Powerless

    (Marvel, 2004-2005)
™ and © 2004 Marvel Entertainment Group

Considering the direction many Marvel comic books have taken—deconstruction after deconstruction of the men (and women) behind the masks—the creation of Powerless was virtually inevitable. The first issue of this high–concept mini-series introduces a psychiatrist whose list of clients includes Peter Parker, Bruce Banner, and Matt Murdock, whom readers know as Spider-Man, Hulk, and Daredevil, respectively. However, in this alternate dimension (or whatever), the characters lack their more colorful alter-egos, meaning they (and others) appear as super–powered heroes only in dream sequences.

As well developed as they are, Marvel’s mass–market characters, even without powers, are suitable fodder for pretty decent melodrama. Unfortunately, there’s little excitement here. The dialogue rings relatively true, and the gritty art, with its muted colors and liberal use of inks, fits the largely down–to–earth nature of the story. However, Powerless is more curious than it is entertaining. With the basic conventions of the genre missing, it’s kind of like watching a pro wrestling match that is bereft of fighting and outrageous outfits.

— Brett Weiss
Jump to issue:
  • 1
    #1
    Sep 2004
    Cover: $2.99
    W: Matt Cherniss, Peter Johnson  ·  A: Michael Gaydos
    4 copies from $1.06
  • 1/A
    #1 Variation A
    Dynamic Forces signed Cover A by Matt Cherniass and Peter Johnson
    Sep 2004
    W: Matt Cherniss, Peter Johnson  ·  A: Michael Gaydos
    No copies available
  • 1/NS
    #1 Newsstand Edition
    Newsstand Edition with cover by Alex Maleev
    Sep 2004
    Cover: $2.99
    W: Matt Cherniss, Peter Johnson  ·  A: Michael Gaydos
    No copies available
  • 2
    #2
    Sep 2004
    Cover: $2.99
    W: Matt Cherniss, Peter Johnson  ·  A: Michael Gaydos
    9 copies from $1.00
  • 2/NS
    #2 Newsstand Edition
    Newsstand Edition with cover by Tony Harris
    Sep 2004
    Cover: $2.99
    W: Matt Cherniss, Peter Johnson  ·  A: Michael Gaydos
    No copies available
  • 3
    #3
    Oct 2004
    Cover: $2.99
    W: Matt Cherniss, Peter Johnson  ·  A: Michael Gaydos
    8 copies from $1.28
  • 3/NS
    #3 Newsstand Edition
    Newsstand Edition with cover by Alex Maleev
    Oct 2004
    Cover: $2.99
    W: Matt Cherniss, Peter Johnson  ·  A: Michael Gaydos
    No copies available
  • 4
    #4
    Nov 2004
    Cover: $2.99
    W: Matt Cherniss, Peter Johnson  ·  A: Michael Gaydos
    10 copies from $0.96
  • 4/NS
    #4 Newsstand Edition
    Newsstand Edition with cover by Tony Brase
    Nov 2004
    Cover: $2.99
    W: Matt Cherniss, Peter Johnson  ·  A: Michael Gaydos
    No copies available
  • 5
    #5
    Dec 2004
    Cover: $2.99
    W: Matt Cherniss, Peter Johnson  ·  A: Michael Gaydos
    4 copies from $4.00
  • 5/NS
    #5 Newsstand Edition
    Newsstand Edition with cover by Greg Land
    Dec 2004
    Cover: $2.99
    W: Matt Cherniss, Peter Johnson  ·  A: Michael Gaydos
    No copies available
  • 6
    #6
    Jan 2005
    Cover: $2.99
    W: Matt Cherniss, Peter Johnson  ·  A: Michael Gaydos
    6 copies from $3.60
  • 6/NS
    #6 Newsstand Edition
    Newsstand Edition with cover by Steve McNiven
    Jan 2005
    Cover: $2.99
    W: Matt Cherniss, Peter Johnson  ·  A: Michael Gaydos
    No copies available
  • Bk 1
    Book #1
    Jan 2005
    Cover: $14.99
    W: Matt Cherniss, Peter Johnson  ·  A: Michael Gaydos
    Collects Powerless #1-6
    2 copies from $7.50