Empowered Volume 8 Author: Adam Warren | Language: English | ISBN:
1616552042 | Format: PDF
Empowered Volume 8 Description
- Series: Empowered
- Paperback: 208 pages
- Publisher: Dark Horse (December 31, 2013)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1616552042
- ISBN-13: 978-1616552046
- Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.5 x 0.6 inches
- Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Empowered 8 continues to show why this is one of the best, and most grossly underrated, comic series available today. This series story is, by far, its greatest strength, so I will do my best to keep this as spoiler free as possible. This volume picks up directly after the brutal ninja showdown that closed out the last, and we are treated to more of Kozue's versatile ninja magic and the aftermath of said showdown.
The meat of this story however revolves around Emp and Sistah Spooky, going to hell to try and rescue Spookys deceased girlfriend. While the last book shed light on Ninjette, this volume delves into Sistah Spooky. What most impresses me about this series is how none of the characters are defined by "good" or "evil". This is a world cast in shades of grey, and we are finally show all sides of Sistah Spooky. Her actions in the book are never condoned, merely explained, something that few authors seem willing to do. Adam Warren never says "See, she isn't as good/bad as you thought?", instead he shows you who she is, and lets you draw your own conclusions.
More context is also shed on both the undead heroes and the mysterious alien life behind the capes. Getting to know more about the enjoyable cast of undead characters is great, but it's what we learn about the aliens that is most intriguing. One of the most impressive things about this series is the scope of it seems to expand with every new volume. This is the same series as when is started, yet with the added context, everything is cast in a new light.
As if it wasn't enough to learn more about Spookums, the aliens, the undead, and the world at large, we also get a very welcome peek at what it is that allows Emp to bounce back from the endless parade of awful things that happen to her on a daily basis.
NO SPOILERS
The truly amazing thing about the amazingly self-conscious supraheroine Empowered is her author/artist Adam Warren¡?s continued ability to build her, her supporting cast, and her universe into a more complex and interesting place. Emp began life as the subject of commissioned sketches of a bondage prone damsel in distress heroine. After a while, Warren felt she'd begun to develop a personality of her own, and began writing short stories about her and her problematic career. If one has only read the first volume or two, one could be forgiven for believing it's a storyline full of satire and humor but no emotional depth. Not true. Volume by volume, Warren continues to build on his very original and likable world with loveable and interesting characters.
This latest volume takes it to an all new level. Emp actually teams up with her least favorite person on earth, team mate Sistah Spooky, in a bid to save Spooky's dead lover from damnation. Emp learns a lot about Spooky¡?s true personality and about why she hates Emp so much. But first, the top half of the volume gives, in short vignettes, more backstory on Emp's friends and colleagues, lest you miss them in a whole volume! I'd be sorry not to hear more about them for so long.
Empowered is one of the best books out there right now. The major superhero books only wish they had the emotion, creativity, and depth of charater you'll find here. Another boring (and mercenary) crossover; another 'dark' hero, another reboot of a charater. Blah. Blah, blah, blah. Why read such boring fare when Empowered is so fantastic?
Warren's manga style black-and-white art is great! I'm not really a manga fan, but I do love his art.
Empowered Volume 8 Preview
Link
Please Wait...