I'm still pushing through and I want to talk about Power Girl.
With issue #4, I can positively say that this is one of my favorite new comics. Back in other titles, I used to think Amanda Conner's art was hit and miss. I don't know what she did, but her art is as close to perfect as it gets for me. Great facial expressions, very stylish, strong, recognizable style - and can she draw girls!But this is one of those wonderful books where it isn't just about the art - it really is a match made in heaven, much as the Steve Niles/Ben Templesmith pairing for 30 Days of Night is.. The writing is snappy, light and fun, and it can also be touching and lovely. With all the darkness of the Blackest Night going on, and all the Dark Reign stuff from Marvel, I've had about all the dark I can handle.
Power Girl is a fun romp, and all the grrl power stuff is handled deftly and with great humor and heart. I love seeing Karen / PG developing a real personality aside from all the "who am I and what is my place in this world" stuff she's done over the years. I wasn't loving the bitter/melancholy Power Girl of the past, but this more determined, upbeat Power Girl goes straight to the top of my reading list every time it comes out.
The writing is snappy, the dialogue is witty, and the artwork so elegantly supports the storytelling - it's exactly like a comic book should be. The relationship between Terra and Power Girl is very cute, and it's nice to see PG with a personal life - complete with friends. In this issue, Terra learns a very important lesson (always wear your costume under your clothes), Power Girl is called "Busty Airborne Lass" by a misguided villain (hilarious interchange there), and Terra runs around in her panties, in an effort to make up for the not wearing the costume thing and trying to emulate PG. This issue was so cute and funny, I loved every minute of reading it.
If you're a little burned out on all the zombie stuff (leave it to the publishers to pile on - if one zombie book is good, a hundred will certainly be great, huh?), give Power Girl a try - you will not be sorry, if for no other reason than the wonderful artwork! Certainly, you will find Power Girl a light, refreshing alternative to the current crop of dark and depressing comic offerings.
