Fire Power by Kirkman & Samnee, Vol. 3: Flame War

Fire Power #3

by Robert Kirkman, Chris Samnee (Artist)

ALL-NEW series created by Robert Kirkman (THE WALKING DEAD, INVINCIBLE, OBLIVION SONG) and Chris Samnee (Daredevil, Black Widow)!

The one who wields the fire power is destined to save the world, but Owen Johnson has turned his back on that life. But after the Dragon's Claw’s attack, Owen and his family are reeling from the loss--and more danger lurks on the horizon!

Collects FIRE POWER BY KIRKMAN & SAMNEE #7-12.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Fantasy, Supernatural, Comic Book, Young Adult, Graphic Novels Comics

152 pages, Paperback

First published July 7, 2021

About the author

Robert Kirkman is an American comic book writer best known for his work on The Walking Dead, Invincible for Image Comics, as well as Ultimate X-Men and Marvel Zombies for Marvel Comics. He has also collaborated with Image Comics co-founder Todd McFarlane on the series Haunt. He is one of the five partners of Image Comics, and the only one of the five who was not one of the original co-founders of that publisher.

Robert Kirkman's first comic books were self-published under his own Funk-o-Tron label. Along with childhood friend Tony Moore, Kirkman created Battle Pope which was published in late 2001. Battle Pope ran for over 2 years along with other Funk-o-Tron published books such as InkPunks and Double Take.

In July of 2002, Robert's first work for another company began, with a 4-part SuperPatriot series for Image, along with Battle Pope backup story artist Cory Walker. Robert's creator-owned projects followed shortly thereafter, including Tech Jacket, Invincible and Walking Dead.

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another great volume of Fire Power, delivering more fireball throwing martial arts action than you could ever possibly want. They also manage to squeeze in some really moving character moments around (and even during) the action, which is nice. I had a genuine lump in my throat at the reunion of two characters.

My only slight gripe is that Chris Samnee’s artwork seems to be getting more cartoony with every issue. Don’t get me wrong; his work is still absolutely great and this increased cartoonishness (it is so a word) is definitely a stylistic choice rather than laziness, but I prefer his less cartoony stuff. Just a matter of personal taste, really. His greatest strength as an artist is still his sense of composition, which reaches new heights with this book.

If you love martial arts action with some superpowers thrown in, you should be reading this book. It’s great.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fine installment. After being attacked, it’s time for Owen to link up with the other fighters and take it straight to the rival clan and end this once and for all. These books read really quickly and they are action packed. Samnee continues to crush it on art duty and Kirkman continues to drop little bread crumb mysteries that make you want to come back and uncover more of what’s to come.

[Molly™☺ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engaging, but fairly rushed in execution. Whilst it hits many of the right marks, Kirkman hasn't managed to find the sweet spot between pacing and plot. The worldbuilding seems to have plateaued, with random powers and concepts being thrown in without establishing any concrete rules. It's definitely the characters that carry this series. Owen and his family are as entertaining as ever, with the supporting ensemble also having their moments. Not deep or substantial, but a fun continuation which sets up nicely for the next volume.

[Rod Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

The first and second volumes got thumbs-up reviews from me thanks to their all-out action and focus on family, but this one satisfies with neither of those, rushing into what feels like a season one finale with a big bloated battle with tons of characters, cheesy revelations, and little heart.

The whole airplane sequence is just ridiculously wrong and annoying from start to finish.

I'll probably return for another volume, but I have doubts that this title has the legs for a long run.

[James DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid volume in Kirkman's newest comic series.

This time Owen decides to work with the very people he thought were his enemy this whole time. He takes the war to the Dragon Claw clan now and a all out war begins. With a old face returning, Owen's family in danger, and a "Dragon" that might awake we have plenty of major plot points moving forward here.

This was a lot of fun once more. Fights are great, dialogue solid, good character progression for most of the cast. I like how Kirkman avoids the clichés and just moves characters in a positive direction instead of making up crappy 3 way fighting over a guy who is clearly happy married. I also think the ending gives hints to some cool supernatural storylines we can get into.

While not the best Kirkman stuff it is really fun. A 4 out of 5.

[Corey Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once agian this was a pretty good volume of fire power. Loved the fast paced action and all the family interaction. My only problem was that two characters who were thought to be dead are now perfectly fine. The main problem with this is that it ruins all of the emotional weight the last two volumes had.

Now I have to say even though the airplane sequence was very inaccurate I did really love the sequence. Overall, it’s a fun series that I highly recommend giving a shot.

[Oscar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good volume.

[Subham · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an epic volume this was!

As he learns the truth about Scorched Earth clan, Owen goes to live with his father and well get attacked there and then some moments with grandparents and then takes his family with Wei-Lung to the island of Chen-Zul to take the fight to Chou-feng and his temple of flaming fist and the volume is pretty much just action and I love the way it all happens like the way reveals happen and the warriors from all sides fight and more things about dragons and Master shaw and whatever Chou-feng is aiming for is revealed and its amazing.

Sure its not a big thing and might feel inadequate but I like the build up and Kirkman is on fire (poor joke i know) with this series as he continues to flesh out the world and lay more mysteries especially with the serpents omen but he does a great ending to flame wan, this volume. I love the family aspect of it all and the way his children are involved plus the return of someone big. Also credit to Samnee who just continues to excel at art and makes this a treat to read everytime.

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Fire Power series unexpectedly steams to a conclusion (?) in Flame War - presumably just the conclusion of the series' first arc, but it's still a rather unexpected turn for what felt in the first two volumes like a series that would slow-burn indefinitely, ala The Walking Dead.

In Flame War, we find Owen's family picking up the pieces of the unexpected home invasion by Chou Feng's goons. Wei Lun shows up for a happy reunion and then ZAP we're off to the Scorched Earth clan's tropical resort for battle planning (admittedly, the plane fight that takes place during the ZAP is pretty fun). Battle planning quickly transitions to a massive battle that's exciting, but too sudden and with too many characters to track. The volume ends on some not-quite-startling revelations and the vaguest hints at what's to come.

It's all generally fun and satisfying, but just like some of the Marvel movies, Flame War is filled with third act problems. A loss of character moments? Check! A bland, special effects-filled battle? Check! A rushed conclusion? Check! Even worse, there's barely any setup for the next arc in the series, so I'm not exactly anxious for its arrival. And, unfortunately, Chris Samnee's usually stellar art is showing signs of the rushed pacing. Flame War's still a key piece to a series I've been really enjoying, but it's not up to the high standards the first two volumes set.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

Truth be told this series lost a bit of its heat for me with this volume where not one but two major characters you’re meant to believe are dead turn out to be perfectly OK, thank you very much.

It’s still a lightning fast read due to many dialogue-free panels so perhaps read this one back to back with the preceding or following volume.

[Will Robinson Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid. Ninjas are cool. Robert Kirkman and Chris Samnee deliver another great volume of Fire Power. This volume ends the first chapter of Owen & his family's adventure. There is a lot of action and a lot of tender moments for our heroes. Samnee is doing a great job aiding Kirkman in telling this tale of ninja masters and clan confrontation. My only gripe was that a few plot threads felt a bit rushed but I never got board with the story. This series is just plain fun. It doesn't try to be seriously deep but it is well written and drawn with great care and consistency. Not many comic series feel that way today. Owen is a real likeable character and his family are just as interesting. As this chapter comes to a close Kirkman still leaves a few mysteries left unresolved and I can't wait to see where the next arc is going. This book made for a nice collection to read while on the road. Kirkman & Samnee are a perfect blend for what this martial arts epic is delivering. Here are a few recommendations for readers who are enjoying this series: Black Widow by Waid & Samnee: The Complete Collection, Daredevil, Volume 1: Devil at Bay, Thor the Mighty Avenger, Vol. 1, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Volume 1: Change is Constant and The Silencer, Vol. 1: Code of Honor.

[Chris Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

While still enjoyable, this series is growing weaker with each new volume. Owen’s character is a bit bland in appearance, so sometimes I’m not sure if it’s him I’m looking at or someone else. I also think it cheapens thing when *vague spoiler* characters we thought were dead turn out not to be *end vague spoiler*. I liked the menacing snake woman and the airborne fight scene as well as revelations at the end of the book.

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of a blah resolution for the first story arc. I was really expecting something a bit more exciting. The story has a kind of "and then this happened, and then that, and that, and that" sort of quality to it--like it's being made-up as it goes along, rather than all plotted out in advance. The artwork continues to be all right--I really don't get the praise for Samnee. A lot of his action scenes are really hard to fathom.

[Frédéric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Conclusion of the first major arc of the series. Kung fu galore, but also some good intimate moments between the characters. Kirkman has an undeniable talent for anchoring humanity and reality in a fantastical, action-packed context.
The door is wide open for future instalments, which are now looking very threatening now that the characters feel safe again.
Samnee's artwork is, of course, as excellent as ever.

[Sean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kirkman & Samnee team up to tell one long fight in the third volume of their non-superhero book. Here, Owen's life is still in turmoil but things might be looking up as her takes the fight to his enemies. Chris Samnee does some phenomenal work on the art side. He draws a ton of human characters are they are distinguishable, not an easy task. The fight scenes and layouts were great. The story's pace is a surprise as the big fight ends here so it'll be interesting to see where we go from here. I think I would like the book to slow down. Overall, a fun, fight-filled adventure.

[Myles Gerber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great volume! But one that held some of my least favourite moments along with some of my favourites, hence the 4/5 instead of something higher. I find Owen’s daughter annoying and some of the decisions he makes relationship-wise can be quite frustrating- but outside of that and a few other minor issues, this is still a spectacular book. The art is once again phenomenal and the action is on point. There’s also lots of interesting twists and turns and it truly feels like nothing overstays its welcome - the pacing is perfect. Looking forward to reading the next one!

[No_One · Rating 4 out of 5]

Briskly paced and plotted but for the benefit of the story. I could have used one issue where things were slower and there was important exposition, but the end of this arc was very well done while keeping the intrigue for future arcs.

[Ondřej Halíř · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire Power nepolevuje a krom epicke bitvy tento story arc nabizi to proc tu serii mam tak rad: Skvelou kresbu, humor, postavy a jejich dialogy a kung fu bitky. Proste skvely !!!

[Brent · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am such a fan of artist Chris Samnee, and recently purchased the first three volumes of Fire Power. It's most involving storytelling, so far, pretty suitable for all ages from writer Kirkman. Great comics collaboration, and I'll be eager for next volumes.
Recommended.

[Andrew Sorrentino · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ninjas! Ninjas vs ninjas! A snake ninja!? Seems to be the finale of Scorched Earth versus Flaming Fist, and maybe snakes next time.
I really like Owen's relationship with his wife and children. Genuine. Positive.

[Scott Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is such a cool series! I loved seeing old characters resurface and the potential that the dragon actually is real!

[Sheila Bracken · Rating 2 out of 5]

The best thing about this installment of the story is the artwork, including (and especially) the pages at the back where the illustrator shares the sketches that were used to work through the different characters’ looks and outfits, as well as the Scorched Earth Clan tattoo.The story, despite clearing up some unanswered questions from previous books–who is Chen Zul? What happened to Ling Zan?–the story line is pretty thin. In some cases, like Owen’s in-flight confrontation, is even ridiculous. Characters I thought humorous in book two–Owen’s dad and Kellie’s partner–were not so funny here. The only humor I noted is when the would be assassins are shown inside the plane taking them home to China with their faces covered in band aids.
One recurring character I wonder about is the butterfly. It reminds me of the flower that Bruce Wayne finds that lets him know he’s found what he was looking for, the feather that flies around Forrest Gump as a sign of change, the moth that Gandalf sends as a messenger to the Lord of the Eagles, and the seed pods from the sacred Na’vi tree that cover Jake Sully as a sign that he is more than he seems. The butterfly shows up both in China and the U.S. causing Owen to take notice and prepare because things are about to get real. He sees one at the end.
This series is already up to volume four and will continue on from there. Some will want to keep up with it, but I think I’m done with this series. 2.5

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read more graphic novel reviews at The Graphic Library.

After the attack in his family, Owen decides that there will be no stopping the barrage of ninjas from coming, so he decides to travel to the Temple of the Scorched Earth to get involved in the fight once again. A fierce ninja lady attacks Owen on the plane but bursts into snakes just as he’s about to fireball her into oblivion. No one in the Scorched Earth clan has any idea who she could have been or how she disappeared. The Scorched Earth clan attacks the Temple of the Flaming Fist, with the help of some of Owen’s old foes and a couple friends. The two sides clash in an epic battle that finally brings us into the chamber of the dragon everyone talks so much about, but what they find there isn’t what anyone expected.

This series is definitely has its share of fight scenes and impressive, heroic maneuvers from Owen. There is a huge complication introduced in this volume that would be way too spoiler-y to talk about, but it's definitely something that will keep some readers hooked on the series. I am super intrigued by snake-lady and how she plays into all of this. My main hold-up right now is that several of the characters look very similar to each other (mainly Owen and Ma Guang), so it's a little hard to keep them straight within the story and from volume to volume. We got a little bit of development on Owen's daughter in the form of her freaking out and yelling at everyone all the time, but the son is still a pretty basic background character. There is a big cast, so providing enough depth on all of them is, I feel, going to continue to be challenging for Kirkman. Overall, this still still a solid adventure story that shares similarities with the superhero genre that will appeal to fans from a variety of readerships.

Sara’s Rating: 8/10
Suitability Level: Grades Grades 7-12

[Rick Ray · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was the weakest individual arc of Fire Power as Kirkman rushes through what feels like an early finale to the series. Indeed, this arc feels like it could have been the conclusion to the series, with a hint of a tease for more to come. Here we get the showdown between Chou Feng's new Order of the Flaming Fist and the Scorched Earth Clan, which has now been bolstered with the addition of Owen Johnson. Some secrets are revealed, including what is behind the mysterious temple door, but ultimately the whole arc is underwhelming due to the rushed pacing. The conflict is over too soon and things wrap up a little too cleanly. Samnee and Wilson continue to deliver some great artwork that keeps the book enjoyable enough, even if the writing does feel like it took a downturn here.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
So, Owen and his family temporary move in with his (adoptive) parents whilst his attackers (and Wei Lun's (apparent) killers) return to Master Chou back at The Temple, where he admonishes them (that's an understatement). Then along with Wei Lun, Owen and his family travel half way round the world so that he can join forces with the Scorched Earth Clan to attack and retake the Temple where Owen trained all those years before.
I really liked this, especially whilst I was reading it, but there are logical leaps and things like how they can easily just fly around the world, no questions asked, that gnaw a little afterwards, but hey, it's a comic book, so I'll read the next two volumes and just live in the moment (of reading)! And, of course, wallow in Chris Samnee's art...

[JCRD]

Escenas de acción guapísimas mientras se van sucediendo giros y se dan pistas del futuro de esta historia. Sí, definitivamente es la sucesora espiritual de 'Invencible'.

Me gusta mucho la dinámica familiar de los protagonistas y cómo con un par de páginas ya sabes perfectamente cómo se relacionan entre ellos. Y además Kirkman está metiendo unos cuantos giros bastante interesantes que no sé muy bien adónde llevarán, pero que cuentan con toda mi atención.

Qué decir de Samnee y Wilson. Excelsos, juegan en su propia liga.

[Villain E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Owen and his family are on the run. They make their way to the Scorched Earth Clan in time for Owen to join in the final battle against the Temple of the Flaming Fist. But is it really the final battle?

The art is fantastic, as always. The characters are strong, as always. I don't trust Wei Lun, but I don't think I'm supposed to.

[Chad · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this volume does feel rushed at times, I did still enjoy it, especially the character moments with Owen's family. This arc completes the immediate story presented but with plenty of unanswered questions for future installments. This book still really excels with fight sequences worthy of a kung-fu movie.

[The Geeky Viking · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun instalment of Kirkman's latest series. Chris Samnee holds it down with some fantastic artwork and Kirkman delivers a breezy fantasy story. It's all very familiar but very entertaining and I'm looking forward to seeing where it goes next.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fast paced and exciting read! Samnee keeps things moving quickly as another big battle breaks out, and I sorta called the two twists but that doesn't make them back. Curious where it goes from here