America’s Got Powers #1 (2012)
Script, Story, Art- Jonathan Ross, Bryan Hitch
While the concept of super heroes on a reality show is not a new idea, it is pulled off in a more realistic way in the new mini-seriesAmerica’s Got Powers. It is an alternate reality where a meteor landed inSan Franciscoand caused the children born after the impact to have super powers. The story is told from two perspectives. The first is Tommy Watts who has a power rating of zero. The second perspective is Dr. Syell, the scientist that trains the powered children. The climax of the book comes with the first round of this year’s show that ends up being more brutal than anyone expects. The ending is both expected and a lead-in to the real story of this series.
The writing is a little cliché. The people behind the scenes of the show are unlikeable and clearly planning evil things. The crew of the show is vapid and the audience is the usual accepting and violence adoring masses. Tommy is the archetypal guy with no power that had a brother who is very powerful, but died in the tournament. However, the set up for the world is interesting and there is some good story potential. The artwork is messy, but it gives the story a more realistic and slightly gritty feel. The action is a little cluttered, but it is also not the focus of this book. The art is by no means groundbreaking, but it works for this story.
America’s Got Powers is not the most original concept, but it is an enjoyable take on reality TV gone wrong. There is potential for a good story as long as the clichés do not rule the direction of the story. If you want a more down to earth take on superheroes then this is a good place to start. If you are tired of the “reality TV is evil” morality play then this will likely not appeal to you. I am very excited to see where this story goes.
Bizarro Approved!!