I was kind of surprised to find that "Anarchy" ended with this issue, as there's a whole lot of story left unexplored. However, it is pretty clear that this wasn't so much a story on its own but continuation of story threads from throughout the life of Powers, which helps me get a sense of the larger picture behind what Bendis and Oeming are doing. The result is that, while I was disappointed to not learn more about Harvey and her group, or the conspiratorial mumblings Walker and Triphammer shared at the end of "Supergroup," I was very happy with the finale of this story, which serves the reader notice that more is going on here than just the already-entertaining tales of cops and super-heroes; personally, I can't wait to see what's next.
Given the pacing of Powers and most of Bendis's work in general, I didn't expect this issue to be an ending, but it serves as a satisfying conclusion anyway. The attacks of Harvey and her group are actually made more frightening because there's a sense that they aren't over, that we'll probably see them again and that their attacks could come out of nowhere. What's fun about the book is that despite this danger, Bendis and Oeming also manage to convey that these guys are a bunch of nutcases, as Walker and Pilgrim's reactions to the shooter attest.
While I'll miss Deena's new partner, I have to admit that I'm glad to see her and Walker back together again. The rhythm that they have in their banter is right back on as they work together in the attempted assassination of Walker, and it's been made pretty clear that Walker belongs on the force, no matter what frustrations he might have with it. As always, the sense of humor comes through in Bendis's writing as well, whether it's in Deena's "F*ck the countdown!" or the captain's remarks on Walker's beard when he comes back.
It goes without saying that I loved the artwork, but I'll say it anyway. I love the artwork in this book. Oeming and Pantazis provide an "animated" style look that is as much a part of the definition of Powers as the constant use of profanity and the occasional typo. What I love is that while the work is done in a cartoony style usually associated with "all ages" books, the work here is of a more adult and often just unbelievably gross nature. Oeming and Pantazis do pyrotechnics with the best of them, as indicated by the bazooka shot in the early part of the issue, and they can also do the heavy violence stuff, as indicated by following the poor shooter all the way to the ground.
Next issue is another jumping-on point. There are two trade paperbacks in print, with another very close to release. If you haven't gotten the message yet, here it is again: Powers is one of the best books out there. You should go and buy it now, if you haven't already.
