Powergirl #4; A Hardcore Review

Into it holds the idea that we should be fair and balanced and be "nice" and not be damning of a product or its creators. I say this. It would not be truth if I only reviewed things I liked or always in a favorable way. In fact the reviews where I have panned something have brought me the most kudos from readers. And quite simply, if you do not like things to be reviewed fairly and in an editorial manner... DON'T FUCKING READ MY REVIEWS! In fact if that's how you feel you should probably never read anything I write... EVAR!
I am going to remind everyone who reads these reviews that the grading system I use is this: instead of thumbs up or stars, I rate on hardcore moments in pro wrestling history. The more hardcore the event, match, promo or moment the more I liked the book, comic, movie or video game I am reviewing. The less hardcore the moment, the more I disliked it. An example would be anything related to Hulk Hogan would be highly NOT recommended. Onto the review...
Reviewing today I have Powergirl issue 4 of her new ongoing series. Written by Justin Gray and Jimmy Palmiotti, with art chores done by Amanda Conner. This was a really fun issue to read as the title was "Girls Night Out." PG takes Terra to a movie. Being that Terra has lived underground for her whole life, she does not know the etiquette of movie going. She is also new to the hero biz, so she isn't wearing his costume under her regular clothes, thus causing her to help fight off some goofy fairy goddess while in her tighty whities. Even theough they were black with a lady bug on it. The comic hijinks ensue as PG as Karen Starr also has to find herself a new place to live. Starrware Industries is hemorrhaging money. They haven't made any sales of their inventions and PG is sleeping on the couch in her office. This entire issue is fun and also a really good jumping on point if you missed the first few issues. And if you did, SHAME ON YOU! This is one of the first books I read when it comes in. The combination and teamwork on the creative side coupled with just the idea of PG is amazing. And yes, in every issue there are ample, pun intended, close ups of Powergirl's true superpowers, her chest's ability to defy gravity. But PG has gone from being a one note wonder in terms of her bustiness, to a very awesome character to read monthly. Her relationship in mentoring young Terra is hilarious, cause you get the impression Powergirl is really just winging it herself. I mean she's been a team with the likes of Atom Smasher, Black Canary, Wildcat, Liberty Bell, Mr. Terrific and the Golden Age Green Lantern Alan Scott and Golden Age Flash Jay Garrick. SO out on her own, Karen is a bit humbled by her responsibilities and exactly what being a solo hero means. Like when she calls for help and everyone is busy in issue 3. The lone gunman to help, the inexperienced
and often over her head Terra. But Terra's massive exuberance makes up for her being a n00b in the hero game.
I gotta say, that in a long line of artists, Amanda Conner is blooming amazingly with her characterizations of both Terra, PG and the rest of the cast of Powergirl. Her facial expressions are amazing, and along the lines of Kevin Maguire (of Justice League International fame) and the upcoming Wet Moon creator Ross Campbell. She keeps this up and I'm gonna nominate her for an Eisner in 2010. And Jimmy Palmiotti has proven that he is not a second fiddle to anyone in the creative business. You hear that Joe. He writes humor and super heroics as well as anyone. The dialog is pithy and an super amusing. Jimmy has cemented himself as one half of an up and coming creative force to be reckoned with. Justin Gray is also an amazing writer and I truly hope this team stays together on this title for a long time.
This book rates something that once had never happened in professional wrestling, a cat fight. THE cat fight in ECW. And being that is was just the 14 Anniversary of this catfight a few days ago, it fits just right. Stevie Richards had been the lackey of one Raven for some time in ECW. Raven has a valet named Beulah McGillicuty. Apparently Stevie, being a clueless putz (thanks Joey) eventually garnered a female interest from the crowd. A young Francine. Yes, that Francine. The one who turned on the Pittbulls, and managed Shane Douglas to more gold than Mr. T wears around his massive neck. Well, Rave got tired of Stevie getting some cheers and ordered Beulah to fight Francine. This was a fight down to their bra and panties type of match with a really fucked up ending. Stevie Richards superkicking the only woman who would willingly lip lock with him on camera, who wasn't already a whore (ie Missy Hyatt) or certifiable (ie Victoria, although I don't ever remember her kissing him EVAR!) In the immortal words of Joey Styles, "CAT FIGHT! CAT FIGHT!"