The Power Fantasy #2 [Advance Review]
Kieron Gillen’s The Power Fantasy continues to impress with its second issue, pushing the boundaries of superhero narratives in unexpected and thought-provoking ways. Published by Image Comics, this issue further explores the uneasy alliance between six superpowered individuals whose fragile unity is all that stands between the world and destruction. Paired with Caspar Wijngaard’s visually stunning art and Clayton Cowles’ clean, effective lettering, Gillen’s return to Image Comics is shaping up to be a bold and deeply engaging exploration of power, control, and consequence.
At the center of The Power Fantasy #2 is Tonya, a journalist now caught in the crosshairs of suspicion after an intense interview with Etienne, one of the six superhumans whose retribution left the President of the United States and countless others dead. The fallout from Etienne’s violent response to the attempted assassination of Heavy, another member of the superpowered group, creates a tense atmosphere that fuels much of the issue’s intrigue. Etienne arranges for Tonya to stay with Heavy and his “family” of Atomics, setting the stage for an exploration of the moral dilemmas that arise when such powerful beings are in conflict, even within their ranks.
Tonya’s predicament serves as a clever narrative device, allowing readers to witness the strained relationships between the superpowered individuals, and how their once-shared mission to maintain peace now seems increasingly untenable. There’s an underlying tension in every interaction, with allegiances becoming murky and hidden agendas slowly bubbling to the surface. Gillen’s writing excels here, as he carefully balances complex character dynamics with philosophical musings on the nature of power and control. His dialogue is sharp and loaded with subtext, allowing readers to delve into the minds of these characters without being spoon-fed exposition.
One of the most striking aspects of this issue is the visual storytelling by Caspar Wijngaard. His art is sleek, bold, and modern, perfectly complementing Gillen’s intricate narrative. The clean, angular lines give each scene a sense of clarity, while still allowing for expressive, detailed moments that breathe life into the characters and their environments. Wijngaard’s use of shadows and his skillful application of color—particularly the cool blues and purples contrasted against warmer tones—adds a layer of emotional depth to the story, creating an almost dreamlike, otherworldly atmosphere.
The scenes set in "The Pyramid," a location central to the plot, are especially noteworthy. The geometric designs Wijngaard employs here are visually arresting, instantly capturing the reader’s attention. These intricate backgrounds stand in contrast to the more minimalist settings that dominate much of the comic, giving the issue a sense of scope and scale that elevates the tension. His action sequences are dynamic without being overwhelming, maintaining a sense of control and pacing that keeps readers engaged. The rooftop scenes, in particular, showcase Wijngaard’s ability to build anticipation—quiet moments where every glance and gesture feels loaded with meaning, pulling readers deeper into the simmering conflicts between characters.
As for the characters themselves, Wijngaard’s designs are compelling and distinct. Each of the six superhumans stands out not only in terms of appearance but also in posture and expression, allowing the reader to infer much about their personalities through their body language alone. The difference in how characters carry themselves during tense conversations versus moments of reflection is expertly captured, adding to the emotional complexity of the issue.
The dynamic between Tonya, Etienne, and Heavy forms the emotional core of this installment, but the lingering question of the group's collective future looms large. Gillen continues to explore power dynamics and ethical questions without providing easy answers, a hallmark of his writing that elevates The Power Fantasy beyond typical superhero fare. His examination of the responsibilities that come with immense power—especially when that power is akin to a nuclear weapon—is as timely as it is poignant. Gillen doesn’t shy away from the darker implications of what it means to possess such overwhelming force, and by stripping away the traditional romance of superhero interactions, he reveals the unsettling truth at the heart of The Power Fantasy: superpowers aren’t a blessing—they’re a potential disaster waiting to happen.
The issue closes with an essay from Gillen, reflecting on his experiences writing for X-Men and the evolution of power levels in superhero comics over the decades. His commentary on how characters once limited by their abilities are now practically omnipotent serves as a fitting companion to the issue’s themes, reinforcing the idea that power, when left unchecked, inevitably leads to destructive consequences. As Gillen eloquently puts it, "Ultimately, if the superheroes have the power of a nuclear weapon, they’re not good for anything. All nuclear bombs can do is kill everyone."
The Power Fantasy #2 is a superb continuation of what promises to be one of the most compelling “superhero” stories in recent memory. With Wijngaard’s sharp, expressive artwork and Gillen’s intelligent, layered writing, this series is shaping up to be a must-read for fans of the genre. The issue hits comic shops on Wednesday, September 18th—don’t miss it.
