C.O.W.L. Volume 1: Principles of Power

author: Kyle Higgins

name: Wayne

average rating: 3.88

book published: 2014

rating: 4

read at: 2014/11/16

date added: 2014/11/16

shelves: graphic-novels

review:

'C.O.W.L. Volume 1: Principles of Power' takes a different spin on the superhero genre, adds it to great art, and turns out a pretty great story.



C.O.W.L. or Chicago Organized Workers League is labor union made up of superheroes that work for the Chicago police department. The story takes place some years after the first superheroes have begun patrolling the city. With the last of their major villains finally in it's sight, the heroes find themselves facing a disillusioned and apathetic public. They also find themselves with some among their midst with opposing agendas.



It takes the fantastical world of superheroes and grounds it in the real world of police departments and backroom politics. The superheroes and their powers lack a bit of focus, and a lot of them are kind of jerks. Comparisons can be made to the Watchmen, and it's got a little of that feel, but the worldbuilding feels weaker here. The cover looks like something from the 1930s, but the story takes place in a generic version of the 1960s. It was hard to find anyone I cared about enough to like. There is a bit of crimefighting, but most of it is murky backstabbing and semi-criminal behavior by the supposed good guys. I liked it, but it is dark. The art is really good and I enjoyed the style that was used.



I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.





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