Alright! Amanda Waller’s army of loose cannon robots have finally obtain the powers of the Justice League. Fortunately for our heroes, this includes a bulk of their morals and personalities. Yet, this hasn’t helped make Task Force VII’s newest Amazo any nicer. Let’s take a closer look below!
Destroying A Sisterhood
In spite of being the temporary hideout for our protagonists in the main series, the Amazo with Wonder Woman’s abilities leaves for Themiscyra. This new mission is partially to spite Queen Nubia for helping Nightwing in Absolute Power #3. As a result, Waller comes up with a sinister, if not wholly blasphemous hitlist for her android to pursue. Specifically, Waller desires access to the so-called “heart of paradise island” known only as “the well of souls.” Spookily, this somewhat deep cut location houses the souls of every woman who dies from “man’s violence.” Allegedly, the well serves as a way to reincarnate Amazons who have passed, but Waller only cares about the metahumans.
Like many of the others, this Amazo takes on Diana’s abilities, but doesn’t have much of her empathy. Even after reviewing Wonder Woman’s pixelated memories of wisdom from the women in her life (and Batman,) Amazo remains hardened. Rather, the android curiously interprets Diana’s respect for life as if killing is a respectable mercy. Consequently, it has virtually no qualms about killing or fighting any of the Amazons. Waller even tells it to gloat about “having to punish them” when it finishes the job. Ironically, it kills Amazons while only scanning and refusing to bother any non-threatening lifeforms.
What It Conquers, It Must Not Become
While the text enhances the character voice, the flowery dialogue not so fun to read. Stephanie Williams characterizes Amazo’s narration and speech pattern with a broad vocabulary and alliteration. Even if it intending to borrow Diana’s noble cadence, some of the language is overly descriptive. For instance, phrases like “apostle of restoration” or “arbiters of anomalous abilities” are stand-ins for Amazo and metahumans respectively. For the most part, Khary Randolph’s artwork is serviceable and often cool but warped. There are even cool imagery like the panel of Amazo resonating with Diana, emphasized by colorful metaphorical wavelengths. Still, some lettering and coloring effects lack clarity, such as panels of Nubia hitting the table with bright, flame-like effects that looks like sparks.
Lastly, this series is still chock full of incidental paradoxes. For one, just setting foot on Themyscira uninvited causes Jon Kent to expel the alien tech in Absolute Power #3, but Paradise Lost lands on the island unchallenged by whatever that magic was about. Additionally, Failsafe resets each Amazo’s subversive programing in the same issue. This may yet explain why this Amazo completes the mission without worrying signs of Diana’s heart and empathy. However, it is unclear if the paradox of absorbing “good guy morals” will continue to conflict with Waller’s contradictory “bad guy” intentions. At least in Paradise Lost’s case, it appreciates beauty and nature, but to quote Nubia, “violates their natural gifts” and kills.
Recommended If…
- You were intending to pick up each issue of Absolute Power and it’s tie-ins!
- Willing to read Tom King’s Wonder Woman next!
- You’re totally not sick of Themiscyra.
Overall
It is a shame when the Amazons dream of your arrival, meet to plan, and still can’t do anything. So far, each issue of Absolute Power: Task Force VII depicts a line wide series of losses. Worse still, enemies seemingly keep ransacking Themyscira every time it features in a comic book these days. Even if the losses are collective across DC, I think the Amazons are losing their integrity with comic readers. Also, the backup only exists to underwhelmingly set up Steve Trevor’s story in Wonder Woman #13. On a positive note, the serviceable artwork and Easter eggs of souls found in the well are actually exciting to see. Regardless of how superficial their use will end up being, the prospect of resurrecting a bunch of dead female characters sounds more interesting than the Amazo attacks. Overall, this was a not so fun comic, but an alright tie-in.
Score: 6/10
English (US) · 