Customer Reviews

Powers Vol. 6: Sellouts

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

The "Powers" comics have been police procedurals applied to superheroes, but the stories have involved wider societal issues. The Powers are stand-ins for the rich, powerful and famous in our society, and mixed with the stories are glimpses of how they affect us and warp our lives. Now, a superhero murder case - similar to those of previous "Powers" story arcs - leads to global catastrophies, and what many of the characters believe will be "the end of the world." Bendis and Oeming are simultaneously mocking standard superhero groups - the cover is a clear reference to DC's "Super Friends" of the 1970's - and warning us that celebrity worship diminishes us. And by centering the story on ordinary people - the former Power, now powerless cop Christian Walker and his forceful human partner Deena Pilgrim - the creators keep normal humanity and human concerns in mind.

Pilgrim and Walker are on the hunt again when a series of horrific events leads to a rogue superhero.

Bendis and Oeming continue to put forth the most unusual yet satisfying read in comics. "Powers" is different from other comics in so many ways: it plays off superhero cliches but really makes the stories work with endearing characters and unusual plot points. Brian Michael Bendis once again delivers the best dialogue in comics and although the plot isn't anything groundbreaking, it remains one of the best overall storyarcs yet. Oeming's artwork is still very good and very appropriate for the story while Pantazis' colors accompany the art well: at times very dark, muted colors and sometimes very bright, colorful palettes are used.

"Powers" continues to be one of the best reads in comics; this volume will keep impressing readers by providing a good combination of action, good characterization and dialogue, status quo changing stories, and superb artwork.

NOTE: This book is recommended for older readers due to strong language and strong violence, blood and gore (a comic book equivalent to an R-rated movie).

... strike again. I think this is my favorite Volume so far. It is actually the most creative and amusing one yet. Probably the most adult-oriented of them, also. Brilliantly written and brilliantly illustrated. If this doesn't amuse you, then you just don't like comics.

As the "Law & Order" of the comic book world, Powers continues to impress me with Bendis's witty dialogue, and interesting characters. This continues in that world as we see the other "dirty" side of the heroes that so many people learn to love and respect. I feel this would definitely be closer to "real" life if heroes were existing today.

Powers is the greatest comic book series in the world! I feel really dumb for trying to finish reading the earlier stuff so late because Bendis and Oeming have just realeased vol. 3 of the series with a whole new number one. It is a great series for people who love comics and the crime and superhero genre. Would recommend this to anyone.

I disagree with the reviewer who thought that this volume echoed "Supergroup." Yes, the story revolves around a group of powers, but no, the plot is not at all similar (unless you count the murders, which are the catalyst in each volume). I think that volume six is the best and most creative so far--but I've still got four volumes to go. We'll see how 8 through 11 stack up. Seven was wonderful, but didn't beat six.

One of the best things I've read this year. Sellouts is the point where Powers stopped being very good and became great. If you've lost your enthusiasm for the book at any point this is definitely worth picking up.

A story of a superteam that is self destructing from jealousy and sex scandals. Then there is the envy and pent up ill feelings from the sidekicks. The problem is, what do you do when one of the members gets mad, and this one has the power to destroy the planet if he feels like it. Pilgrim and Walker are in way over their heads.

Brian Michael Bendis, Powers: Sellouts (Marvel, 2004)

Powers is back for a sixth installment, Sellouts. As with Supergroup, here we get the story of a band of Powers who broke up-- in this case over merchandising rights, of all things-- which Walker and Pilgrim are called in to investigate when one of them turns up dead.

While I liked Sellouts well enough-- his take on the situation here is slightly different than it was in the previous book, and the ending is a whopper-- the fact remains that it's too close, both in spirit and in chronology, to Supergroup for comfort-- almost as if Bendis had wanted to play with the idea of an alternate ending, but came up with it after the fact.

Good stuff, but still. ***

I'm generally a fan of Powers. But this story is a blatant rip off of Watchmen. From the octopus character that binds people together, to the mysterious super power who wants to change the world to the way he thinks it should be. Oh yeah, don't forget about the gratuitious naked people only needing blue skin color. A fascinating story, until you get close to the end and see how contrived and childish the story resolution is. Paying homage (to Watchmen) is one thing, redoing it without giving credit is another.