Written By: Judd Winick
Penciled By: Hendry Prasetya
Coloring By: Jessica Kholinne
Lettering By: John J. Hill
Edited By: Joey Cavalieri
Cover By: Sami Basri
The Plot
Starrware’s business is booming, and Karen Starr is becoming just as big of a business tycoon as Bruce Wayne. Is this a good thing or a bad thing? While this concern is steady on the ground, flying above the heads of innocent bystanders is an airplane ready to shoot down towards Earth…that is until a certain Middle Eastern man uses his super powers to bring the plane down to a safe and secure landing. But the government doesn’t thank him for his efforts. Rather he is taken into custody and treated as a terrorist. How will this end? I’m sure you can figure this one out.
My Awe Inspiring Opinion
You know, I’ve read a lot of stories within comics that have terrorism as either its main plot or secondary sub-plot, and I keep thinking that I’m going to get tired of it…but I’m haven’t. There’s still a sentiment going around that if you are Muslim, or from the Middle East, there is a high probability that you are a terrorist. It’s frustrating to see Americans take every opportunity, even if it’s of their own doing, and use that to show the world why Middle Eastern men are evil.
In this issue of Power Girl we are introduced to Rayhan Mazin, an educated man with super powers he decided to never use as it would only strike more fear than necessary within the hearts of the feeble minded and the bigots. It’s not a constant thought that runs through my head, but every once in a while I’m reminded of the fact that, while there are those who choose to use their powers for the greater good, there are also those in the comic book world who choose to live normal lives and keep their powers hidden. Of course, Mazin’s interrogation officer however views it as a terrorist plot against America. But after all the interrogation and scrutiny, Mazin doesn’t give in and waits patiently for the government to realize he no threat to the states. That is until he discovers his father is sick and could be dying…and isn’t allowed to see him. All Hell breaks loose and it’s one of the more powerful scenes in #24. Just goes to show, don’t take a man from a country that values family connectivity over everything else and deny him his family livelihood…especially if he has super powers.
Power Girl takes on a very human role when she’s forced to deal with the advice and orders from a security agent sent by the government. (hmmm, the government seems to have its hands in everything huh?) While PG has always shown her more human side, this issue shows an even deeper humanity within her psyche. Judd Winick has really taken Power Girl and given her more life than I had thought possible; the argument she has with Batman, the confrontation with Secret Agent Teman, the new enemies she’s acquiring, and the progressive move her company is making is pushing Power Girl into a much more unique personality that is causing her to have a much more identifiable character beyond being the big boobed Kryptonian. After two years, Power Girl has become one of the stronger titles currently being sold by DC.
Hendry Prasetya does a fantastic job as a substitute artist in Basri’s absence. Whether or not Prasetya is now taking over as the regular Power Girl artist, I’m not sure. But if he is, I won’t complain. Jessica Kholinne keeps doing great work with the colors and actually helps make Prasetya’s style feel not so strange and unfamiliar. This might be one of the best artist transitions I’ve ever seen, and I couldn’t be happier.
Oh, and just a side note, I think Bruce Wayne and Karen Starr would make an excellent couple, don’t you? Maybe I’m just crazy but they seem to click quite well.
My Majestically Climactic Conclusion
Power Girl continually does great work month after month. After two years it’s still one of my favorite titles to read.
10 out of 10 Stars
