Fire Power vol 1 by Robert Kirkman

Vol 1, Firepower, ​illustrated by Chris Samnee

​For anyone worried about what Robert Kirkman would be doing after The Walking Dead, fear no more!

Fire Power follows the story of Owen as he searches for answers to who his parents are. He has sought knowledge at temples around China before landing at the Temple of the Flaming Fist, where he meets master Wei Lun, a hysterical and wise old man who is trying to relearn the power of the Fire Fist.  At the temple, Owen meets Ling Zan, a sympathetic lady who shows kindness to Owen when none of the other disciples will.  At the Temple, there are several mysteries, including a dragon guarded 24/7, and a Scorched Earth clan determined to free it.  Owen shows his ultimate loyalty during a conflict with the Scorched Earth in the Flaming Fists' mission to keep the dragon contained.  At the end of the novel, we flash forward 15 years, where the rest of the this story presumably will happen. 

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I got some definite Iron fist and Doctor Strange vibes throughout Owen's training at the Temple, and I really enjoyed the whole thing.  Master Wei Lun is absolutely hilarious, and I actually laughed out loud several times through this volume. But, holy time jump, Batman! I was IN that story between Flaming Fist and Scorched Earth, so much so that I forgot to really come up for air. Then, we jump 15 years into the future and leave it on a crazy cliff hanger! I can’t wait for volume 1 to actually come out.  This might be a comic that I actually collect in single-issue format.

Image rates this for Teen, and that is perfectly fitting.  There is some mild language, and a bit of violence with some blood, but not a ton of gore.  This story so far would be fine for middle school and high school audiences.

Sara’s Rating: 10/10
Suitability level: Grades 7-12

​​This review was made possible with an advanced reader copy from the publisher through Edelweiss. This graphic novel will be on sale April 5, 2020.

Tags: Rating: 10/10, Suitability: Middle School, Suitability: High School, Comicbooks, Superheroes, Magic