The cutest comic in the land continues this week and it introduces new heroes we haven’t seen yet! We check out this all ages series to determine if it’s entertaining for the young and old–is it good?
Super Powers #3 (DC Comics)
So what’s it about? The summary reads:
A peaceful day in Metropolis is interrupted when Brimstone comes to clear a path for Darkseid. This looks like a job for…Supergirl!? Yes, because Superman is out of town visiting his new baby brother! But villainous plots are afoot on New Krypton, too. Is anywhere safe for our superheroes?
Why does this book matter?
Aside from this being kid friendly, Franco and Art Baltazar have managed to squeeze some laughs out of a series that kicks things up a notch. It’s also got art that’s so clean and retro it’s infectious.
Fine, you have my attention. What’s good about it?
That watch doesn’t have many features, does it?
The highlight of this book is the art and how Baltazar draws iconic heroes in his cutesy style. It adds a bit of anticipatory intrigue as his style is sometimes cool, but always grin inducing. While the layouts are simple, it caters to this type of all ages book. There’s also a neat way to give the book depth even though the style is simplistic. It’s subtle, but Baltazar draws word balloons and characters slightly popping out of panels which gives the book a 3D feel that adds a bit of fun.
This issue’s story is less convoluted than the last with a more straight and focused plot, which keeps your attention on the main players and keep the pace moving. Supergirl opens the issue as the hero, but Franco and Baltazar bring in plenty of other heroes, which helps give the tale a team book feel. You have to love the look of Manhunter, and Supergirl has enough spunk to keep the issue cracking. The villain she faces adds a bit of humor, which riffs on the tropes of superheroes and the monsters they face.
Superman meanwhile has problems of his own that are family related. They involve a new family member and the plotting of his greatest villains, which is heavy on the drama, but with the art style it has a lighter feel that gives it a humorous bent. There’s a general feel that all the characters are in on the lighter tone, which makes the stories less scary or serious so kids can enjoy the story.
It can’t be perfect can it?
It’s hard to knock this issue on its own, though compared to the first issue it’s light on laughs. There’s also a single panel that involves Aquaman’s underwater friends that’s a tad confusing. I can’t tell if the villain being detained by the sharks and octopus are going to hang out or if the villain is just submitting because the odds look bad.
Cue dramatic entrance music!
Is It Good?
The cuteness levels are hard to deny as the story adds new layers, villains, and heroes into the fray. It’s not quite as funny as the first issue, but perhaps that bar was set a little too high.
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