Powers begins where most comics end, with a dead body wearing a cape and costume. Detectives Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim investigate powers-related crimes in this crime-noir drama from the creative team of Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming. This premise alone sets Powers apart from the herd, where a "plot" is usually just an excuse to get two characters together for an asskicking.

Without the usual comic action to rely on, Powers has to consistantly produce top notch art and writing to keep your interest. The dialogue is gritty and witty, none of that Superman-with-his-hands-on-his-hips-spouting-off-some-crazy-bullshit here. Less is more, as regular folks talk in sentences, not soliloquies. The art is spartan as well, with a clean style that achieves it's goal with a few simple lines more often than not. That's particularly amazing considering there are no caption boxes, so it falls to the art to convey key plot points. The art and story flow together seamlessly, which is no small feat when you pair an R-rated story with art that's so...well, cartoony. On an unrelated note, Powers has the coolest letters column in comics. Bendis really seems to enjoy interacting with the fans, and it shows. Great stuff.

Since each story arc involves solving a mystery, it's tough to just jump in at any time. However, you can do yourself a favor and pick up the "Powers: Who Killed Retro Girl" trade paberback, and read the whole first story arc at once if you want to get up to speed.

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Review of Powers #16
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