Powers # 1 - First Issue

Marvel's resurgence in writing over the last 7-8 years was lead by two of the best crime fiction writers, Ed Brubaker (Criminal) and Brian Michael Bendis (Powers). If you haven't collected Powers over the first couple volumes, I recommend you buy/borrow/steal and read them in a trade format. It is one of Bendis' most acclaimed work. It is what he is the best at. It also might forgive some Avenger fans over his hit/miss deconstruction/reconstruction of the Avenger brand. 
 
For anyone who isn't familiar with Powers, think NYPD Blue meets the X-Files. 
 
Basically, homicide detectives who work on cases that are often caused by super heroes. As the cops hunt down the super powered assailants, main character Detective Christian Walker secretly keeps his recently returned super powered gift under wraps. There's themes of profiling mixed into the elements of good crime noir. 
 
First issue starts off with Walker back to business with a new partner Enki Sunrise who is a headstrong transfer from Internal Affairs. Even against Powered junkies, she charges in and asks questions later. After a thrilling chase across the rooftops of LA (looking very much like New York or Chicago), the Odd Couple Detectives converge on a case that involves the death of one of Walker's friends. As Walker traces back his steps from the party, he recalls a blackout after a drink. 
 
There's a cut to an extended sex scene that Walker uses to kill the pain over the loss of his friend. He's cold and its hard to say he had any remorse till the sex scene. As he arrives to work the next morning, a clue is found. Its symbolic of terror and persecution of years past. Who did Z know or was he really a scumbag?
 
This is a great jumping on point for new Bendis readers. While the art is a little too WB Batman series to articulate the subtle emotional expressions, I like the simplicity of bold graphic images to intensify a story. 
 
Rating: Buy it! Perfect time to get on board.