There once was a time when playing a superhero in Hollywood wasn’t a guaranteed meal ticket. Many actors, like Adam West and Burt Ward, struggled to find work because nobody could see them as anyone but Batman and Robin. Such is the plight of two actors who become the mask when they can’t find work in Dark Horse Comics’ new superhero satire, Who Are the Power Pals?
Who Are the Power Pals? follows washed-up actors Derek Summers and Alex Green. Half a lifetime ago, they played the superheroes Buzzard and Swallow on the the television show Power Pals. Unfortunately, the show failed to ride the popularity wave of superhero media that dominated the entertainment world at the time. It was cancelled after half a season, and the two friends have struggled ever since.
As the comic opens, Derek and Alex are trying to find acting work while working as security guards. The two become so desperate that they put on their old costumes and pose for pictures on Hollywood Boulevard. This leads to the two becoming viral sensations after one act of altruism. It also causes Alex to regress into his role, with Derek scheming how to take advantage of their newfound online fame.
The first five pages of Who Are the Power Pals? may be viewed below.
Who Are the Power Pals? creative team
Who Are the Power Pals? boasts an impressive creative team. The script was written by actor/producer Duane Murray, who is also an accomplished graphic novel writer. He previously wrote the graphic novel Better Place and has appeared in shows like Orphan Black: Echoes and Degrassi: The Next Generation. The artwork and colors are by Egyptian artist Ahmed Raafat. He is best known for his work on Kevin Smith’s Quick Stops comics at Dark Horse Comics.
Who Are the Power Pals? #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on March 19, 2025.
