In “C.O.W.L” # 3 we continue to watch the organizational power of the league unravel as it struggles with bureaucratic drama. There’s a reason why so much of the series’ hype is riddled with AMC’s Mad Men references. Luckily for me, it’s one of my favourite shows.
WRITTEN BY: Kyle Higgins
ART BY: Alec Siegel
PUBLISHER: Image Comics
PRICE: $2.99
RELEASE: July 23, 2014
Reviewed by Nick Brehmer
As the cover and initial pages suggest, a main focus of Issue #3 is on Kathryn Mitchell, A.K.A Radia. Given the time period, it seems appropriate that even she struggles with gender expectations despite her status as a celebrity superhero. Tensions are still high with Grant Marlowe recovering in the hospital after the brawl with Camden Stone’s grunt in last issue. With that, Radia’s surprise and acceptance at Karl Samoski (Eclipse)’s unorthodox offer is justifiable and the readers become witness to just how powerful she is.
The relevancy of C.O.W.L as a crime-fighting force for Chicago is also returned to here in the third issue. Geoffrey Warner (Grey Raven, C.O.W.L chief) threatens the city with a strike if the league’s contractual demands aren’t met. C.O.W.L detective John Pierce continues to search for answers regarding the confidential weapon plans that were found in Skylancer’s lair.
We learn a little more in this issue concerning the protocol for super-powered individuals in the “C.O.W.L” universe. The fact that crime boss Camden Stone employed a “powered” individual gives strength to the argument against the league’s legitimacy. Unfortunately, it’s Geoffrey Warner who see’s this fact and warns that should the league be reduced, more and more powered citizens will turn to a life of crime.
All in all, this issue does a fine job at setting up anticipation for those to follow. The artwork continues to impress with its sketchbook-styled lines and faded backgrounds. It’s not as action-packed as the previous issues, but as any Mad Men fan would tell you, episodes where less happened often prove to be the most interesting. “C.O.W.L” is setting out to be highly character driven and I can imagine some readers being hesitant to invest in such a drawn out delivery method. I quite enjoy it.