What’s To Love: New York Times bestselling author Kate Leth (Bravest Warriors, Adventure Time: Seeing Red) and artist Matt Cummings (Adventure Time) create a new, original series that takes the magical girl story where it’s never, ever been before. Combining a deep love of Sailor Moon with the tongue-in-cheek humor of Scott Pilgrim, Power Up is the story of the most unlikely people (and goldfish) taking on the roles of Magical Girl, whether they want it or not.
What It Is: It has been foretold that four noble warriors of incredible strength would be gifted with cosmic abilities at a moment of planetary alignment...which, yeah, something definitely went wrong here. Amie is a disaffected twentysomething with a lot of attitude, Kevin is a washed-up athlete way past his prime, Sandy’s a mother of two teenagers, and Silas...is a goldfish. Just a normal goldfish. Are we sure we read that prophecy right?
Kate Leth is a Canadian author and illustrator working in comics, animation, design, and feelings. A grown-up goth and pop culture devotee, Kate specializes in work for kids and teens. Their comics work includes Patsy Walker, A.K.A. Hellcat!; Girl Over Paris; Spell on Wheels; and Adventure Time, among others.
They live in Halifax, Nova Scotia with an absolutely ridiculous cat and several regrets. They are queer and genderfluid/non-binary, a fact that greatly influences their work. Kate uses they/them pronouns, but probably won’t correct you.
I really like the art and coloring but this issue fell flat in what is ultimately just a serviceable introduction but I will be continuing on with the series because I see the potential.
Power Up is a new 6 limited issues series created by Kate Leth as the writer and Matt Cummings as the illustrator and released by BOOM! Box comics.
For a starting issue, we have a small amount of interdiction to the main character Amie, who is quite nice for a main lead. She's just funny and goofy a little bit irresponsible but hey aren't we all that by the end of the day? Unfortunately, it doesn't help capture enough interest in the next issues for a first time read. Sure, there's lots of interesting stuff going on, but it just happens... And that just, well, sad to be honest.
The art is good, kinda cutsy and childish reminds me of Adventure Time and other good cartoons shows I like.
Power Up is a nice read, it won't be much of a big lesson and moral and what not so if you looking for thoughtful material to ponder about, look somewhere else, okay? This is just for nice relaxing story about people who you would probably won't except they will start developing powers.
The worst thing about this first installment is that it is over too soon. I WANT FOUR HUNDRED MORE. Looking forward to the next one! Kate Leth's writing is delightfully paired with Matt Cummings' adorable artwork. I like Amie as a doesn't-quite-have-this-whole-adulthood-thing-together-yet protagonist, and I'm especially excited for Kevin's storyline!
Cute illustration and colour, good setup for this mysterious power and stranger in a suit speaking a foreign language. The main character Amie is normal enough looking, not a scrawny blonde heroine as usual. But the premise just didn't grab me. A lot of series I've started (Lunberjanes) instantly grabbed my attention. This first issue is good but I found it to be lacking that something special.
C: I need to read a couple more issues to see if I actually like this. The first issue was really short, and I don't have a good sense of what is going on at all. I like some of the art, but not all of it and that is a little confusing.
I need to read a couple more issues to see if I actually like this. The first issue was really short, and I don't have a good sense of what is going on at all.