ABSOLUTE EVIL #1 – SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES

One year ago, a new world came into the forefront of comic fans. It represented a true form of evil. Darkseid has left the DCU and created a universe all his own.

This has produced bold versions of classic DCU heroes. Their journeys fight for truth, justice and a better tomorrow has become more deadly. Some would say it has been absolutely diabolical on their challenges.

With the heroes on the rise, how do their enemies maintain their control? By any means necessary.

ABSOLUTE EVIL #1 by Al Ewing, Giuseppe Camuncoli, Stefano Nesi, Romulo Fajardo Jr. & Tom Napolitano welcomes in a new phase of terror into the Absolute Universe.

The book is making a ton of buzz so one review won’t do it justice. It’s a triple threat of Megan (Vigilante Vibes Podcast), Matt (Hops Geek News) and Yours truly (Ken – ODPH Podcast/NI editor-In-Chief) on the call. HERE WE GO! *** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***

LET’S TALK STORY!

MEGAN: Absolute Evil #1 is the newest installment into the wild and chaotic Absolute Universe that have had comic books fans losing their minds with excitement, understandably so. In Absolute Evil #1, we see just how different this world is compared to the usual DC storylines, and it’s handled elegantly by Al Ewing.

Starting the book off with seeing a very familiar face, which is a comforting feeling, but then it all takes a very dark turn all because of an extremely top secret meeting. This meeting, which guests include the likes of Ra’s al Ghul, Elenore Thawne, and others, are there to discuss slowly but surely losing control of the world at the hands of these superpowered beings that have caused constant chaos. In order for control to be regained, the most unexpected characters must join forces, whether they like it or not.

ABSOLUTE SUPERMAN!

MATT: Seeing the Absolute universe converge into this intricate web injects even more juice into a series that was already running at full steam. This world is vastly different than what we are used to, and seeing the evil side of things and who is working together continues to separate itself from the norm. I was not ready for the dark reveal that took place during the meeting, and Al does an incredible job dropping that on us, as it is not going to be something you see coming, I promise.

The final page, however, is going to be the talk of the town this week, as it comes so far out of nowhere that I felt an audible gasp escape. The pieces are in place, and what remains to be seen is just what will happen next.

KEN: What a tangled web has been spun here. Ewing throws in many combustible elements into this twisted view. The opening depicts a seedy tone as some familiar faces enter the picture. The writing moves events into the new dynamics of relationships. One that is very similar to previous times is that of Oliver Queen. Readers see how Mr. Queen tries selling the notion of fighting the good fight. Unfortunately, no one is buying.

This becomes very crystal clear when a meeting takes over. Featuring the very elite of rogues, readers watch as the egos becomes enamored at their past and future. Ewing takes chances with new visions of more heroes. This drives home how vastly different this world is.

ABSOLUTE BATMAN!

It takes a backseat to a very violent delivery. Readers can only watch in shock as the meetings’ proposal takes a grim twist. As intense of a point this makes, one character steps into an unimaginable role. The unlikely voice of reason starts breaking down more possibilities. A sharp delivery moves the dialogue into a new area. This pushes the dire agenda into the closing pages. Once their vision lays its foundation, a starling reminder is given. There is no happy ending in sight. All that fuels this universe is the quest for power. It is a true reflection of its creator.

Readers won’t be able to comprehend the final page. It is quite the mic drop moment. Had it not be for the epilogue, this would be the buzz of this book. A very polarizing figure makes his way into this landscape. What he represents for this world remains to be seen. No one will mind the wait as a future uncertain will have them locked in.

HOW ABOUT ART & LETTERING?

MEGAN: Giuseppe Camuncoli and Stefano Nesi capture the darkness and the grimness that comes hand in hand with the Absolute Universe. While the action of the story was shown on a tv screen, the artists were able to shoe the powerful and exciting work from Absolute Wonder Woman and others while maintaining the more gritty energy of the comic. Along with Camuncoli and Nesi, Romulo Fajardo Jr. handles the colors, and as usual, knocks it out of the park. Fajardo was able to keep the menacing vibe that drips throughout the story, that matched extraordinarily well with the artists drawings.

Tom Napolitano is the letterer of Absolute Evil #1, which means the lettering will be top notch in terms of quality. Napolitano is able to create a perfect flow in the dialogue, while making each sentence feel heavy with power.

MATT: Giuseppe and Stefano go extremely hard in this issue and stamp their footprint onto the universe. They do a great job bringing in the past and melting together flashbacks as well as various characters from the other Absolute comic runs that are going on. Braniac may have been one of the most grotesque pieces of art, as he is a figure that appears to be decaying flesh and full of horror. There will be a lot of shocking panels and splash pages throughout this run if what they gave us a taste of in this issue is to go by.

KEN: Camuncoli and the art team spare no expense as they unveil this dark world. The throwback opening full page teases enough for a larger payoff later. There is a sense of normalcy with Oliver Queen. Seeing his reactions when “Jubal” is mentioned highlights his anger. This moves away when the business meeting starts taking shape. The near full page panel brings the major players into the very dangerous spotlight.

ABSOLUTE WONDER WOMAN!

Blending in brutal flashbacks along with present day reveals, the art shines. It brings more gravity to the uneasy proposal. Readers watch as their view of the hero counterparts slips further from their hold. It conveys the dangerous threat they present. This all goes up a few levels with a brutal two page splash.

There is no way to hide the cold visuals. It sinks further into reality with a voice grabs the floor. Watching this person’s expressions start to slowly break sends a message of dangerous consequences. This moves events into a huge two page splash. The meeting has spawned a greater threat than previous thought. Its’ epilogue can make a run for that claim. Readers watch as a new player enters via full page panel. How the heroes will respond here is anyone’s guess.

OVERALL GRADE: 9.4/10

MEGAN: 9/10. The menacing energy throughout the comic leaves you on the edge of your seat the entire time, anxiously waiting to see what’s next. This is an excellent addition to the Absolute Universe. The creative team hit a homerun with their work on Absolute Evil #1.

MATT: 9.5/10. Absolute Evil #1 is full of sinister voices plotting out something big in this world. It is full of shocking moments as they set the stage in a very big way. The team announces that evil is very much here and present, just wait for that final page!

KEN: 9.5 The rise of good in the Absolute Universe causes much concern for a few major players. Ewing crafts a dark vision of control and conquest with the writing. Camuncoli and co. press into the look of Evil for a chapter that sets the table for a larger feast in the making. Just wait for that last page…

Let us know your thoughts on Absolute Evil #1 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!