Powers 25 #2 Sees People Breaking the Law, and the Laws of Physics

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When checking out the new Powers series, it’s important to consider how the story handles the characters’ history. The original creators, Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming, had a general idea of the backstory from the start (Bendis even shares some of it in this issue!), but they didn’t reveal everything right away. They unfolded it gradually, just like with most new characters – you meet them first, and learn about their past over time. This means the fact that Powers 25 takes place 25 years after the original series isn’t a big deal; it’s no different than any new story having a history. I think it’s clever how Bendis includes references to the past, but you don’t need to know that history to enjoy the current story. They’re just fun details for fans who remember the original series.

Here’s how to successfully revive a story: focus on what’s happening now, and it’s okay to include references to the past – everyone does that! Think about how Andy Sipowicz’s history shaped his character on NYPD Blue, but David Milch didn’t reveal everything at once. Flashbacks and past references work well, but only when they add to the current storyline, and that’s exactly what happens in Powers #25.

The second issue of Powers, written by Brian Michael Bendis with art by Michael Avon Oeming, colors by Nick Filardi, and lettering by Josh Reed, immediately follows the shocking murder from the first issue. This murder occurred during a poker game, and Captain Deena Pilgrim’s badge was discovered at the scene. Oeming’s cover image of the victim with a gunshot wound is particularly striking. While I used a variant cover by Scott Hepburn for this review’s header image—the graphic nature of the original cover might be too much for the website’s homepage.

Detective Cutter’s background makes her a compelling new lead

Detective Cutter was a difficult coworker to Christian Walker and Deena Pilgrim in the original Powers series. He was famously killed by a superpowered criminal early in the second volume – the event was caught on video and replayed countless times over the years. Now, the series follows Cutter’s daughter, who has become a detective carrying on his work. This issue features a flashback to when she was first promoted to the Powers Division and the difficult experiences that came with the job.

Cutter isn’t driven by a typical revenge plot – it’s not simply that her father’s death fuels her hatred. However, it’s natural she’d have complicated feelings about being assigned to the same division where her father was killed. That’s why the introduction of a superpowered partner, revealed in this issue, is such a smart move. Having a superhero directly involved with the Powers division for the first time creates exciting new storytelling possibilities for Bendis and Oeming.

What ISN’T collectible nowadays?

Okay, so the biggest surprise for me was finding Pilgrim’s badge at the crime scene – but it wasn’t just there. Apparently, it was being used as a stake in a poker game! You know, like when someone’s broke and bets something valuable instead of money? It turns out those Deena Pilgrim badges are actually collectible now, which is wild and shows how long this series has been around. What’s really cool is that when Deena mentions all the times she probably lost badges, you don’t need to know those stories to follow along. It’s fun if you do, it adds a little extra, but it doesn’t change the main plot. Bendis and Oeming are…

The character with the hole in his face is surprisingly complex – it’s not a simple injury, but a miniature black hole. This discovery is a turning point for Cutter, revealing the truly bizarre nature of the situation. The way they figure this out is also funny: someone accidentally drops a pen into the hole, proving it’s not just a normal wound.

A key strength of the series is how overwhelming it feels to be a regular police officer facing superpowered individuals. This is especially clear when Cutter encounters a new team of superheroes – everything feels massive and intense. The creative team of Oeming and Filardi brilliantly capture this scale, and Filardi’s use of color is particularly effective. The book often uses darkness, making the moments with bright, bold colors truly stand out – and even disorienting – which perfectly reflects the experience of someone like Cutter dealing with these unusual crimes. And that’s before even considering Cutter’s personal struggles with her father’s past.

The first issue introduced the main storyline, and this second issue really starts to unravel the mystery. It captures the feel of classic Powers, but feels updated and accessible for new readers.

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2025-10-31 11:10