Empowered (2007), Volume 1

September 15, 2007
Fledgling superheroine Empowered has become an associate member of the Superhomeys but feels inferior to her teammates. Not only does she lack experience, but the formfitting bodysuit that gives her superabilities (and makes her self-conscious about the size of her posterior) also tends to shred at the merest touchand as she loses her costume, she also gradually loses her powers, which leaves her helpless against the bad guys who would like to tie her up. Around this suggestive premise, writer and artist Warren ("Livewires"; "Dirty Pair"; "Titans: Scissors, Paper, Stone") creates a hilarious satire and deconstruction of superhero stories. Amid the bondage and crime fighting in the 40 vignettes presented here, our heroine acquires a supporting cast, including magic user Sistah Spooky, steel-plated Capitan Rivet, hard-drinking girl pal Ninjette, and, wonder of wonders, an ex-criminal boyfriend whos great in the sack and actually cares for her. Warrens writing is filled with great dialog, witty neologisms, and genre-busting ideas; his dynamic, accomplished (and yes, sexy) manga-meets-superhero artwork is reproduced directly from his pencils with no inking or colors. The parental advisory sticker on the cover is well earned by nudity, sex, and an adult frankness about sex-related topics. Fun for adults.S.R.

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.