The Powerpuff Girls is one of those shows that hits a certain intersection of interests, particularly where I’m concerned. I grew up watching Sailor Moon and Power Rangers, so the idea of three superpowered girls kicking the crap out of various villains was all the hook I needed to watch the show as a kid. To celebrate the series’ 25th anniversary, Dynamite is publishing a new Powerpuff Girls series from Kelly Thompson and Paulina Ganucheau.
“Destiny Detour!” starts on a regular kindergarten day for the Powerpuff Girls, which is soon upended by the arrival of a small robot called the Highly Intelligent Machine that can foretell one’s true destiny. This forces Blossom, Buttercup and Bubbles to consider: what happens if they want to be something other than superheroes? The Highly Intelligent Machine then transports the Powerpuffs into their “true destiny”, where they soon encounter one of their oldest enemies.
From the jump, “Destiny Detour!” feels like a proper episode of The Powerpuff Girls. There’s the ever-present narrator opening with that famous catchphrase: “The City of Townsville.” There’s a classic Powerpuff villain who makes an appearance toward the end of the issue. And there’s plenty of punches, kicks and heat vision (though it’s a little less hardcore than what was shown on the animated series.) Thompson has a real gift for nailing not just the setup of the Powerpuffs’ world, but their characterization, and it shows in the “destiny” sequences. Blossom, being the leader and more analytical, has a sequence that’s a send up of noir movies; Buttercup’s rough and tumble attitude leads to her being a pro wrestler; Bubbles, surprising no one, has befriended an entire forest of animals.
The classic Powerpuff feel doesn’t just extend to the writing, but the artwork as well. Ganucheau nails the look of the Powerpuff Girls, as well as the vibrant colors of Townsville. She even makes a perfect replica of the show’s ending, heart-shaped background and all! It even affects Jeff Eckleberry’s lettering; each of the Powerpuff’s letters has a different outline based on who’s speaking. After all, the Powerpuff world is a vibrant (and violent) place.
Overall, The Powerpuff Girls #1 is another great entry into Dynamite’s new line of licensed comics. It packs all the action and color you’d expect into its story, courtesy of a top-notch creative team. It’s bound to draw Powerpuff fans old and new, and serve as a great celebration of the series’ 25th anniversary.
