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Note: I wrote this one for a possible article in a local Online Paper, so it's kind of a review and an intro to mature comic books at my library, but...most of it's good stuff.
Many of Laramie’s citizens are unaware of the books that are currently influencing nearly every medium of major entertainment. Graphic novels, more commonly known as comic books have been surprising the general public over the last few years thanks to their recent influence on the movie industry. With films like, “V for Vendetta,” “Sin City,” “A History of Violence,” “The Dark Knight,” and this year’s “Watchmen” hitting theaters, many are starting to realize that the often stereotyped medium of comic books has a lot to offer in the way of deep and provoking storytelling for kids and adults alike. The Albany County Public Library has clearly endorsed the medium, offering a section where many of the acclaimed graphic novels popping up in films today can be read in their original format. The following is a review and subsequent introduction to a graphic novel from a continuing series, much of which can be read in ongoing collected editions at your local library.
One of the draws of the comic book medium is a limitless budget. Movies and TV shows are so commonly constricted by time and money, whereas an artist can draw it as big as they dream it. This is perhaps one of the primary reasons that the medium has so often been drawn towards the epic stories of super powered beings. “Powers” is somewhat of a hybrid of traditional comic books and uncompromising noir, mixing superheroes and crime in a gritty fictitious setting. It is written by comic book superstar Brian Michael Bendis, best known for his work in Marvel Comics including work on “Ultimate Spider-Man,” “Daredevil,” and the “New Avengers.” Following up some of his earlier crime themed books, Bendis takes advantage of the creative control a smaller company like Image Comics allows as opposed to the politics of a major publisher like Marvel.
“Powers” is the story of Homicide Unit 55, helmed by Detective Christian Walker. In a city where superheroes are a dime a dozen, it is Walker’s job to investigate murders with super powered involvement. This time the crime involves the greatly beloved Retro Girl, a hero revered by the city and the world for her consistently heroic actions. Joining Walker in the investigation is his new partner, the foul mouthed and very brash Deena Pilgrim. Walker is quick to show her the ropes of such investigations, and seems to have a mysterious in with the super powered community, as the two interview countless heroes and villains in an attempt to find a lead. Over the course of their fruitless investigation, the two continually grow as partners, and the audience is treated to an immersive environment that bridges the gap between superhero and crime books, consistently avoiding the clichés you tire of seeing in the thousands of buddy-cop stories. Bendis script is often witty, and his characters are bold and real despite the fantastic setting.
Equally important in the creation of comic books is the artist. Michael Avon Oeming’s strokes are daring, though his characters take on a somewhat blocky and cartoonish mold. He knows what he’s doing and the dark settings of this neo noir tale work well with his heavy shading and the book’s dark coloring. It’s not for everyone, but his art always capably tells the story, without distracting or otherwise taking away from the narrative. He also captures emotion with surprisingly few lines, providing a setting and environment worthy of the scope of the story being told.
“Powers: Who Killed Retro Girl?” is the first in a number of volumes that collect individual story arcs from the ongoing “Powers” series. While this volume has plenty to be desired, having read some of the later “Powers” novels, you can be assured that it improves with time. Relying on intriguing characters and witty dialogue for its true value, those who have read superhero books before and are looking for a stepping stone on their way into more alternative titles should find that “Powers” will more than do the job. At its best it is a powerful study on the effects of superheroes in a real world setting, but “Powers” missteps here and there with some slow pacing and a modest but satisfying conclusion. For those willing to head down to ACPL to give the comic book medium a second chance, “Powers” may not be the book to start with. If you’re new to the medium, and looking for some mature comic books to convince you, you’ll want to instead try titles like “Y: The Last Man” and “Watchmen,” both of which can be found at ACPL. For those already sold on the medium and looking for something new, there is a lot to like in the ongoing struggles of Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim.
__________________"You...complete me."
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