The Power Fantasy #1
Review
Writer: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Caspar Wijngaard
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: August 7, 2024
Page Count: 40
Format: Single-issue
The Power Fantasy #1 introduces readers to the dysfunctional lives of the Nuclear Family, exploring the dynamics and power struggles that tie them all together. Everything in this first issue shows great promise for what could be one of the best releases from Image Comics this year.
The Power Fantasy #1
ReviewWriter: Kieron Gillen
Artist: Caspar Wijngaard
Publisher: Image Comics
Release Date: August 7, 2024
Page Count: 40
Format: Single-issue
The Power Fantasy #1 introduces readers to the dysfunctional lives of the Nuclear Family, exploring the dynamics and power struggles that tie them all together. Everything in this first issue shows great promise for what could be one of the best releases from Image Comics this year.
Kieron Gillen is a comic book writer who can do it all. From indie classics like The Wicked + The Divine to superhero spectacles like Immortal X-Men, Gillen always injects his bold flair into everything he writes. That’s why The Power Fantasy is such an intriguing creation from the fan-favorite writer. With its story about superpowered people keeping each other in check, the new comic has Gillen exploring a world of “superheroes” where he has full control over creating something unique. And because it’s got the incredible artist Caspar Wijngaard on the team, it has easily become one of my favorite new comic releases of the year.
If you’re intrigued to learn more about this incredible start to a new series, then keep on reading for my full review of The Power Fantasy #1!
Overview of The Power Fantasy #1
There are six superpowered individuals in the world, each with their own ideals about how their powers should be used. Known as the “Nuclear Family”, their powers are so immense that the Earth's survival depends on them never fighting one another. Of course, that’s easier said than done. When dealing with so much power, it’s only a matter of time until the ticking doomsday clock strikes zero. That leaves it in the hands of the more level-headed members of the family to keep everyone in check, even if it means spilling some blood.
Image: Image Comics
Review
As much as we’ve seen the “superheroes but different” concept many times over the years, The Power Fantasy puts a unique spin on the trope that feels fresh and exciting to dive into. Kieron Gillen and Caspar Wijngaard bring to life an incredibly dynamic world through the distinct creative styles they are known for. The script is snappy and quick-witted, giving the characters a charming sass that makes even seemingly ordinary conversions captivating to read. Then, the visuals are incredible as every panel is brimming with Wijngaard’s bold coloring and fantastic character designs. I’ve often said in my reviews how I love character-driven stories, and The Power Fantasy fits perfectly into my tastes. It’s a treat going from scene to scene and being met by fascinating characters I want to learn more about.
Speaking of characters, The Power Fantasy #1 does a great job of introducing readers to the volatile dynamics within the Nuclear Family. Core to the story is how each member brings something unique to the table, which results in fundamental differences between them. On one side, you see members using their god-like powers to maintain peace and order. But then others would rather stir up a bit of chaos to show ordinary people who the powerful ones really are. That clash of both powersets and ideals is what makes the drama of the comic so compelling. It’s easy to imagine the stakes only getting higher from here as we get to know the intriguing cast of characters even more.
Image: Image ComicsAs a debut issue, The Power Fantasy #1 gives you the perfect amount of details about the world to pull you in while still keeping so much a mystery. With the issue’s focus mostly on Ettienne, Valentina, and Heavy, you get a taste of how strong they are regardless of their good or bad intentions. Since their powers are also never fully spelled out for the reader, there's plenty of room for interpretation of just how dangerous they can be. That sense of intrigue also applies to the rest of the Nuclear Family, who we only see briefly throughout the story. This issue doesn’t frontload you with too much information and details at once, so getting to know the others will be left for another time. But there are just enough teases in the issue that will keep you intrigued to learn more about their powers, personalities, and origins.
Image: Image Comics
Final Thoughts
The Power Fantasy #1 is one of those comics that instantly gripped me the moment I read the first few pages. After its intriguing start of two superpowered people discussing whether to use their powers for good or domination, the story only gets more fascinating from there. The first issue gives readers a great glimpse into the lives of six unique individuals and the destructive power they hold in their hands. I can’t wait to see where this series goes as we start to learn more about the other members of the Nuclear Family. If you’re the type to be into character-driven stories with a bit of superhero flavor to them, then don’t miss out on one of the best comics from Image this year.
Why You Should Read The Power Fantasy
- Kieron Gillen is fantastic at injecting natural charm into his characters.
- It’s a treat seeing Caspar Wijngaard’s art for such an outlandish concept.
- The teases of the different characters show plenty of promise for a wild story to unfold.