There’s a reason Brian Michael Bendis is so damn popular -- lots of reasons actually. One of the big ones for me, however, is because Powers kicks ass every month. Brian and Michael Avon Oeming hooked me at issue #1 and I have yet to see an issue where at the very least I haven't said to myself –
"Dammit. Wish I thought of that."
Powers is essentially about a pair of homicide detectives in a city full of super-heroes and super-villains. Two cops that work the "powers" cases. If you like super-heroes or if you hate super-heroes, this book is worth checking out.
There's been a great twist recently, the lead Detective – Christian Walker, once a "Power" himself – has left the force after rightfully slandering federal investigators. He's only been gone a few issues, but it equates to one year in the Powers universe and, to me, it's felt like one year. I'm dying to see what he's been doing and the momentum built up in this issue lets me know we'll find out soon.
I won't go over plot, because you should read this book yourself, but another one of the really unique elements in Powers can be found in the layouts. The use of negative space by Michael, the placements of the balloons by Brian, everything feels motivated. Everything serves a purpose. There's this great, volatile scene between Detective Deena Pilgrim and this creep-ass tv show host that's divided by large black open spaces, leading you into the next page. This might be jarring or it might be barely noticeable, but to me it conveys the scene and movement in a way I've never seen before. Brian tends to do a lot of experimentation, sometimes on levels so small it's barely noticeable. I give him a lot of credit for that.
Of course, Brian's dialogue is always right on, from his snappy one liners pouring out of a dozen people to his back-and-forth banter. Michael's dark and open style continues to impress. And the colors by Peter Pantazis (does this guy do anything else?) are beautiful.
So, again if you love or hate super-heroes you should check Powers out.
Oh, and it also has the fucking longest letters page in all of comics.
