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C.O.W.L. Volume 1: Principles of Power by Kyle Higgins, Alec Siegel, Trevor McCarthy, Rod Reis
melniksuzuki's review
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
geekwayne's review against another edition
4.0
'C.O.W.L. Volume 1: Principles of Power' takes a different spin on the superhero genre, adds it to great art, and turns out a pretty great story.
C.O.W.L. or Chicago Organized Workers League is labor union made up of superheroes that work for the Chicago police department. The story takes place some years after the first superheroes have begun patrolling the city. With the last of their major villains finally in it's sight, the heroes find themselves facing a disillusioned and apathetic public. They also find themselves with some among their midst with opposing agendas.
It takes the fantastical world of superheroes and grounds it in the real world of police departments and backroom politics. The superheroes and their powers lack a bit of focus, and a lot of them are kind of jerks. Comparisons can be made to the Watchmen, and it's got a little of that feel, but the worldbuilding feels weaker here. The cover looks like something from the 1930s, but the story takes place in a generic version of the 1960s. It was hard to find anyone I cared about enough to like. There is a bit of crimefighting, but most of it is murky backstabbing and semi-criminal behavior by the supposed good guys. I liked it, but it is dark. The art is really good and I enjoyed the style that was used.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
C.O.W.L. or Chicago Organized Workers League is labor union made up of superheroes that work for the Chicago police department. The story takes place some years after the first superheroes have begun patrolling the city. With the last of their major villains finally in it's sight, the heroes find themselves facing a disillusioned and apathetic public. They also find themselves with some among their midst with opposing agendas.
It takes the fantastical world of superheroes and grounds it in the real world of police departments and backroom politics. The superheroes and their powers lack a bit of focus, and a lot of them are kind of jerks. Comparisons can be made to the Watchmen, and it's got a little of that feel, but the worldbuilding feels weaker here. The cover looks like something from the 1930s, but the story takes place in a generic version of the 1960s. It was hard to find anyone I cared about enough to like. There is a bit of crimefighting, but most of it is murky backstabbing and semi-criminal behavior by the supposed good guys. I liked it, but it is dark. The art is really good and I enjoyed the style that was used.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
breevee's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this dark, crime noir-ish comic about the first attempt at unionized super heroes in a mid-century Chicago. The art is lovely, by turns ethereal and gruesome, and each character is an enigma waiting to be unraveled. I'm very excited to catch up with this series and see where it takes me.
enml's review against another edition
4.0
another 3.5 but since it is a debut for a series I have hope it grow.
cassie_grace's review against another edition
3.0
A fine little book. Certainly an interesting setting for some superhero fiction. You don't often see superheroics paired with worker's rights and the city of Chicago in the 1960's. The worst criticism I can offer is that it's a forgettable. There are too many characters and too much history, introduced too quickly.
ericbuscemi's review against another edition
4.0
This actually impressed me more than I expected it to, being a bit reminiscent of [b:Watchmen|472331|Watchmen|Alan Moore|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327866860s/472331.jpg|4358649] -- although one could argue it was derivative of that, instead of just inspired by it.
It featured an alternate history, a world where super-powered heroes appeared during the second world war. The focus is 1960s Chicago where the unionized heroes -- C.O.W.L., or the Chicago Organized Workers League -- that supplement the police force are struggling to reach a new contract with the city. A lot of thought was put into fleshing out the organization, its members, and the city it defends, and the layers of depth in the story impressed me. Additionally, the artwork was especially impressive, adding to the period setting and really raising the level of immersion with the story.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a different, political take on the superhero genre that is not often highlighted in mainstream comics.
Full disclosure: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
It featured an alternate history, a world where super-powered heroes appeared during the second world war. The focus is 1960s Chicago where the unionized heroes -- C.O.W.L., or the Chicago Organized Workers League -- that supplement the police force are struggling to reach a new contract with the city. A lot of thought was put into fleshing out the organization, its members, and the city it defends, and the layers of depth in the story impressed me. Additionally, the artwork was especially impressive, adding to the period setting and really raising the level of immersion with the story.
I would recommend this to anyone looking for a different, political take on the superhero genre that is not often highlighted in mainstream comics.
Full disclosure: I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review.
farmieeeee's review against another edition
5.0
interesting premise personally enjoyed the art style. disappointed that its being cancelled
latterature's review against another edition
4.0
A unique concept explored through relatable characters and a realistic setting. Definitely not the first in the line of 'What if Superheroes Were Real' (and, in this case, unionized) comics, but definitely one of the best.
spiffysarahruby's review against another edition
4.0
Ah, how I do love a good non-traditional super hero series. :) I'm going to try to keep up with this one.