C.F.: Powr Mastrs Vol. 1

Powr Mastrs is the first of a projected multi-volume epic by the enigmatic "CF." While certainly not for everyone, it offers an interesting link between "art" comics and mainstream comics. In particular, there is a heck of a lot of action / adventure and sex in it for a mere "art" comic, but the story (and storytelling) are so stylized and creative, the "average" comics fan may be left quite puzzled. The art, for instance, is deceptively simple at first glance, in some places looking like mere child's scrawl. Yet in other places it explodes into gloriously surreal detail, at times with such a sure and elegant line comparison with the work of Jean Giraud (Moebius) comes to mind. The beauty of the art coincides with the more bizarre plot twists, for example the extended sex scene between a woman and a giant jellyfish (?!?!?) is rendered with aching beauty and attention to detail. The plot of this volume is largely introductory, providing a background to the characters and their world, a setup for the projected future volumes. We are introduced to a large number of characters via a sequence of isolated interactions between them, by turns mundane (and silly) or elaborate and surreal. Our hero, Subra Ptareo, has embarked upon a journey through "New China," and in particular the treacherous "Oxbow Woods." Along the way (if vol. 1 is any indication) the journey will involve (at least) bizarre martial arts, evil robots, kind witches, jellyfish sex, and the ever amusing "submen" who travel around New China in their submarine spouting silly jokes and engaging in trade with the natives (?). The experience was so compelling that upon finishing the final page, I immediately turned to the beginning and read it a second time. It will be interesting to see where CF takes the future volumes of the series. Highly recommended for those interested in the intersection between high art and adventure comics.