Black Adam #1: Feel the Power

This is an interesting time for the DC Universe. Dark Crisis is looking to be an exciting event, though we are still in the early weeks of it. With the Justice League as we know it gone for now, Black Adam was looking to be one of the few “heavy hitters” still in play. That is until Black Adam #1. Written by Christopher Priest, illustrated by Rafa Sandoval and Matt Herms on art and coloring duties respectively, and lettered by Willie Schubert, the new 12-issue limited series follows Black Adam and the successor to his power, Malik White. 

Black Adam #1 is a solid first issue to a series that looks like it will introduce a whole new Black Adam to readers. The gist of the issue is that Black Adam is infected with some type of plague and is dying and he must pass on his power to Malik. I think readers will find Malik funny and charismatic. I’m intrigued to see how he handles Black Adam’s power, but most of all, I am interested to see what he becomes with that power. There is a youthfulness to Rafa Sandoval’s art that works to the benefit of Priest’s direction by bringing on a young successor to Black Adam’s power. Matt Herms is a talented colorist that finds the balance between the serious tone of Black Adam and the lightheartedness of Malik.