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Empowered #8
Empowered, Volume 8
Costumed crimefighter Empowered, her week already ruined by the grueling ordeals of both "Superdead Boot Camp" and "The Worst Book Proposal Ever," finds herself roped into a tragic and desperate scheme by her grief-stricken teammate, Sistah Spooky. On a reckless journey from a terrifying alien arsenal to the even-more-terrifying depths of hell itself, can the bickering duo free the soul of Spooky's slain lover from eternal damnation - or have our mismatched superheroines impulsively blundered into a (quite literally) hellish trap? From supercreator Adam Warren comes Empowered, the superacclaimed, supernaughty, superhero supercomedy. Empowered is like unto laughter incarnate!
208 pages, Paperback
First published December 31, 2013
4 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Adam Warren
195 books131 followersAdam Warren (born 1967) is an American comic book writer and artist who is most famous for his original graphic novel Empowered, for adapting the characters known as Dirty Pair into an American comic book, and for being one of the first American commercial illustrators to be influenced by the general manga style.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
June 2, 2020
You may think it is easy to judge this book by its cover. Buxom, scantily clad superheroines doing battle with evil forces. And, while there is indeed a part of it, this series continues to provide a lot more than just sexy, action packed battles. There is a lot of humor and it gets surprisingly deep and introspective.
The first half of this volume deals with each character’s viewpoint on what Hell is and if it exists or not.
The second half is two characters headed into hell to save a certain soul; each of those characters having a vested interest in the life and the afterlife of that soul. It actually gets quite emotional and tear-jerking at moments.
A major development in this volume is a change in the way some of the main characters view each other. While there have been vicious rivalries, back stabbing, general loathing, and jealousy over time, all of the storylines for the previous volumes come together in what is definitely the biggest resolution of the series so far. I am quite impressed that a title that started out somewhat slowly and silly for me has morphed into a very strong and meaningful title.
The artwork has remained the same throughout the series. That is something that I greatly appreciate in a graphic novel series. In the past, my interest has waned in titles when there is a big shift caused by new artists being brought in. Also, I continue to love that this has remained in a black and white format. While colors are cool, I am a big fan of how graphic novel art looks when done in basic black and white.
I think that this title may appeal to a lot of people. I also think that the covers of the volumes may make you think it is something that may not interest you. Unfortunately, it does not hit its stride until about Volume 6 – but overall it is pretty good and worth a shot if you like Manga, black and white graphic novels, humor, and superheroes.
The first half of this volume deals with each character’s viewpoint on what Hell is and if it exists or not.
The second half is two characters headed into hell to save a certain soul; each of those characters having a vested interest in the life and the afterlife of that soul. It actually gets quite emotional and tear-jerking at moments.
A major development in this volume is a change in the way some of the main characters view each other. While there have been vicious rivalries, back stabbing, general loathing, and jealousy over time, all of the storylines for the previous volumes come together in what is definitely the biggest resolution of the series so far. I am quite impressed that a title that started out somewhat slowly and silly for me has morphed into a very strong and meaningful title.
The artwork has remained the same throughout the series. That is something that I greatly appreciate in a graphic novel series. In the past, my interest has waned in titles when there is a big shift caused by new artists being brought in. Also, I continue to love that this has remained in a black and white format. While colors are cool, I am a big fan of how graphic novel art looks when done in basic black and white.
I think that this title may appeal to a lot of people. I also think that the covers of the volumes may make you think it is something that may not interest you. Unfortunately, it does not hit its stride until about Volume 6 – but overall it is pretty good and worth a shot if you like Manga, black and white graphic novels, humor, and superheroes.
October 25, 2019
At some point, probably between volumes 3 and 6, I discovered I really care about these characters and what happens to them next.
December 9, 2019
A much-needed installment that nicely wrapped up the Mindfuck storyline and provided believable depth to Sistah Spooky's character. It's clear that the mysterious "object" that they used to reach "hell" will be making plot-important reappearances in later volumes, too . . . Perhaps even providing an origin for Emp's suit? We'll see.
The scene between Mindfuck and her brother was genuinely well-done; I loved the shading and linework during those panels. I'm also really intrigued about Spooky's new disability; I hope they don't find some way to "undo" it in subsequent volumes.
The scene between Mindfuck and her brother was genuinely well-done; I loved the shading and linework during those panels. I'm also really intrigued about Spooky's new disability; I hope they don't find some way to "undo" it in subsequent volumes.
January 12, 2014
I love Adam Warran's art.
But you know what I love even more?
His writing.
I love everything he wrote (well, okay, maybe not much the Gen13 stuff and the early Dirty Pair), from Bubblegum Crisis to Iron Man and especially Livewires. And Empowered, of course.
True, sometimes I miss the lighter side of Empowered, the jokes and gags. But in exchange we have some awesome character development, some amazing scenes and plot, and god, the villains.
Adam Warren writes some of the scariest, pant-wetting villains around.
And all in all, it's still a trade totally worth making.
Adam Warren needs to write a book, so I can buy the hell out of it.
But you know what I love even more?
His writing.
I love everything he wrote (well, okay, maybe not much the Gen13 stuff and the early Dirty Pair), from Bubblegum Crisis to Iron Man and especially Livewires. And Empowered, of course.
True, sometimes I miss the lighter side of Empowered, the jokes and gags. But in exchange we have some awesome character development, some amazing scenes and plot, and god, the villains.
Adam Warren writes some of the scariest, pant-wetting villains around.
And all in all, it's still a trade totally worth making.
Adam Warren needs to write a book, so I can buy the hell out of it.
February 9, 2025
This series keeps getting better. This time, we get some (heartbreaking) back story, and things start looking better for Emp.
July 30, 2014
Let's talk about what makes Empowered such a charming and great book. Part of it has to do with what exactly it's trying to accomplish. Empowered is a superhero comic drawn in a manga style. Mind you, those two genres audiences do NOT overlap. Superhero comics fans don't care about manga, and counter to that, superhero comics don't exactly appeal to the mangaphile. So, with Empowered we have worlds colliding, and someone's going to have to give. Either Adam Warren is a genius or his perspective on market appeal is whoafully lacking.
Second, Empowered is so wholly a one-man bohemoth of a project that it's both admirable and scary to consider. Warren's pencils are so sharp, so dynamic, and so rough at the same time that I've honestly never seen anything like it art-wise. Combine that with Warren's impeccable writing, and you have a knockout hit. Warren truly has this ability to mix science fiction with pop culture, that again, we wonder how one man can accomplish so much so well. As someone who is in love with DIY culture, Empowered impresses on many levels. Even though Empowered's publication has slowed significantly, at one point, Warren was churning out two of these volumes a year. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it.
Although Warren tries to bring everyone up to speed at the beginning of each book by recapping the story. With how convuluted the story has gotten at this point, I'm starting to think these serve more as refreshers for fans of the book, as one would think newcomers would surely be lost.
Regardless, volume 8 of Empowered picks right where we left off with two large story arcs that deal with death, revenge, and some main characters dealing with loss. We get a little bit of Ninjette and Thug Boy, but this is mostly exposition for Emp as volume 8 is truly hers and Spooky's turn to shine. Namely, going on a certain mission that they might not return from. Do they pull it off? We'll let you find out. Read this book, and then do what you should have been doing in the first place, which is to check out everything else in the Empowered universe. Why? Because, Empowered is probably the best mainstream comic out right now and you should know that.
Second, Empowered is so wholly a one-man bohemoth of a project that it's both admirable and scary to consider. Warren's pencils are so sharp, so dynamic, and so rough at the same time that I've honestly never seen anything like it art-wise. Combine that with Warren's impeccable writing, and you have a knockout hit. Warren truly has this ability to mix science fiction with pop culture, that again, we wonder how one man can accomplish so much so well. As someone who is in love with DIY culture, Empowered impresses on many levels. Even though Empowered's publication has slowed significantly, at one point, Warren was churning out two of these volumes a year. Stick that in your pipe and smoke it.
Although Warren tries to bring everyone up to speed at the beginning of each book by recapping the story. With how convuluted the story has gotten at this point, I'm starting to think these serve more as refreshers for fans of the book, as one would think newcomers would surely be lost.
Regardless, volume 8 of Empowered picks right where we left off with two large story arcs that deal with death, revenge, and some main characters dealing with loss. We get a little bit of Ninjette and Thug Boy, but this is mostly exposition for Emp as volume 8 is truly hers and Spooky's turn to shine. Namely, going on a certain mission that they might not return from. Do they pull it off? We'll let you find out. Read this book, and then do what you should have been doing in the first place, which is to check out everything else in the Empowered universe. Why? Because, Empowered is probably the best mainstream comic out right now and you should know that.
December 11, 2014
Short but sweet review:
Adam Warren's art is as lush and dynamic as ever. There's few working artists I rate as highly as him. No question about it, the art is consistently 5 star.
Adam Warren's writing is as hackneyed and forced as ever. Whether it's the unnecessary breaking of the 4th wall (brings nothing to the book, imo), the oddly censored curse words or just the randomly emphasized words in every speech bubble, Warren's style is grating.
The overall story is interesting and Emp's character growth are saving graces for otherwise average writing.
I would love it if once Empowered is finished, Warren teams up with a modern and skilled writer (Matt Fraction, Rick Remender, Mike Mignola... or hell, a Grant Morrison or Warren Ellis [Warren and Warren!]) where he can focus on contributing his astounding art to a book with dialogue that doesn't read like bad highschool writing. To whit, a random snippet of dialogue from a page opened to at random:
"Somebody done turned those ol' crazy tables , once again! Somebody's a notorious table-turner y'all! Somebody's got tables everywhere living in fear! And guess what ? That somebody's intials are E-M-P bitches!"
Sigh. At least this is some of the less egregious bolding and underlining.
Art 5 plus writing 2 in this case equals a four. I enjoyed looking at the book, but reading it was kind of a chore.
Adam Warren's art is as lush and dynamic as ever. There's few working artists I rate as highly as him. No question about it, the art is consistently 5 star.
Adam Warren's writing is as hackneyed and forced as ever. Whether it's the unnecessary breaking of the 4th wall (brings nothing to the book, imo), the oddly censored curse words or just the randomly emphasized words in every speech bubble, Warren's style is grating.
The overall story is interesting and Emp's character growth are saving graces for otherwise average writing.
I would love it if once Empowered is finished, Warren teams up with a modern and skilled writer (Matt Fraction, Rick Remender, Mike Mignola... or hell, a Grant Morrison or Warren Ellis [Warren and Warren!]) where he can focus on contributing his astounding art to a book with dialogue that doesn't read like bad highschool writing. To whit, a random snippet of dialogue from a page opened to at random:
"Somebody done turned those ol' crazy tables , once again! Somebody's a notorious table-turner y'all! Somebody's got tables everywhere living in fear! And guess what ? That somebody's intials are E-M-P bitches!"
Sigh. At least this is some of the less egregious bolding and underlining.
Art 5 plus writing 2 in this case equals a four. I enjoyed looking at the book, but reading it was kind of a chore.
December 22, 2013
I picked up the first volume of this comic/manga because it was the manga reading one month in one of my groups. It was not what I was expecting and I didn't really enjoy that first one but I borrowed the first 4 volumes from a friend in one go and they insisted that it got better so I powered through.
I'm so glad I did because this volume was brilliant. Seeing Emp being so impressive and falling victim to her own self esteem so little (what I'd been looking for in that first vol.) was just amazing. The character development in all of the characters since the beginning has been masterfully done and I keep connecting with them more and more everytime I pick one of these up.
I love that this series is getting more serious and all the story arcs keeping getting more intriguing. I'll be waiting on the edge of my seat for the next volume in this series because I can't wait to see where this characters go next or find out what the hell is going on with the wings coming from Emp's suit.
I'm so glad I did because this volume was brilliant. Seeing Emp being so impressive and falling victim to her own self esteem so little (what I'd been looking for in that first vol.) was just amazing. The character development in all of the characters since the beginning has been masterfully done and I keep connecting with them more and more everytime I pick one of these up.
I love that this series is getting more serious and all the story arcs keeping getting more intriguing. I'll be waiting on the edge of my seat for the next volume in this series because I can't wait to see where this characters go next or find out what the hell is going on with the wings coming from Emp's suit.
December 24, 2015
Great character trajectory with Sistah Spooky here and really cool development in her relationship with Empowered. With each successive issue, Warren seems to redeem more and more of Emp's bondage-inspired beginnings. Notice that she gets tied up less often in the present as it's mostly referred to (and illustrated, of course) as having happened in the past. Emp is really on a path here, making friends with the dead capes and training with them, learning more about her suit's capabilities, gaining more confidence, etc. She is one of the most dynamic, if not the most dynamic superhero being written these days. The last couple volumes have focused more on the action nd a little less on the relationship stuff, but I don't mind since the first three volumes were heavy with that stuff (it was good and really helped to set the stage) and what's going on now is interesting and fun and a nice change of pace.
April 1, 2016
Adam Warren and the cast of Empowered return for the 8th time in this Dark Horse publication. Emp is still searching for acceptance from her superhero community, as her multiple successes remain overshadowed by her bondage-prone predicaments. A team-up with her frenemy Sistah Spooky might change all that, as the heroines delve into the land of the dead to rescue a fallen teammate. As both girls reveal shared secrets and insecurities, the battle against a demonic foe threatens to drive a permanent wedge between the reluctant allies. Warren opts to divide the book into two segments; the first half features the goofy humor that typifies the series, while the second half continues the moodier plotlines that have evolved from the book's lengthy run. Both halves offer something entertaining for fans of Empowered, offering a chance to view past and present in one sitting. Adam Warren continues to push his creations with charm and wit.
November 24, 2014
This is a weird volume of the comic to review, due to it feeling like Adam Warren has changed how he approaches writing the comic with this one.
On one hand, he adds so much depth to the main character and her "suprhero" team mate, and in doing so shows that he really does care for his female characters and has come a long way from the origins of this comic (which is a good thing). In addition to this, the comic brings a lot of closer and insight to certain plot points which is great to see.
On the other hand however, the comic certainly does feel a lot more sober that all the others, but EMP's personality shines within this.
In short, if you like the giggle a moment comics before this one, you may be disappointed. If however you like Empowered due to the fact that EMP always seems to fight on and is loyal to a fault - then the comic may well be developing in the way to desire.
On one hand, he adds so much depth to the main character and her "suprhero" team mate, and in doing so shows that he really does care for his female characters and has come a long way from the origins of this comic (which is a good thing). In addition to this, the comic brings a lot of closer and insight to certain plot points which is great to see.
On the other hand however, the comic certainly does feel a lot more sober that all the others, but EMP's personality shines within this.
In short, if you like the giggle a moment comics before this one, you may be disappointed. If however you like Empowered due to the fact that EMP always seems to fight on and is loyal to a fault - then the comic may well be developing in the way to desire.
July 27, 2017
At first I was all like "awe man..." Then I was like "OH SNAP!" And it was great. Certainly a more concentrated focus in this book. Nice story and great character development. Can't wait to see the repercussions of this volume in the next.
2017-07-27
This had a lot of great info about the world and a lot of great action. Love hero Emp! There are so many details about this world still unexplored, like aliens, Mindf--I'd brother, retired heroes (specifically the ones that went into retirement right after San Antonio). This is my first reread of this volume and I forgot about some thing... shocking things. But an amazing addition to the series and a heart-wrenching sendoff for Mindf--k (the volumes later).
On to the next one shot than volume 9!!
2017-07-27
This had a lot of great info about the world and a lot of great action. Love hero Emp! There are so many details about this world still unexplored, like aliens, Mindf--I'd brother, retired heroes (specifically the ones that went into retirement right after San Antonio). This is my first reread of this volume and I forgot about some thing... shocking things. But an amazing addition to the series and a heart-wrenching sendoff for Mindf--k (the volumes later).
On to the next one shot than volume 9!!
January 17, 2014
I usually don't rate comics or graphic novels here on Goodreads - not because I don't like them, but because I have so many, and I feel that it's a different sort of culture consumption than reading books. Still, this installation of Empowered is some of the best literature I've read in a long while!
My hat off to Adam Warren. What a way to start 2014!
My hat off to Adam Warren. What a way to start 2014!
Read
September 20, 2016I am a huge fan of this series and this volume continues the successful blend of "post-modern" ripping of pop culture, lambasting the fixation with superheroines in distress (whilst playing up to it at every opportunity) with powerful characterisation and ready wit.
Thoroughly recommended to anyone interested in any of the aspect
Thoroughly recommended to anyone interested in any of the aspect
Read
August 9, 2024I don't know why I love this series, but I do. It's fun, and it explores all sorts of fun issues through the lens of superheroes. This one really focuses on Sistah Spooky and her lovah. I could, as always, use more Thug Boy, Ninjette, and Caged Demon Wolf.
August 11, 2014
EMP finally badass! I loved the evolution of the main character's self confidence and friendship with sistah spooky as well. Really cant wait for the next one.
February 10, 2020
Funny, Sexy and thought-provoking. The art and stories are great.
January 1, 2014
Great Volume, i am amazed that the quality of this books hasn't dropped after 8 volumes. I hope we find out soon what happened in San Antonio.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2014
The usual fun read with some very dark overtones and (thankfully) some advancement in the plot. Big focus on Sistah Spooky.
March 19, 2014
The artwork continues to be excellent and the characters suitably anarchic, satirical and imaginative.
This series continues to be one of my favourites.
This series continues to be one of my favourites.
July 31, 2014
Good series, but it has finally lost all feeling of urgency. Story lines will most likely never get wrapped up or will take 10x longer than they should.
December 23, 2014
Probably my favourite yet. One big story, with... depth, and character development, and... pathos.
Who'd have thunk it.
And we find out the terrible secret behind Emp's bondage powers.
Who'd have thunk it.
And we find out the terrible secret behind Emp's bondage powers.
February 10, 2014
not usually my kid of book but the characters keeps drawing me back.
January 29, 2014
A more serious album working the story and characters forward. As always, a nice fun read.
July 16, 2015
Wann kommt nochmal Volume 9 raus? ...
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews