The Good
If you read the first issue of this mini-series, then you realize very quickly that Bobby Watts is an important key in all of these super-powered humans. This issue focuses a bit more on that and Bobby's powers. As the issue comes to a close we learn that Bobby may be the only person who can save the lives of some of the other powered humans, since those previously hurt or killed on America's Got Powers are not dead and the energy inside them keeps them alive, including Tommy Watts. Bobby is then forced into performing on the next episode of America's Got Powers.
I did like the fact the book is bigger than just this show. It involves relationships between different characters, other characters coming into their own, and dealing with the bigger problem of "what the heck happened to give these people powers?" It's not a surprise by any means, but I like the fact the show is the background for this book and not entirely the main focus.
I love Bryan Hitch's work on this book. He puts an insane amount of detail into his art, especially with a couple two-page spreads towards the end of the issue. Many artists will do a great job on the foreground and the individual characters in the panel, but Bryan works his butt off and does that AND puts that same amount of detail and dedication into the background. Do the shutters behind the characters really have to be there? They should be, at least that's how I see it.
The Bad
The whole "reality television show" storytelling technique of this comic is gone in this issue. It was a cool concept I enjoyed that was lost in this issue. Understandably, this issue takes place after an episode, but it was still a storytelling tactic I enjoyed.
The Verdict
It may not have been as good as the first issue, but it's still darn awesome. America's Got Powers delivers a fantastic story in a cool new world. This book is bigger than the reality show and this issue takes a step away from that. What stands out most is Bryan Hitch's fantastic art. I love all the detail he puts into each panel, including all the random objects in the background. That's dedication.
The only thing I missed about this issue was the reality television story telling tactic they used in the first issue. I thought it was a cool way to take the reader through the story. It's not a big loss though.
Overall, I highly recommend this issue and this series. It is fantastic.