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A review by aksmith92
The Power Fantasy #1 by Kieron Gillen
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Setup: The Power Fantasy is an ambitious, thought-provoking dive into the nature of power, identity, and the superhero genre itself. This comic crafts a narrative that powerfully explores pop culture's relationship with power.
The story introduces us to an unnamed protagonist who wakes up in a world where he suddenly has absolute power, a type of power superheroes in comics often wield without question. But rather than following the traditional arc of a hero discovering their identity, Gillen takes a darker, more cerebral route. This isn't about saving the day; it's about what happens when power is limitless and when morality becomes blurred, especially when someone realizes they can reshape reality itself.
The narrative leans into philosophical dilemmas as the protagonist wrestles with his newfound omnipotence. What does it mean to have power with no checks or balances? Is power inherently corrupting? Does power reveal the truth of who we are? These questions simmer beneath the surface as the protagonist makes choices that feel both inevitable and deeply unsettling.
What I Loved: Well, to start, visually speaking, the book was striking. The illustrations were dynamic and fluid, bringing an almost cinematic quality to the panels. However, it was also straightforward; nothing is over-glamorized or overwhelming. The comic's design sensibilities added an extra layer of depth, ensuring that each page is intellectually engaging.
Additionally, I always enjoy a comic that poses ethical and moral questions at the very start. This first issue raised profound questions and left readers on the edge, eager to see where the authors and illustrators take their deconstruction of power next. I found it profoundly layered and almost unsettling, as these characters seemed to think the world's destruction is innate because of their powers. I already felt a deep character development.
Why Not Five Stars? This happens in comic issues, so bear with me. While the first issue laid a strong foundation, it posed more questions than answers. It may be essential to develop the story, but I was also very confused. The first issue offered no summary in the beginning to better understand what we're looking at. I think it's almost intentional to go into this without much knowledge about its plot. With that said, I believe a plot here needed to be introduced more. While it didn't sway my review since it was just the first issue, I would have appreciated a bit more of a spelled-out plot to hook me.
Overall, though, I think this is a must-read because it is bold, subversive, and deeply relevant in an age where power, in all its forms, is more scrutinized than ever (and maybe, as it should be).
***
The story introduces us to an unnamed protagonist who wakes up in a world where he suddenly has absolute power, a type of power superheroes in comics often wield without question. But rather than following the traditional arc of a hero discovering their identity, Gillen takes a darker, more cerebral route. This isn't about saving the day; it's about what happens when power is limitless and when morality becomes blurred, especially when someone realizes they can reshape reality itself.
The narrative leans into philosophical dilemmas as the protagonist wrestles with his newfound omnipotence. What does it mean to have power with no checks or balances? Is power inherently corrupting? Does power reveal the truth of who we are? These questions simmer beneath the surface as the protagonist makes choices that feel both inevitable and deeply unsettling.
What I Loved: Well, to start, visually speaking, the book was striking. The illustrations were dynamic and fluid, bringing an almost cinematic quality to the panels. However, it was also straightforward; nothing is over-glamorized or overwhelming. The comic's design sensibilities added an extra layer of depth, ensuring that each page is intellectually engaging.
Additionally, I always enjoy a comic that poses ethical and moral questions at the very start. This first issue raised profound questions and left readers on the edge, eager to see where the authors and illustrators take their deconstruction of power next. I found it profoundly layered and almost unsettling, as these characters seemed to think the world's destruction is innate because of their powers. I already felt a deep character development.
Why Not Five Stars? This happens in comic issues, so bear with me. While the first issue laid a strong foundation, it posed more questions than answers. It may be essential to develop the story, but I was also very confused. The first issue offered no summary in the beginning to better understand what we're looking at. I think it's almost intentional to go into this without much knowledge about its plot. With that said, I believe a plot here needed to be introduced more. While it didn't sway my review since it was just the first issue, I would have appreciated a bit more of a spelled-out plot to hook me.
Overall, though, I think this is a must-read because it is bold, subversive, and deeply relevant in an age where power, in all its forms, is more scrutinized than ever (and maybe, as it should be).
***
Of course, the ethical thing to do is take over the world.
Humanity has always longed for an all-loving god. They've never had it.
Afterwards, we rule as a benevolent duopoly until we work out something better - some kind of psychic quasi-democractic model perhaps?
"I want to tell every Atomic down there to look up and know the truth. That we're here and we love them." "And to tell everyone who isn't: 'We're above you.'"