Powers Vol 1. : Who killed Retro Girl?
In 2000, a different kind of superhero comic hit the comic shops asking the question, “Who killed Retro Girl?” Created by Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming, Powers is a semi-realistic take on the superhero genre asking real world questions in a superhero world.
Powers volume 1 collects issues 1-6 and tells the story of Christian Walker and his new partner Deena Pilgrim as they investigate the murder of Retro Girl, who is found outside a school with a slit throat. As the story unfolds, secrets are revealed and the partnership is tested.
Bendis, one of the biggest names at Marvel today, crafts one of his best stories. If Bendis was a bartender, this would be his signature drink. It’s a fine mix of humor, action and mystery blended into a diverse superhero world. The story flows at an excellent pace and never feels like it is dragging on and each chapter (issue) ends leaving you wanting to know what happens next. But its strengths are in its characters and the team of Walker and Pilgram are one of the finest cop duos since Crocket and Tubbs, Agent K and Agent J and Turner and Hooch. Long live Hooch. The dialog feels like a lively conversation and written in a way where you get a real grasp of the characters, each with their own unique voice.
Speaking of partners, Bendis’ teams up with Oeming is a match made in comic heaven. This duo could give Walker and Pilgram a run for their money as they work wonderfully together. The art is outstanding and has this Cartoon Network vibe to it. It’s amazing how this wasn’t an 
animated TV show already, because it would fit so well in that medium. What sets this book apart from any other is how each issue has a different feel and look to it that help narrate the story. Take issue 2 for example, running along the bottom of each page is how the TV news is reacting to the case and reporting it, while the investigation is illustrated above it. Or is issue 4, Bendis and Oeming cleverly show the investigators searching for information with an 8×4 box showing off their own superheroes and villains, as well as others making a cameo from their friends creator own books.
This book isn’t all praise, sometimes it got a bit tricky figuring out where to read and one could get lost from time to time. But this is minor compared to the rest of the book, which is absolutely a great read.
Playstation’s presentation at E3, Bendis announced that Sony Pictures Television would be creating an exclusive television show based on Powers. So with a show is on the way, what’s not to be excited for?
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