The indestructible, unstoppable Power Man meets his match in Power Man: Timless #1, written by Collin Kelly & Jackson Lanzing, art by Bernard Chang and cover art by Andrei Bressan & Emilio Laiso. What more can Power Man do when his endless power isn’t enough to defeat a new foe?
Alone and devastated by his painful past, Power Man explores the Milky Way in search of…something. Is it exiling to atone for his sins? Or is it in search of a way to bring it all to an end? Either way, Power Man’s pursuit is cut short when he hears a cry for help, but is sucker punched before he can step in. A powerful being known as Aeon the Knife attacks Power Man and leaves him and readers to wonder how someone with so much power could be rendered powerless. Many more mysteries unfold as Power Man regroups and gathers more information about the predicament he has stumbled into.
A Strong Start Stumbles
The Prolonged Prologue Hinders
There are plenty of exciting and interesting moments throughout this issue, but unfortunately, it takes a minute to get to them. The opening of this issue, while dramatic and informative, feels like an extended prologue, in an issue that already has a proper prologue on the title page. It’s effective in and of itself, but as part of the whole, it feels like there’s too much ground to cover, and it takes up too much time. Readers have seen countless examples of comics that start off right away with plot points that kick off the story, and they either backtrack to fill in the gaps or find creative ways to sprinkle in information as the story unfolds. This particular example is certainly understandable, but it doesn’t feel like the most engaging way to launch into this really interesting adventure.
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Once things really start to get going, there’s a tone and vibe established that feels very contemplative in a satisfying way. As Power Man flies through space and his inner thoughts and intentions are explored, the emotional stakes climb and climb. The isolation, the stars, the monologue-esque narration, and the power behind the man — it feels like a Silver Surfer comic, in the best way. It sets the stage and almost promises that whatever Power Man is about to get into will challenge his physical being and who he is as a person. It’s an exciting foundation to build.
Panels That Feel Like Visiting a Planetarium
They Take Readers Along for the Ride
Along with all of these interesting and compelling ideas are gorgeous panels of artwork. The compostions and the detail makes moments feel visceral. They’re all dramatic and striking on their own, but they also add layers to the characterization and the storytelling. As Power Man wrestles with the many powerful personas inside himself, the artwork matches that dizzying and conflicting turmoil. To highlight that visually and narratively at the same time, really makes for a poignant moment.
Power Man Has Met His Match
Round Two Doesn’t Look So Good
As Power Man and Aeon the Knife clash, readers expect a prolonged and epic battle between two well-matched fighters. But what they get instead is a jaw-dropping moment as Power Man falls victim to the Knife’s blade. It’s a shocking scene equipped with another set of commanding panels. Having a bad guy beat up a well-established hero might feel like a tired troupe used to convey the baddie’s strength and threat, but it can still be really effective, especially when it happens in such a compelling way.
“Yes he would. But first, he would fight.”
In the final act of the issue, Power Man comes face to face with Aeon the Knife once more, and they take off for another bout. Thanks to their previous fight and the well-established stakes from earlier in the comic, readers are on the edge of their seats to see what happens next. Power Man seems outmatched. This story somehow manages to take a hero with the strength of the Hulk, the Sentry, and the Iron Fist, and make them the underdog. It’s a great way to lay out a compelling story in the issues to come.
