I assume this whole story will set up a more appropriate introduction of our hero. Great villains make for great heroes as they say. What’s disappointing is I don’t get to enjoy seeing our Green Lantern in action like previous Absolute heroes. Although the Absolute series is a reboot of classic DC origin stories, each retelling features a hero well versed in their abilities and overall mission. Al Ewing, on the other hand, submits a story that does not showcase our hero at all. A decision that deftly avoids any critique of her abilities. Is this a ploy to diffuse DEI rhetoric? Possibly. I’m willing to give Ewing the benefit of the doubt. However, he has a lot to prove with issue 2.

Beneath the action and intrigue, there are layers of sexual tension and identity politics you’d normally find in cinematic storytelling. It sounds like a lot, but the Cokers weave it all together beautifully, like a multi-layered song. The book opens with a chaotic robbery in Soho, London, then seamlessly transitions to a childhood memory in Benin City, Nigeria. We’re then dropped into a London gallery, a scene that will remind readers of Michael B. Jordan’s powerful moment in Black Panther, where he reclaims his own legacy in a similar British museum —a theme that echoes throughout this book.

Building upon the groundwork laid in the 2023 Marvel Voices #1 (Free Comic Book Day) short story, Bad Chemistry delves deeper into the history of Ironheart’s nemesis, Khem, revealing her intricate connection to the villain Chemistro (First appearance Hero for Hire, 1974). Jennings’ signature approach of revitalizing classic, lesser-known Bronze Age characters, as seen in Ghostlight, is once again on display. Jennings’ meticulous research, a hallmark of his work, shines through in the story’s depth. Morales complements this with deft handling of both flashback sequences and dynamic action scenes.

So, what is Monkey Meat? Just as Donald Glover’s Atlanta is a surrealist take on the movie Friday, Ba’s Monkey Meat is a surrealist take on Disney’s Moana. In the first issue of Monkey Meat: Summer Batch we are reintroduced to Thaddeus Lug, a god-like being similar to Disney’s Maui, whose soul is in the clutches of a ruthless corporation. Ba explores the potential consequences of this Faustian bargain, mirroring Disney’s own appropriation of folklore for commercial gain. The result is a story that is both tragic and humorous in spite of itself. Ba furthers this idea with the introduction of Monkeagle and Monkey-Girl, a parody of Batman and Robin. In their story, Ba suggests that both superhero and fan are ultimately shackled to each other. An arrangement that seems innocent enough until the two somehow gain sentience and demand to be set free.