Powers Vol 12
Powers Volume 12: The 25 Coolest Dead Superheroes of All Time TPB
Written by: Brian Michael Bendis
Art by: Michael Avon Oeming
Published by Icon/Marvel
With the release of this trade, Powers catches up with the monthly comics, with all published comics now collected in paperback format. From what I gather, the new story arc (intriguingly tilted simply “Z”) will see Powers re-launched as volume 3 (volume 1 published by Image Comics, volume 2 published by Marvel under its’ Icon imprint). So what does this story bring us?
For those unfamiliar with Powers, a quick recap. Powers is set in a comic universe superficially similar to the main Marvel or DC universes – superpowers and costumed heroics are part of everyday life. However, the focus for some time has been on two Detectives; Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim. They are assigned to a “Powers” Unit that investigates crimes with a superhuman element. This generally involves taking them into dark and sordid places, and tending to focus on Police procedure. That said my favourite Powers trades (Forever, Cosmic and Secret Identity) have been pretty radical departures from that.
More recently, Deena has become infected with a Powers virus (granting her abilities – outlawed in the Powers universe), and has been keeping this secret from those around her. Her troubles have increased as she has become subject to Internal Affairs investigation concerning her possible involvement in the death of a mob boss, and she has gone AWOL.
This story picks things up from there, as Walker is assigned a new partner with an agenda of her own and the latest crime spree hits the city. Young girls are being abducted, murdered and their bodies found dressed in superheroes costumes. Obviously, there is a public demand for swift justice and Walker is assigned to case, returning to more familiar Powers territory. Walker quickly runs into his former MIA partner who is involved in this in some way. To say much more on the plot will give too much away, but this arc does bring together a number of plot stands that have been left open for some time, including some back as far as the very first story published under Image.
Like all Powers stories, the plot moves along at a nice swift pace, and features the trademark foul language, graphic violence and sexual content. Oeming has developed a consistent Powers style at this point, reminding me somewhat of the Bruce Timm influenced Batman cartoon, with very nice use of dark and shadow, emphasizing the underworld tones of the story.
However, as this story ties up a number of issues that have been outstanding for some time, I did find myself reaching for the old TPB’s to cross reference the events in this trade. From that perspective, I wouldn’t recommend this trade as being the best place for new readers to start. It did somewhat slow the read down, as I was struggling to remember details from years ago. However, on reflection, you often get out of things what you put into them, and I did find this a more satisfying read as a result.
What is a bit of an oddity is the reprint of 2008’s Powers Annual, detailing a (very) old Walker tale. Nice that it’s there, but it’s slotted in right between two parts of the main story arc, when it doesn’t seem to fit there. It’s easy enough to flip past and read later, but I’m not sure why it isn’t put in the back of the main story…
If you have been following Powers on a casual or regular basis, pick it up, as it probably is an essential read to understanding the Powers Universe, as well as tying up old loose ends. There is also something of an “end of an era” feel to it. To the new reader, looking for a different take on capes and tights, this one will best be saved until you’ve read a few of the other trades - start with Volume 1 “Who Killed Retro Girl?”.
Reviewed by Jonathan Miller
