There are eight billion people worldwide, and you can gift six superpowers. Who do you choose? Find out in The Ambassadors #1 by Image Comics!

THE AMBASSADORS #1 (OF 6)

Writer: Mark Millar
Artist: Frank Quitely
Colorist: Frank Quitely
Letterer: Clem Robins
Editor: Sarah Unwin
Publisher: Image Comics
Cover Price: $3.99
Release Date: March 28th, 2023

Previously in The Ambassador: Check out a new series by Mark Millar featuring six of the greatest artists in the industry. This one starts with Frank Quitely!

CHOOSE WISELY

Ambassadors #1 starts with a monkey in Mexico stealing from a vending machine and stopping a truck with telekinetic powers. The monkey is picked up by Agent Abraham Tomes and taken back to a testing lab. Meanwhile, a small plane notices a secret base in Antarctica before the pilot loses control of the ship. When they awaken, the pilot and passengers find themselves on a boat near China. Finally, we get to the main plot where Washington DC suits discuss their attempts to build a superman. However, this Superman was faked and was used as propaganda during the Cold War. However, they have learned a South Korean prisoner has managed to invent superpowers.

In South Korea, Doctor Chung created a separate body for herself, where she uploaded her intelligence. She then reveals to the world that she can give people superpowers. Her ex-husband wanted to use the powers for money, but Chung had a better idea. She will provide abilities to altruistic people around the world. Meanwhile, a team is trying to take out a man in South Africa, but he explodes their brain with merely a thought.

INTERESTING IDEAS

The main selling point of Ambassadors #1 is this rotating artist group. But that doesn’t really matter to me. I’m fascinated by this story and this idea of altruism. I’m reminded of the notion that power leads to corruption. This theme is constantly present in modern comics: people want more than they need.

On top of that, how does one define a good person? I’m interested in the choice of the adjective “altruism” used within the comic. My cynical nature makes me think that altruism doesn’t exist. And Doctor Chung seems to be a complex character whom we must trust to make those decisions. And her being a criminal making a dramatic display of power puts her motivations into question.

On top of that, the art is exceptionally well done. In particular, I liked the use of colors from scene to scene. We use a deep red backdrop for Doctor Chung, and color theory usually shows red as a negative. As I continued to reread the story, I often wondered how the color affected my opinion and interpretation of the book. I wonder if the creative team intended for the reader to look into it as deeply as I have. Is this meant to have multiple readthroughs to understand the intricate points? My gut tells me no, but there is a ton of small stuff here that it will be challenging to understand everything in one readthrough.

BOTTOM LINE: I LIKE IT

Ambassadors #1 is an exciting premise. I enjoy some of the concepts here and want to learn more about the plotlines. However, I don’t have a strong protagonist yet to relate to yet. But the setting and conflict fascinate me, and I want to know more about the direction Mark Millar will take in this comic. 4 out of 5 stars for Ambassador #1.

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