Legendary independent comic book publisherDark Horse Comicshasannounced its latest series,Who Are the Power Pals?, which it describes as “a buddy comedy about fame, friendship, and learning just how long you’re willing to fake it till you make it,“starring a pair of highly unlikely heroes. Coming from a line-up of acclaimed creative talent,Power Palshas the potential to be next year’s break-out series.
Screen Rant is thrilled to share an exclusive first look at cover art forWho Are the Power Pals?– written by Duane Murray, with art by Ahmed Raafat – about a pair of struggling actors who adopt their personas from a failed superhero TV show and inadvertently launch their careers as costumed adventurers.
As funny as the premise of the miniseries sounds right off the bat, the advanced synopsis from Dark Horse suggests that it could take a deadly serious turn, as the duo’s dynamic is tested in ways they never could have expected.
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Who Are The Power Pals?#1 – Written By Duane Murray; Art & Color By Ahmed Raafat; Lettering By Rob Jones
Along with the announcement ofWho Are the Power Pals?,Dark Horse Comics offereda detailed synopsis of the series' premise, one that goes so far as to offer a hint of the drama that will spin out of this comedic concept. This suggests that the miniseries will hit the ground running when its first issue debuts, and move quickly – befitting both its buddy comedy and superhero story genre elements.As described by Dark Horse,Power Palsis the story of:
Washed-up actors Derek and Alex, [who] have been best friends ever since playing teen superheroes “Swallow” and “Buzzard” in the ’90s TV showPower Pals. Wait, you’ve never heard of it? Don’t worry; you’re not alone, since the show was canceled after only three episodes. But that small taste of fame left them hungry for more, and they’ve been trying to get back on the Hollywood train ever since. After being fired from their studio security jobs and dropped by their agent, the middle-aged pair decide to don their old costumes and thrust themselves back into the public eye. While walking Hollywood Boulevard alongside popular cosplayers, they step in to defend tourists from being badgered by a pair of rip-off characters. A video of the duo’s heroic actions goes viral, and the attention inspires them to fight more crime. But when their low-level crime-fighting inadvertently disrupts the plans of a crazed crime boss, their friendship will undergo the ultimate test. And they soon begin to realize that neither it nor they may survive long enough to enjoy their newfound fame.
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The series sounds set to be a humorous take on age, fame, and the impact of superhero stories on society, making it a potent combination of a fun plot and rich thematic ground to explore along the way. The failed-actor-turned-superhero concept is a great way to wrap all of those ideas into one kinetic, action-packed ball; as it seems, playing hero will start out as just another role for the protagonists, in their ongoing bid to “make it,” yet the two may eventually discover not just an aptitude for heroism, but the right reasons to do it.
“Power Pals” Author Duane Murray Drew On His Own Experience In Hollywood To Craft His Protagonists
Who Are The Power Pals?– Covers By Ahmed Rafaat; Issue #1 Variant Cover By Matt Kindt
Author Duane Murray – known in the comic book industry for hisacclaimed seriesBetter Place– is also an actor, with years of experience as a performer, which informed the creation of his heroes, Derek and Alex. While they might not directly correspond to Murray, his real-life history in Hollywood shaped theirs on the page, meaningreaders should expectWho Are the Power Pals?to have a deep insight into the industry, which it will use to laugh-out-loud ends. In the press release announcing the series, Murray briefly touched on his inspirations and intentions forPower Pals, stating:
As an actor and writer who has had a few ‘almost’ situations that could have been career and life changing, only to have them fall flat, coupled with making decisions that weren’t the best for me personally, in order for a slim chance at potential fame, some of which involved putting friendships on the line, these characters are close to my heart. And as a kid who laughed out loud reading the 80’sJustice League, I hope readers will enjoy our attempt at focusing on the funny in ‘funnybooks’, while we sneak a little emotion in there, while you’re busy wiping the tears of laughter away, or at least politely snickering.
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As Murray notes,Power Palsis first-and-foremost a comedy, though it won’t be without its share of pathos. Given that “these characters are close to [the author’s] heart,” it seems unlikely the miniseries will tread into too-dark territory, even as it ratchets up the tension by having its heroes rile up L.A.’s criminal underworld. Still, howWho Are the Power Pals?ultimately plays out – and whether it is a fun, self-contained comic book miniseries, or the start of something more – are things readers will have to discover when the book hits shelves.
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Who Are The Power Pals?#1– Available July 28, 2025 From Dark Horse Comics
Artist Ahmed Rafaat – whose previous work onKevin Smith’sQuick Stopscomic seriesseems to be a clear influence on the style ofPower Pals– noted that the series has a broad appeal, on multiple levels, which could help the story find a strong audience. Rafaat explained:
When Duane and I first discussed the idea for the series and he showed me what he had in mind I was immediately on board. As someone who was a kid in the 90’s I grew up watching the same shows thePower Palswould have been in, and have great affection for them. And as someone who worked in film editorial for magazines in the past ,and also someone who loves comic books (clearly!) and superhero films, this story scratched the right itch for me, a blend of those two worlds - with a twist! I can’t wait for everyone to see what we’ve been cooking!
That “blend” of genres and styles will serveWho Are the Power Palson the page, in the short term, but it also could potentially lead to greater longevity for the series.
Whether Duane Murray and Ahmed Rafaat have plans for these characters beyond the initialPower Palsminiseries, or how quickly a studio might pick up the property for a film/TV version, are all questions for the future.
That is to say,Power Palsseems ripe for adaptation, even before the series has been released. The premise of the series is engaging, and offers a take on multiple genres that can be both tongue-in-cheek and emphatically action-oriented, and can vary between those modes from scene-to-scene. Whether Duane Murray and Ahmed Rafaat have plans for these characters beyond the initialPower Palsminiseries, or how quickly a studio might pick up the property for a film/TV version, are all questions for the future, but for now, comic fans can get excited aboutDark Horse Comics’next great original title.
Who Are the Power Pals?#1will be available July 28, 2025 From Dark Horse Comics.
