WARNING: Contains Potential Spoilers for Justice League Unlimited #1!
The aftermath of the Absolute Power crisis is still significantly influencing the DC Universe, as the Justice League grapples with the consequences of that catastrophic event months later. Particularly, the realm of superpowers is experiencing profound changes, prompting the League to launch an innovative initiative aimed at addressing these enduring effects.
The debut issue of Justice League Unlimited, crafted by Mark Waid and Dan Mora, plunges into the series’ core. It introduces an expansive roster of heroes from across the globe and showcases the newly designed Watchtower.
The new Justice League and Watchtower made their first appearance in the earlier DC ALL IN Special #1, illustrated by Joshua Williamson and Daniel Sampere. In contrast, Waid and Mora enhance this introduction through a lightning-fast tour led by none other than Wally “The Flash” West. During this journey, readers become acquainted with “The Atom Project,” an initiative focused on locating and restoring superpowers that were lost following their release from Amanda Waller’s power-draining Amazos, known as Task Force VII.
This project is poised to become a vital component of the Justice League’s storyline, with the potential to drastically alter the power dynamics within the DC Universe.
Recap of ABSOLUTE POWER: Understanding the Loss of Superpowers in the DCU
Cover I Raised UV Foil Variant by Yasmine Putri for Absolute Power #4 (2024)
The Absolute Power event was a significant summer crossover for DC, characterized by Amanda Waller’s declarations of war against heroes and metahumans. Teaming up with Failsafe and Brainiac Queen, Waller engineered a task force comprising six Amazo robots, each mirroring key members of the Justice League—Superman, Flash, Wonder Woman, Aquaman, Green Lantern, and Martian Manhunter. These Amazos efficiently siphoned powers from a vast number of DC’s heroes. Moreover, Task Force VII was instrumental in apprehending and imprisoning various metahumans, regardless of their heroic or villainous status.
Although many heroes lost their abilities, those that remained free banded together to challenge Waller and her Amazo-enhanced Task Force VII. This climaxed in a decisive confrontation in Mark Waid and Dan Mora’s Absolute Power #4, where Batman strategically unveils his plan to neutralize the Amazos. He indicates that their self-repair capabilities are derived from technology created by John Starr, a notorious scientist previously known for wielding a time-manipulating hourglass. According to Batman, this hourglass technology is crucial to the Amazos’ formidable prowess.
Utilizing Starr’s expertise, Batman engineered a device aimed at countering the hours within the Amazos, effectively reversing their power absorption process. This innovation ultimately liberated the stolen superpowers, reinstating them to their original users. Although most powers returned to the rightful heroes, some experienced a mix-up, landing in the hands of individuals who had never possessed them before, while others simply vanished. This scenario creates the foundation for The Atom Project, which aims to locate and recover these errant and missing abilities.
Which Characters Experienced Changes in Powers After Task Force VII’s Defeat?
Cover C Card Stock Variant by Carla Cohen for Superman #19 (2024)
Notably affected individuals in the wake of Absolute Power include Lois Lane, Black Canary, Plastic Man, Clock King, Ice, and Fire. The fire and ice duo has switched their powers; Plastic Man can now phase through solid objects, while Black Canary has developed laser vision. However, the most dramatic transformations occurred for Lois Lane and Clock King, both of whom transitioned from being ordinary humans to possessing superpowers. Unlike metahumans like Plastic Man, Black Canary, Fire, and Ice, who simply received alternate abilities, Lois Lane and Clock King are now newly empowered.
Traditionally depicted as a non-metahuman villain reliant on gadgets, Clock King’s character significantly evolves in light of Absolute Power, as revealed in John Layman and Pete Woods’ Titans comic. Clock King is now adept at manipulating both time and memory. Similarly, Lois Lane has acquired powers akin to her husband, Superman, marking her first foray into metahuman abilities. Although The Atom Project will likely attempt to revert traditional powers for heroes like Black Canary, Plastic Man, Fire, and Ice, it remains uncertain whether it will also seek to diminish Lois Lane’s new abilities.
Ryan Choi & Ray Palmer at the Helm of Justice League’s Atom Project: Stakes at an All-Time High
Main Cover by Dan Mora for Justice League Unlimited #3 (2024)
The Flash’s brief introduction of the Atom Project during the high-speed tour offers insightful context about the initiative. The primary objective is to track and restore the metahuman capabilities that were lost or mixed up following Amanda Waller’s Task Force VII defeat. As noted by Flash, the project is led by renowned scientists Ryan Choi and Ray Palmer, both of whom have worn the mantle of the Atom. With such considerable intellect at the forefront, the Justice League is applying its best resources to tackle this enormous responsibility.
Further details emerged from synopses for Justice League Unlimited #1 and #3. The synopsis for the first issue emphasizes the escalating stakes, ominously stating, “Ray Palmer’s Atom Project triggers a race between heroes and villains to control the fate of metahuman abilities on Earth, threatening everything the League has achieved.” This emphasizes that the ramifications of the project stretch beyond individual impacts, resonating throughout the larger community of Earth. Fans will also find that Plastic Man and Beast Boy join the Atom Project in issue #3, as they endeavor to address their newfound power complications.
The Crucial Role of the Atom Project in Shaping the DC Universe’s Future
Cover F 1:25 Wraparound Card Stock Variant by Fico Ossio for Justice League Unlimited #4 (2025)
As the Atom Project promises to shape the fate of metahuman powers on Earth, its potential influence reaches far beyond merely locating and restoring scrambled abilities. The technology devised for this initiative could further allow for the extraction of powers from individuals, returning them to their rightful owners. This dual capability presents a perilous advantage; should villains exploit this technology, they could seize heroes’ powers for their malicious agendas, threatening the very fabric of the DC Universe. Accordingly, the Atom Project is anticipated to unfold as one of the most significant storyline arcs within the Justice League, wielding the potential to redefine the entire hierarchy of the DC Universe.
Justice League Unlimited #1 is now available for fans from DC Comics!
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