Publisher: Dark Horse Comcis
Writer: Brian Michael Bendis
Artist: Michael Avon Oeming
Release Date: 21st January 2026

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When POWERS 25 was announced, I approached the news with a familiar blend of joy and trepidation. After all, this is one of my all-time favourite comics, one which was a perfect mix of noir, superhero tropes, and crime procedural, all combined with razor-sharp dialogue and genuine, genuinely funny laughs. It’s a series that never failed to entertain.

On the other hand, the main series wrapped up almost six years ago. Its later years were, frankly, plagued by delays. The TV adaptation, while ambitious, never quite captured the unique spark of the comcis and, in my opinion, sapped some of POWERS momentum. Most importantly, the original series had reached a perfect ending. It felt complete and definitive.

So the question was: would any continuation be worthy of the name? Would it feel necessary, or just nostalgic? Well, I am delighted to report that the answer is a resounding yes.

Not only is POWERS 25 a worthy successor, but it may very well represent the best work of both creators’ careers. Brian Michael Bendis and Michael Avon Oeming aren’t just returning to their world; they’re operating at the peak of their powers, bringing their full A-game and it is wonderful. The magic trick they pull off is seamless.

We are welcomed back by beloved legacy characters: the legendary, volatile Deena Pilgrim and the formidable Captain Enki Sunrise —who feel authentically older, wearier, yet their distinct voices remain. Alongside them, we’re introduced to brilliant new leads like the impulsive, traumatises Detective Iris Kutter and her new partner, Mobeus Moon. These aren’t just replacements; they’re fully formed, engaging characters who instantly earn their place in the POWERS universe.

POWERS 25 doesn’t just revisit its world, it logically and elegantly expands it. The status quo is shaken up by the “Christian Walker Powers Act,” a piece of global bureaucracy that grants superheroes sweeping new autonomy and instantly turns the Powers Division’s already-impossible job into a legal and ethical nightmare. This isn’t just a plot device; it’s a catalyst that expands and enhances the world of POWERS and provides new challenges to our cast.

This comic is well worth your time, attention, and money. If you are new to POWERS, don’t worry, you will be caught up quickly and never feel left out. The writing is that good, and the art beautiful to look at. Everything is clear and easy to follow, without being dumbed down. Although, I must add, I highly recommend you pick up the original series. It remains one of the best comics ever published and the very definition of top tier entertainment.

POWERS 25 is that rare sequel that honours everything that came before while boldly carving its own essential path. It’s not just a return – it’s a renaissance.

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The writer of this piece was: Craig Gorman.

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