Absolute Power: Task Force VII #1: A Brave New World

In the opening panels of Absolute Power: Task Force VII #1, Amanda Waller commands Parasite (the supervillain with the ability to absorb energy and powers) and Last Son (a power-absorbing Amazo robot with Superman-like powers) to track down the Shazam family—namely Billy Batson and Mary Bromfield—before they can recharge their powers. As it turns out, Billy and Mary are in the company of Mr. Dinosaur (the dino-shaped space being who works for the Auditors) at the Rock of Eternity (a structure at the intersection of space and time).

Absolute Power: Task Force VII #1 sets up an arc that focuses on the Amazos’ continued accumulation of power, but it also reveals the beginnings of some cracks in Amanda Waller’s plan for—as the title of the run suggests—absolute power. Not only does Last Son act unilaterally at times (the death of Parasite, for example) but he seems to malfunction when processing new information. When battling Last Son to protect the power housed at the Rock of Eternity, Black Adam suggests that Last Son inadvertently absorbs “other attributes” like morality when he acquires powers—-but Last Son lacks the “programming to adapt to feelings of guilt.” Steve Trevor’s dialogue later in the issue hints at further tension: “[Waller is] close to getting what she wants but doesn’t seem to give a damn about the global consequences.”

Though new readers can likely trudge through this issue without background knowledge, Absolute Power: Task Force VII #1 assumes readers have a general understanding of previous arcs, including parts of Shazam! Vol. 5, Wonder Woman Vol. 6, and—of course—Absolute Power. I suggest new readers start with the Absolute Power crossover event prior to tackling Task Force VII.

Caitlin Yarsky’s artwork supports the narrative well, but it doesn’t offer anything new. Most panels are sparsely detailed, offering little more than monotone backgrounds and dialogue bubbles. The issue’s pages are filled with close-ups and occasional superhero poses. Black Adam’s semi-sudden entrance is one of the issue’s only showstopper moments artistically, but even that whole-page scene feels somewhat underwhelming. Blue streaks of energy fill the page—thick zig-zagged lines in front of a blurred backdrop.

Leah Williams impressively integrates nuanced characterization when possible. Many characters—notably Last Son, Black Adam, and Parasite—benefit from Williams’s effective writing. Black Adam’s conversation with Last Son is expertly crafted, showcasing the internal weaknesses of both characters without sacrificing the pace of the fight.