What I Bought 4/14/2021 - Part 2

Well, the new battery I got for my laptop seems to be working properly. That's nice. Maybe 3 years is long enough for a computer, but if it still does everything I need perfectly well, why spend a lot more money changing things up when a little will solve the problem?

Today, we've got two fifth issues to look at. One's the conclusion to a mini-series, the other is the start of a new storyline.

Power Pack #5, by Ryan North (writer), Nico Leon (artist), Rachelle Rosenberg (color artist), Travis Lanham (letterer) - The other three kids look varying degrees of worried, but Julie over there on the left just looks resigned. "Oh well, so much for my superpowers."

The kids and Logan's brilliant plan is to convince the Wizard he didn't get all their powers by staging a fight with - high school play special effects - between the kids and "Wolvermean", Wolverine's evil, purple-loving twin brother. I laughed typing that out just now. I'm still laughing, actually. Give me a minute.

OK, I think I'm good. Anyway, seeing such awesome abilities as Julie's "FTL railgun punch" (which does sound pretty cool) gets the Wizard to rush out, ambush the kids, and throw them back in the cylinders he used to steal their powers originally. Except they snuck in last night with Logan and reversed the machines so they steal their powers back. Wizard gets his butt kicked and humiliated, putting everything back in its proper place. The kids use his Agent Aether drone to pretend they still have an official mentor until this stupid law is repealed, and loan him out to other helpful teen heroes.

Like Squirrel Girl! I demand a Power Pack/Squirrel Girl team-up yesterday! Actually two days ago since I'm writing this on Saturday.

 

This mini-series was kind of stupid and silly and I loved it. The whole "Outlawed" thing is depressing and not something I want to deal with, and North and Leon used it just enough to do this weird thing and that's A-OK. Logan cobbling together a purple version of his costume for this farce (and apparently helping the Power kids make versions of their costumes since they normally come with the powers) cracks me up. The ham acting during their "fight", and the credulous media falling for it.

Also, some of the plans the Wizard's shown coming up with involving their powers. The difference between how well Leon draws everything else, and the Wizard's barely-above-stick-figure diagram of how he'll defeat the Juggernaut by using Mass Master's power to shrink down, be swallowed, than attack Juggy's lungs with an axe (note: remember to bring axe). Brilliant.

Black Cat #5, by Jed Mackay (writer), Mike Dowling (artist), Brian Reber (color artist), Ferran Delgado (letterer) - Is that supposed to a webline or a regular rope she uses? If it's the latter, it's looking kind of frayed.

This entire issue is a lot of talking and set-up, all leading to the big reveal at the end. Namely, that the Black Fox is looking to break into the Guild's vault for a very different purpose than taking all their wealth. He wants to make a deal with the Guild's patron, who is basically what you get if you look up "catacomb saint" on Wikipedia. I was going to say it looked like some skeletal Aztec god-thing, but apparently that would have been an inaccurate cultural reference.

I mean, that's basically it. There's some flashbacks, to Felicia ending her apprenticeship with the Fox and setting out on her. To the Fox seeking Dracula's aid for a solution to his problem, and getting turned away. Turns out Drac doesn't appreciate someone cheating him at cards, then siccing Ulysses Bloodstone on him. Who knew the Lord of Vampires was such a petty bitch? Except basically everyone.

 

Dowling's artwork is more in a realistic style than the other artists the book has had. A lighter touch when it comes to shading, but at times the linework's very minimal. Almost more the suggestion of a person's face than an actual drawing of the face. Not sure if the linework got overwhelmed by Reber's colors, or if it wasn't there at all. It's not my favorite look for the book, although it works for an issue this low-energy, that's mostly talking and people having emotions. Not sure how well it'll serve if there's a fight scene or a fast-moving escape, though. Maybe we'll find out next month.

I guess not every issue can be a winner.