starr, who falls right into Waller’s lap after an escape attempt. Zdarsky and Waid cleverly show how prepared Waller is and how much of a threat Failsafe is still. Things are bad now but will get much worse. Delpeche’s colors are fantastic in Stage Two and work extremely well with Marion’s style.

Stage Three is written by Joshua Williamson, with art by Gleb Melnikov, and lettered by Steve Wands. Stage Three depicts Waller intercepting the Brainiac Queen and with the help of Failsafe, running a simulation where Waller raises her in the same vein as Clark Kent’s upbringing, but turning her against the heroes. Gleb Melnikov’s art is fantastic and fun and does such a wonderful job depicting the twenty simulation years in a short amount of time. Williamson’s writing is solid and just as strong as the first two stages despite the absence of Waid. Williamson is no stranger to orchestrating a big event, so this section was in good hands and sets some interesting things up that will carry over to the main event and the Superman tie-ins. With this section, Williamson and Melnikov do an effective job showing the lengths that Waller will go through for her goals to be met.