If/Then: Enjoy Powerless? Check Out The Paybacks!
When it comes to suggesting comics for individuals to check out, it’s often good to start with what they like in other media like television, movies, books, or video games. Enter If/Then, where we’ll throw out suggestions for you to check out!
Debuting this past Thursday on NBC was the latest television show based in the world of comics, Powerless.
Unlike so many other live action television shows on the air right now, this one takes a comedic take on the world it’s set in. Instead of battles with bad guys, the show focuses on average people trying to work and survive and a particular company who creates safety products.
Comedy and superheroes isn’t a combination you see too often in comics. But, I immediately thought of one series that not only combines the two, but does so in a brilliant way.
Heroism doesn’t come cheap, so when superheroes borrow money to finance their genetic enhancements, robotic suits, or crime-fighting supercomputers, their debts make student loans look like I.O.U.’s. Enter the Paybacks, a repo squad composed of bankrupt former heroes like Night Knight and Miss Adventure, here to foreclose on everybody’s secret lairs. But now the Paybacks have discovered a fate far worse than debt: a murderer is on the loose . . . and it just may be one of their own.
The Paypacks
is by Donny Cates, Eliot Rahal, and Geoff Shaw and been released in two volumes. The first by Dark Horse, and the second by Heavy Metal, the first volume has been collected in a trade paperback that’s out now for purchase now.
There’s so much I love about both volumes and it’s one of the few comedic superhero comics that I found myself not only laughing while reading, but laughing multiple times each issue. Cates, Rahal, and Shaw brilliantly have created a comic where each character is a joke. Each scene is a joke. Each thing said is a joke. It all comes together in a way that’s entertaining as a superhero comic all on its own or sending up 75+ years of comics and superheroes.
Nothing is sacred here and things are taken to an extreme that you can’t help but laugh at the situations and the characters. Take Blood Pouch, who has lots of pouches, everywhere, even over an eye. Guess who’s the target there? But, what these three creators do that’s great is not just go after easy targets, but the more difficult ones too. Batman, Superman, so many characters are set up for laughs. It’s impressive.
Action, humor, fun, the comic and series has it all. The writing is top notch, the art nails every small detail (and adds so many to each panel, that alone will get you to laugh), The Paybacks is the perfect mashup of superheroes and comedy in comic form.
What would you suggest that I didn’t include? Sound off in the comments below!
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When it comes to suggesting comics for individuals to check out, it’s often good to start with what they like in other media like television, movies, books, or video games. Enter If/Then, where we’ll throw out suggestions for you to check out!
Resident Evil (Manga by Viz Media) – Did you know there’s Resident Evil comics? The highly virulent C-virus became a global disaster, but where did the outbreak start? In this prequel to the hit Resident Evil 6 game, the terrifying origins are revealed.
DC Comics Bombshells (DC Comics) – If you like the idea of kick-ass women, this comic series might be for you if you’re also into superheroes. Set in an alternative world this series takes inspiration from bombshell/pin-up art putting the women front and center as the world’s superheroes. What has me including this comic series on the list is its strong feminist leads and it’s women saving the day, much like Alice. Entertaining and action-packed, it’s a solid alternative for those looking for a world where women are the ones doing the punching, taking the lead, and the ones saving it.
March – The celebrated and award-winning graphic novel by Congressman John Lewis, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell recounts Cong. Lewis’ experiences during the Civil Rights Movement. A first-hand account of pivotal history brought to life through graphic art, the graphic novels consist of three volumes taking you through the turbulent times and delivering an educational and emotional read.
CBLDF Presents: She Changed Comics – If you want to learn some history about women in comics, check out CBLDF Presents: She Changed Comics which was put together by the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.
The Unstoppable Wasp #1 – A superhero comic might feel like an odd choice for this one, but hear me out as to why. Written by Jeremy Whitley with art by Elsa Charretier, the comic features the newest Wasp, Nadia Pym, as she attempts to find her way in the superhero world.
Captain Marvel Vol. 1: In Pursuit of Flight – Ace pilot. Legendary Avenger. One hundred percent pure bad-^&*. Carol Danvers has a new name, a new mission – and all the power she needs to make her own life a living hell. As the new Captain Marvel, Carol is forging from a challenge from her past! It’s a firefight in the sky as the Banshee Squadron debut – but who are the Prowlers, and where has Carol seen them before? And how does secret NASA training program Mercury 13 fit in? Witness Captain Marvel in blazing battlefield action that just may change the course of history! Avengers Time Travel Protocols: engage!
Laika – Laika was the abandoned puppy destined to become Earth’s first space traveler. This is her journey.