The biggest winners and losers from DC's Absolute Power

DC Comics’ Absolute Power event could be the crossover of the year. Considering what Marvel Comics did during Fall of X, that really says a lot. But it's true; readers saw amazing fights, the evolution of characters, and the fall of “The Wall” (Amanda Waller).

Now that the crossover is over, let’s take this opportunity to reflect on it, specifically looking at the winners and losers of this incredible comic book event.

Amanda Waller: Winner

Amanda Waller may have lost, but she’s a winner. It’s been a while since any human person has tested the superhero community like she did. The only other people who have are The Batman Who Laughs and Lex Luthor. Sure, she’s in Belle Reve and can’t remember the secrets she learned, but that’s temporary.

When she escapes, she’ll be more dangerous than ever. Waller will certainly have followers to help her and she won’t be held back by the government. By the end of 2025, we'll see Waller beginning her plan for payback.

Green Arrow: Winner

Oliver Queen is the black sheep of the Justice League. He’s defiant to the end, but his reasons usually make sense. In this case, he was 100% right. The heroes needed someone on the inside and he was the only one to do it.

Batman can say he should have told the team. But, as Martian Manhunter put it, Bruce can’t talk about people withholding information. 

Zatanna: Loser

Towards the end of Absolute Power Zatanna was the key to moving people around (this happens in Joshua Williamson's Superman No. 18). But, like all magic, it came with a price. It wouldn’t be an issue if Zatanna had access to her abilities. Since she didn’t, using the map to transport heroes was taken from her life.

Batman: Loser

Overall, Batman wasn’t a huge part of this series. He had his moments, but this wasn’t a story where he needed to be the center of attention. That’s not what makes him a loser here, however.

During Batman No. 152, the Dark Knight got Amanda Waller’s Mother Box. In the process, he let Darkseid know where Earth is. Accidental or not, getting Darkseid involved is a loss.

Red Tornado: Loser

Red Tornado was nearly destroyed during Absolute Power. Most people assumed he’d be back, but that isn’t the case. Superman says the veteran hero may be irreparable.

Red Tornado isn’t such an important character that he must come back. However, if he’s fixed, this writer believes he’ll return as a villain. That may be the best thing for him especially after Booster Gold and Blue Beetle talked about him (Superman No. 16)

Nightwing: Winner

Nightwing was in charge of protecting the world and stopped Amanda Waller during Beast World. This time, he led every hero on Earth and did a fantastic job. While everyone argued about who should lead, Dick Grayson took the reins. And, when it was time to get Waller on camera admitting her crimes, he did it flawlessly. This victory isn't possible without Dick Grayson.

Jon Kent: Loser

There’s a lot that Jon Kent has to deal with. First, there’s Dreamer. During his recovery, he had a moment with Dreamer and they looked closer than friends. It’s a problem because he’s in a relationship with Jay Nakamura.

Jay has a problem with Dreamer because she helps Amanda Waller invade his country and kill his mom. It was Waller's plan but that doesn’t matter to Jay; Dreamer helped her. Jay and Jon are supposed to move in together, but let’s see if that happens if Jon remains friends with Dreamer.

Dreamer: Winner and loser

You know when you don't know the name of a song and it’s at the tip of your tongue? It’s annoying, right? Now, imagine you’re in prison and the information you have that can get you out of prison is like the song you can’t quite remember. That’s what Dreamer did to Waller. The Wall can’t access any of the secrets she needs to blackmail her way out of Belle Reve.

Another win is that Dreamer is essentially immortal. As long as someone remembers and dreams of her, she can heal herself in a dream. That means she may never die. However, immortality can be a curse especially if you have to live with betraying your friends. She will never get over the thing she did while part of Waller's Suicide Squad.

Anyone who had their powers swapped: Winner and loser

When the characters of Absolute Power had their superpowers restored, it came with a twist as some heroes ended up with others' powers instead of their own. Depending on the power you get, this could go either way.

On one hand, you have new abilities that may fit you better. However, no matter what you receive, there’s an adjustment period. For example, Black Canary swapped her sonic scream for laser eyes. Her new abilities are more dangerous, but she’s had her scream for decades.

We’ll have to wait and see how this works out for everyone. Stay tuned to Bam Smack Pow to find out.