The collection of issues #7-11 sees tempers flare and tensions ignite as the consequences from Principles of Power haunt Mr. Geoffrey Warner, head of the Chicago Organized Workers League. Backed into a political corner, he must devise a plan which keeps C.O.W.L. relevant and avoid a scandal at the same time.
As a result of crime rising in 1960’s Chicago, calls to the the Mayor for C.O.W.L. to be reinstated increase in earnest. Crime is on the rise by super-powered individuals, and with the strike ongoing, there seems to be no relief and no saving the citizens.
Or is there ?
Some individuals who have become distant and even have animosity towards Warner and the C.O.W.L. organization feel compelled to go on their own. However, with the horrific death of C.O.W.L. Detective John Pierce, those individuals are too afraid to cross the line, fearing a similar fate.
Readers know better, readers know the real reason for his death, which sinks far deeper than simply crossing the picket line.
Reality sets in for each character, some feel trapped, others find redemption, while one in particular doesn’t end well.
Each issue progresses how Geoffrey Warner continues to cut under-the-table deals to strengthen his position to get the union deal he wants. The term used in a previous solicit for one of the individual issues called them “False Flag Operations” and I couldn’t think of a better term.
Also, he gets his Ballistic Nylon.
Ultimately, C.O.W.L. appears to survive, but its members? You’ll have to read on to find out. The definition of a hero is challenged hard. Most think of people who swoop in to save the day and the whole “good triumphs over evil” bit. But what about behind the scenes? The superb writing makes the imaginary real. Superheroes on strike? Robberies left unchallenged? Criminals seemingly allowed to roam as they please? It’s just one hit after another.
The artwork is next level, background panels lacking color while important ones are ablaze in color. Pain, emotional and physical are drawn with a precision in which readers can’t help but feel their guts twist. I know mine did.
I smirked for a panel where Radia, a heroine appears to “trip” on the words which sound out her sprint, which breaks her ankle. Another panel appears to have words choking her. Later on words appear to hit a character in the head. Now, bear in mind these are with panels featuring a villain who manipulates sound.
This villians name is Doppler. Hey Massive-Verse fans… Name sound familiar?
This coming Wednesday marks the return of C.O.W.L. as 1964 will be available at your local comic shops. Little bit of a preview… Yes. It picks up where The Greater Good leaves off, which means a certain character who got a “gift” of sorts at the end, may be putting it to good use.
