Power Lords #1 is the latest toy line to receive a comic book series, courtesy of Oni Press and the Nacelle Company, and the latest entry of the “Nacelleverse.” It even has a cool premise: Adam Power manages to utilize the power of a cosmic jewel to become Lord Power and, together with the other aptly named Power Lords, defends the galaxy. Apart from the hook of an existing toy line, there are plenty of sci-fi and fantasy elements here to hook readers who are into Green Lantern, Guardians of the Galaxy, or even Saga.
Yet Power Lords #1 opts to throw its readers into the deep end – Lord Power and his companions are deep in the midst of battle when a mysterious vortex sucks him up and deposits him into another part of the galaxy. A year later. Adam Power is on the hunt for his jewel, having fallen into a life of crime along the way…and both friends and enemies are searching for him.
Sound like a lot? That’s because it is, and it’s the book’s main hurdle. Previous Nacelleverse titles like RoboForce, Sectaurs, and Biker Mice from Mars were able to introduce their characters in a way that was welcoming to new readers and fans alike. Power Lords #1, on the other hand, expects readers to have at least passing knowledge of a 40-year-old toy line. There’s no sense in what made Adam “Lord Power” before the wormhole incident or in his bond with the other Power Lords.
Credit: Oni Press
It’s equally baffling because Power Lords #1 is written by two creators who know their way around a revamp of a property: Dennis Culver put a fun spin on the Doom Patrol with Unstoppable Doom Patrol, while Matt Hotson co-wrote Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: The Return – which was probably one of my favorite comic books of 2024. Both Culver and Hotson do show an affinity for the backstory behind the Power Lords, and the setup of Adam forced into a unique situation is fine, though I wish more background was laid for new readers.
While Power Lords #1 might have a bit of a barrier when it comes to the story, the artwork from V Ken Marion perfectly captures the cosmic conflict that the Power Lords are engaged in. Gigantic insects, half-men/half-tanks, massive swirling black holes, and starships – Marion draws it all in a style that always feels engaging but never overwhelming. He also deserves props for making Adam Power and Lord Power feel like two distinct people: Lord Power is muscular and radiates energy, while Adam has the clean-cut looks of a Luke Skywalker. Furthering the cosmic element of it all is Andrew Dalhouse, who brings a bold mix of red and blue to Lord Power’s muscular form, and Taylor Esposito, whose lettering makes characters’ declarations feel that much more powerful.
Power Lords #1 might be bogged down a bit by its backstory, but it has the visuals and the spectacle one would expect from its title. Those who grew up with the original toy line will probably find something to love.
Power Lords #1 is available wherever comics are sold.
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