Power Pack‘s return has been one of the most refreshing comics in a long time, providing easy laughs with a sense of wholesomeness. For newer readers, North and Leon have crafted a story that’s completely serviceable as a jumping-on point and for older fans, the series is quite nearly everything they could have asked for.
Power Pack #4 turns the spotlight onto Jack, giving him the narrative focus. The opening sequence is completely hilarious, with Jack liveblogging the fight as if he’s a live streamer on Twitch. A lot of times when adult writers try to tap into teen dialogue, it sounds corny and cringey — but that’s absolutely not the case here. North writes a wholly organic and completely fun Jack Power, making his narration boxes an absolute delight to read.
Despite the tongue-in-cheek nature to which North writes the series, one of the hallmarks of any Power Pack book should be the sibling dynamic that’s at the heart of the team. For all its fun, North is wise not to forget this element. There’s a bit where Jack comforts Katie and the entire bit is so organic feels exactly how siblings interact. Jack’s a bit of brat and will tease his siblings, but when they need him, he’s there for them above all else — this makes Power Pack an incredibly relatable book to anyone who has siblings.
Marvel Comics
North writes Power Pack like he knows how funny his cast is, including several lines that feel wholly organic to children but are a blast to read. One of these bits is a play off of the kids’ previous interaction in which they are looking for mentors to bypass the anti-child hero laws of Outlawed. Jack picks Wolverine, who is a prime choice considering the team’s history of teaming up with Logan.
The way North writes Logan feels so completely true to the character while also knowing how to have fun with him. Logan writers often struggle with trying to make him fit into this mold where he’s morally gray, but also upstanding and always in the right. He’s edgy and mean, but also great with children. North faces none of these struggles and the way he blends the character in with Power Pack is seamless. Without a doubt, it’s among the most enjoyable Wolverine writing in years.
The bits with the kids, their parents, and Logan perfectly encapsulate the charm of Power Pack comics as a whole and North’s writing. The more this series goes on, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect team for the Power Pack revival than North and Leon. Power Pack #4 is fun, charming, and wholly endearing, working these classic characters into a modern setting and storyline with ease.
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