Wildstorm comics have a legacy of interweaving espionage with superheroes. The characters from the Wildstorm universe fit wonderfully into the clandestine operations of many of the DCU’s secret organizations. Blending these elements, Waller vs. Wildstorm #1 sees Amanda Waller facing off against Stormwatch as she attempts to rise in power within Checkmate. Waller vs. Wildstorm #1, written by Spencer Ackerman and Evan Narcisse with art by Jesús Merino, inks by Vicente Cifuentes, colors by Mike Atiyeh, and letters by Dave Sharpe, introduces readers to a black-ops drama set in DC’s past.
It’s the early 1980s, and the Cold War is nearing its end as another covert battle begins to simmer. Checkmate — the only intelligence agency legally sanctioned to utilize metahuman power — is threatened by disorder as Amanda Waller ruthlessly climbs through the ranks. Jackson King, aka the armored Battalion, approaches Lois Lane to investigate and expose Waller’s crimes. As the issue unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear how systemic the problems plaguing Checkmate are. The characters all want to do the right thing, but they have startlingly different definitions of what the right thing is.
The writers do an exceptional job creating the world in which this story takes place. The real-world context of the setting automatically establishes the heightened political tensions and takes things to the next level with superheroes. It’s palpable how much Ackerman’s experience reporting on national security influences this story. The commentary on how organizations like Checkmate operate feels prescient, regardless of the superpowers accompanying the display. Characters make firm decisions, each consistent with their own beliefs, that create a compelling conflict.
Merino delivers a visually engaging issue from cover to cover. Exchanges of dialogue are rendered with nuanced emotion, clearly conveying each character’s feelings. A few sequences rely entirely on the art, and they are simply stunning. The emotion and drama portrayed across those pages are enough to stop readers in their tracks. The action when characters clash is legible and bombastic as it takes over the page.
Atiyeh’s colors bring the issue to life. Some members of Stormwatch and Checkmate have wonderfully designed, ultra-vibrant costumes that stand out brilliantly. When bullets and energy blasts fly, the hues used for each glow with power. Sharpe’s lettering is consistent across the board. The speech bubbles are mostly normal, with certain words accented for added emphasis. Sound effects for explosions and gunfire add another layer of atmosphere.
This book has something to say and knows exactly how it wants to say it. It drops readers into a world rife with political conflict and shows how dangerous unchecked power can be. Amanda Waller is a force of nature in the DCU, and that knowledge looms over this story with a sense of impending doom. The threads woven here are intricate and immediately captivating in their construction. With Waller vs. Wildstorm #1, Ackerman, Narcisse, and the rest of the creative team deliver a striking first issue full of action, intrigue, and betrayal.
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