Powers - Volume 7: Forever

A huge look into the past, and how there actually came to be Powers, and where Walker/Diamond came from. Oh yeah, and the monkey shagging that obtained some amusing criticism. Excellent work. Note that this is completely lacking in dialogue, at times, but for 2001 prehistoric type reasons. A mysterious monastery on a mountain, also features, with your inscrutable monk/lama type helping out those who find themselves in situations similar to Walker's.

Benis and Oeming's Powers is one of the best series out there today, dealing with cops who work on superhero-related crimes. Ruthlessly graphics, often funny, and always engaging, it's a must read for me whenever a new trade paperback is released. Forever is nice installment of the Powers series, adding the overall mythos these creators have built. Forever is a story arc that reveals who the main character, Christian Walker, truly is, while outlining a superhero rivalry that has gone on, well, forever. It does not rise to the level of the last tome, The Sellouts, but it does manage to be a good story of revenge and loss, adding new layers to an already great series. Recommended.

I've enjoyed the Power's series for quite some time now, and like many of my fellow fans I was a bit put off when the comic book that prominently featured monkey-lovin' was released. You have to get past it. It's actually a vital part of a rather good story-arc. I really wish that Bendis and Oeming hadn't "altered" some of the details from earlier story-arcs, but it's still pretty darn good.

This volume is brilliant storytelling, standing on its own even outside the Powers collection. While some of the Powers story arcs are straightforward or predictable, this arc is a new-classic tale of the beginnings and growth of a few superpowered individuals, and it has little to do with solving crimes (that often turn out to be somewhat unexciting in the earlier volumes). A genius reflection on its main character amidst the continuity of the issues, and just a terrific story. I would have enjoyed this volume tremendously even if I had not read any of the others.

The Powers series keeps going from strength to strength. Despite minor continuity blips, Powers Vol.7 will rank as one of the best arcs in the series. Do pick up and read the earlier books in the series before you read this book though as it would give you a much richer background and understanding of the comic's cast and a deeper appreciation of Vol.7. It is hard to review this book without creating too many spoilers. Essentially, Powers Forever reveals the origin of many Powers characters, focusing centrally on Detective Christian Walker. Backgrounds are expanded further on characters which were previously glossed over or glimpsed at. As a result, the Powers Universe becomes even more real as you share the pain and joy of the characters at a very personal level. However, as mentioned earlier, because of the retrospective nature of this book, hardcore fans may enjoy pointing out certain dialogue from previous books in the series that no longer flow as well due to the twist in plotlines. In my opinion though these niggles are so minor that they should not even affect the rating of this book. If you have been a fan of the series, this book is a must buy. If you have not read Powers before, pick up the earlier volumes first before reading this book. You will not be disappointed.