The Power Fantasy #1 [Advance Review]
Kieron Gillen has established himself as a powerhouse in the comic book world over recent years. From the success of his twisted, tabletop-inspired fantasy series Die to his work with Marvel on Eternals, X-Men, and the massive Judgment Day event, Gillen has solidified his reputation as a versatile and compelling storyteller. His latest venture, The Power Fantasy, published by Image Comics, promises to captivate both his longtime fans and new readers.
The Power Fantasy immediately draws comparisons to Gillen's immensely popular series The Wicked + The Divine, but with a unique twist. The story centers on six superpowered individuals whose abilities rival the destructive potential of a nuclear arsenal. These characters must navigate a delicate balance of power, much like nuclear-armed nations, to avoid catastrophic conflicts.
The issue opens with a gripping introduction to two of our central characters, Valentina and Etienne. Through their conversation, Gillen expertly weaves exposition into the narrative, avoiding the heavy-handedness that can often plague first issues. After a tense encounter, the narrative jumps forward just over 30 years to an older, presumably wiser Etienne having an “audience” with a curious younger student. As in the earlier conversation, Etienne has a seemingly rigid code in regards to ethical behavior, a worldview I’m sure we’ll see unpacked further in the issues to come.
As their conversation progresses, Heavy, a superpowered peer of Etienne’s, commits an act perceived as aggression against the United States. In retaliation, the U.S. attempts to assassinate him, prompting Etienne and the rest of the team—Valentina, Eliza, Masumi, and Magus—to intervene before Heavy can retaliate and obliterate an entire state.
Gillen's worldbuilding shines in this inaugural issue. The absence of a nigh-omniscient narrator, which was a hallmark of his Eternals run, does not detract from the clarity and depth of the universe he's creating. From the initial conversation between Valentina and Etienne, to a 30+ year time jump to Etienne’s informal interview, which is quickly interrupted by the rapid crisis-meeting post-attack, lays a solid foundation for the story. The steps taken by the characters are shocking and vividly illustrate the immense power they wield. These are not typical superheroes with standard abilities like flight or super strength; they are godlike beings capable of world-altering feats, which they are not afraid to use while maintaining their fragile peace with one another.
Caspar Wijngaard's art is a standout feature of The Power Fantasy. His style is both engaging and immersive, capturing the emotional depth of the characters through expressive facial expressions and body language. The backgrounds are rich in detail, adding to the world’s atmosphere. Wijngaard’s depiction of 1999 New York is particularly nostalgic, with architectural nuances and lively street scenes that ground the story in a recognizable reality. His use of color further enhances the mood of each scene, with warm tones evoking nostalgia, cooler tones underscoring serious discussions, and dramatic lighting effects heightening tension during key moments. This thoughtful execution makes Wijngaard’s work visually compelling and emotionally resonant.
Overall, The Power Fantasy #1 is a thrilling introduction to a promising new series. Gillen and Wijngaard have crafted a universe brimming with potential, featuring rich and intriguing characters whose stories we are eager to follow. The vibrant art style draws readers in, while Gillen’s trademark storytelling lays a solid foundation for what is sure to be a captivating journey. As the series formally kicks off next month, keep your eyes on the comic stands for The Power Fantasy #1.
