This wasn't an official Secret Invasion tie-in, what with all the 2000s-Power Pack mini-series existing in their own little continuity. But van Lente sticks with part of the basic premise, as the Power kids are captured by alien bounty hunters and hauled before an interstellar tribunal to face accusations they committed some serious crimes. Meanwhile, 4 Skrulls impersonate them in a bid to get access to a super-weapon via the kids' father's job with SWORD.
The real Pack bust out of jail. . .and promptly begin committing crimes in hopes of drawing out the imposters. Instead, they end up in a search for the identity of legendary figures called "The Annihilator" and "The Protector", who are of much interest to the Skrulls and the Kymellians (the horsefolk who gave the kids their powers.) That part felt like it was more van Lente setting up something for a future story that never took place, as well as a way to keep Power Pack from just rushing home and stomping the imposters.
Franklin Richards is present when the kids are initially captured, so he contacts their ship Friday. HERBIE actually agree to help Franklin, because he's immediately smitten with Friday. This is a recurring bit through the mini-series, HERBIE swooning or trying to act impressive and heroic, while Friday doesn't even remember his name.
(There's also a one-off gag during an interstellar bar fight where a Kree named Noh-Var warns the kids they aren't prepared for his blah blah blah and Katie just blasts him while complaining he lost her six high concepts ago. Even though he's dressed like a standard Kree soldier, it feels like a poke at Morrison's Marvel Boy.)
Cory Hamscher draws the first two issues, then he and Jacopo Camagni draw the next two issues collectively, though I can't find any rhyme or reason for who draws which pages. Hamscher's style is much rougher, much heavier lines. He gives Katie some really aggressive bangs, which are great when the imposter is grinning maliciously (or when Katie herself is trying to act bad), but less so at other times. I assume Hamscher came up with the looks for the Power kids when they try to act like crooks, which are suitably goofy, especially considering they're mostly dealing with aliens who shouldn't have any idea what those clothes would signify on Earth. Camagni has a lighter line. His figures and faces are rounded off versus Hamscher's more squared off look. It's a bit closer to the Gurihiru team's look, but less prone to exaggerate for comedic effect.
No comments:
Post a Comment