From writer, actor, and producer Duane Murray (Red Rover, Population Zero), and illustrator Ahmed Raafat, comes Who Are The Power Pals — a 4 issue buddy comedy series, bursting with ’90s nostalgia.
Published by Dark Horse Comics, Who Are The Power Pals hits shelves at comic stores on March 19th. This comedic, buddy series follows inseparable friends and unfortunate actors Alex Green and Derek Summers, better known as their on-screen superhero counterparts Buzzard and Swallow. However, their extremely brief 1990s TV run with Power Pals went down like a damp squib; it was cancelled after just 3 episodes. But that small taste of fame left them desperate for more, and the middle-aged duo have been ardently trying to get back on the Hollywood train ever since.
After coming across superhero cosplayers on Hollywood boulevard (who don costumes that definitely aren’t Batman and Superman) they realise that they could make a quick buck by reprising their superhero personas and charging for pictures. However, after a bust-up with other cosplayers, they find themselves viral internet sensations… opening up the perfect avenue for them to get back in business. But this time, they seem keen to pursue crime-fighting in the non-fictional sense.
I really enjoyed Power Pals #1. Murray expertly writes the story, spinning together a hilarious narrative with tons of laugh-out-loud moments. The two central characters ooze charisma, and I can’t wait to see how their friendship faces challenges throughout the series. Murray skilfully intertwines classic comic book elements, offering tons of nostalgia. It’s all beautifully rendered and stylised by Ahmed Raafat.
Nostalgia aside, there’s still modern commentary with contemporary topics, most notably how easy it is for people to go viral overnight through social media. This comic tackles a variety of themes and topics, including the price of fame, age, and the social impact and reception of superhero stories. And there’s a bigger story unraveling, too, with an unhinged crime boss keen to take them down before their vigilante adventures begin.
There’s so much to love about Who Are The Power Pals? I highly recommend checking it out!
Creative team in full:
- Writer: Duane Murray
- Artist: Ahmed Raafat
- Letterer: Rob Jones
- Cover Artist: Ahmed Raafat
Who Are The Power Pals? arrives in comic book stores on March 19, 2025. You can find it on Amazon here.
Rating: 4/5
