The Power Fantasy #4

Its clever stuff. The problem is that the story at the heart of the fourth issue isnt exactly compelling in the new and novel way that the first three issues had been. The overall essence of the statement being made by the fourth issue, though...IS powerful. And its interesting. And itll be interesting to see where Gillen and company take things next.  Read Full Review

Wijngaard delivers beautiful, immersive art throughout the issue. I continue to blown away by the different visual styles and how they mold each moment and character. Read Full Review

Kieron Gillen does another excellent job with this exciting run. The Power Fantasy is only on it's fourth issue and it already has so much built into this world. The storyline and the characters are so very compelling, you can't help but stay hooked to each character's story. I really am enjoying learning more and more about the Family members and their dynamics. Read Full Review

The Power Fantasy #4 masterfully balances character-driven storytelling with broader narrative stakes, delivering an issue that is both intimate and monumental.This chapter deepens the series' themes of morality, identity, and the fragile bonds between individuals with extraordinary abilities. The exploration of Masumi's inner turmoil and the growing tension among the supes keeps the story unpredictable and thrilling. By the final page, The Power Fantasy has positioned itself as not just a tale of superhuman conflict but also a profound examination of the cost of power and connection. Read Full Review

The Power Fantasy #4 uses art and its critical reception to just show how fragile and tense its world is. Read Full Review

Jawnyblaze

Nov 21, 2024

This continues to be a master class of dramatic superhero writing. The art is nice and the pace and flow of the story is great. Each of the characters is interesting and understandable (if not relatable) in their own way. I would love a Kevin Smith directed movie or TV show of this book. I want it to never end, but the story doesn't seem built to last long. Can't wait for the next issue.

KittyNone

Nov 23, 2024

Oh ouch

derbycomics

Nov 23, 2024

Kieron Gillen and Caspar Wijngaard are back this week with The Power Fantasy #4, which shifts the focus to Masumi, a depressed artists who is 1 of the 3 powerful Atomics alongside Etienne & Heavy. We haven’t seen much of Masumi so far but we learned in the last issue that she was responsible for the catastrophic 1982 “Tokyo event.” More than anything, this issue was tragic. Masumi is the poster child for destructive mental illness. She’s not in control of her emotions, or the effect of those emotions, & is a constant threat to herself, those she loves, & ultimately, thanks to her status as an Atomic, the entire world. Many readers won’t need this book to relate to the dangers and emotional pain mental illness causes to those wh o suffer from it and/or their friends & family. Gillen presents the macro threat Masumi poses as someone so narcissistic she could end humanity just because her artwork receives negative critical reviews. A scary proposition for sure, but one that I know I’ve personally dealt with on a much more micro scale many times with people near & dear in my life. It made me feel entirely empathetic to Masumi, even though she likely doesn’t deserve it. The Power Fantasy is shaping up to be Wijngaard’s best work to date. Every issue has been breathtakingly beautiful, but he raises his game even higher this issue. He uses ingenious paneling designs to visually complement Gillen’s writing. You can tell how much Gillen trusts Wijngaard as he allows the artist to tell so much of the story through art. The entire art gallery scene is a perfect example of a “show don’t tell” approach that yielded a far more ominous and foreboding reading experience that text simply couldn’t provide. That dynamic is why I love this series so much. Gillen & Wijngaard are building intrigue without telling us every single detail about the world they’re building, especially as it relates to what these godlike characters are capable of. We’re getting clues along the way, whether it’s Gillen’s sharp dialogue or Wijngaard’s evocative visuals, to inform us that we’re always on the precipice of global Armageddon. more