The rise of superheroes in the Absolute Universe has not only captured global attention but also unsettled those who secretly wield power. Figures like Ra’s al Ghul, Veronica Cale, Elenore Thawne, Hector Hammond, and the enigmatic Joker have long pursued their own agendas. Still, the growing presence of costumed champions forces them to reconsider their approach and forge uneasy alliances.
Yet danger brews within, as betrayal threatens to unravel their plans from the inside. If they fail to act, the world they’ve treated as their personal playground may slip from their grasp. With writer Al Ewing and artist Giuseppe Camuncoli at the helm, this new chapter launches with jaw-dropping surprises, striking character debuts, and a game-changing twist that will reshape everything to come.
DC promised big changes this October, and it all begins with Absolute Evil #1. This one-shot shifts the focus to the villains in what feels like a stage-setting chapter. Up to now, the Absolute Universe has centered on the rise of heroes standing tall against overwhelming odds, but this issue suggests that the forces of power have grown restless and are now convening for their own purposes.
This issue kicks off with the first glimpse of this world’s JSA, delivering an emotional gut punch centered on one character. Shortly after, we meet Oliver Queen, who remains heroic but carries a darker, more ruthless edge, teetering on the brink as he prepares to confront a fellow billionaire whose horrific deeds will strike a familiar chord for anyone tuned into current events. Despite these introductions, the core of the story revolves around a gathering of some of the most dangerous and unscrupulous figures in the universe.
The story then continues its focus on Hector Hammond, who makes his way to a gathering with Ra’s al Ghul, Veronica Cale, Elenore Thawne, and the Joker. A large portion of the issue is devoted to revisiting the heroes of this universe and detailing where their journeys have taken them. Presented through Veronica’s use of a screen, it feels as though readers are sitting in on a briefing that charts the rise and fall of superheroes. For anyone curious about the Absolute Universe, this sequence serves as a rewarding recap, offering context for events leading up to the Trinity’s entrance. It also does an effective job of tying the different series together into a cohesive whole.
One of the most striking moments in the issue occurs when the Joker takes control of the meeting, using his arguments to expose the twisted logic underlying this universe. His perspective highlights just how warped the villains’ worldview has become, offering a chilling contrast to the values of the main DC universe while still feeling like a natural progression of their reasoning. Ewing’s dialogue remains sharp and compelling, keeping readers engaged even during exposition-heavy passages. The final pages ramp up the tension with one shocking revelation after another, teasing the first crossover and introducing a colossal new figure who defies expectations.
Giuseppe Camuncoli and Stefano Nesi handle the artwork, and the collaboration is so seamless it’s hard to distinguish where one ends and the other begins. The visuals succeed in bringing out the characters’ expressions and body language, even within the confines of a simple meeting room. While the setting naturally limits the art’s dynamic, the blame doesn’t fall on the artists. Hawkman’s unsettling design stands out, more monstrous than avian, and the reveal of the new villain’s headquarters adds an unexpected visual flourish.
Overall, Absolute Evil #1 acts as the unifying thread of the Absolute Universe, pulling together multiple storylines while casting its villains in a chilling new light. The issue leans heavily on exposition, often resembling a presentation, and the visuals feel confined, with much of the action taking place in a single room.
Yet despite these limitations, the sharp dialogue, seamless collaboration between Giuseppe Camuncoli and Stefano Nesi, and Joker’s commanding performance keep the narrative engaging. It also provides a helpful recap for both new and longtime readers, making it a solid setup chapter. While it lacks the earth-shaking impact DC initially teased, it succeeds as connective tissue and lays strong groundwork for what is still to come.
‘Absolute Evil’ #1 Review: A League of Their Own
Absolute Evil #1 acts as the unifying thread of the Absolute Universe, pulling together multiple storylines while casting its villains in a chilling new light. The issue leans heavily on exposition, often resembling a presentation, and the visuals feel confined, with much of the action taking place in a single room.
