The first issue to contend with is the PRV virus which once contracted, increases a persons abilities to the point of death. This then leads to the second problem, quarantine. Quarantine is something enforced by a group of people called Wraiths , led by Billy Bannister who has the odd ability of travelling back in time by 37 seconds. Always handy if you are in danger or burning your dinner. Ideally looking to catch those infected, to help them in their time of crisis, yet in doing so, are they themselves just pawns in system intent on keeping the status quo?
Created and written by David M. Booher the books read like an alternative X-book, with the characters being accepted rather than shunned. There is a healthy dose of anti-establishment on show with a group of people not happy with the quarantine and the powers of authority that be. Still, with the twist and turns in the story, there are a number of challenges for Billy, with circumstance and his world view under threat. Booher handles a couple of plot points, which may seem obvious to some, with aplomb. One of the strength of the book is that the number of characters inherent on this world should keep things fresh and moving along at a fair clip. I can’t help but think that some of the Wraiths will have a bigger part to play once Billy becomes aware of a couple of pertinent facts.
Pencils and inks are supplied by Nathan C. Gooden and is a mixed bag. There are some strong points for sure, some of the face for example and some of the angles used in a kaleidoscope of panel styles. Where there could be improvement is the perspective elements that distract the eye, spoiling the flow, especially when it happens mid action scene. The colors are by Mike Spicer who gives the world a dark setting, even the baseball games doesn’t lighten things up.
These two issues set the tone of the series well, with Billy getting the comic book equivalent of being setup. It will be interesting to see how he will react to what is hinted at in his very near future.
Writing 3.5 Stars
Art – 3 Stars
Colors – 3.5 Stars
[yasr_overall_rating size=”large”]
(W) David M. Booher (A/CA) Nathan Gooden, Mike Spicer
POWERLESS #1
JAN171583
In Shops: Mar 08, 2017
POWERLESS #2
FEB172086
In Shops: Apr 12, 2017
Author Profile
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I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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