Dark Horse Comics has announced a hilarious new comic miniseries in Who are the Power Pals? This new series is a buddy comedy about fame, friendship, and learning just how long you’re willing to fake it till you make it. Who are the Power Pals? is written by renowned screen actor, writer, and producer Duane Murray (Better Place), with art, colors, and cover art by acclaimed UK-based Egyptian comic artist Ahmed Raafat (Quick Stops) and lettered by Rob Jones (Spectacular Spiderman Adventures). And make sure to keep an eye out for the variant cover edition of issue #1, featuring art by Matt Kindt (Gilt Frame).
Washed-up actors Derek and Alex have been best friends ever since playing teen superheroes “Swallow” and “Buzzard” in the ’90s TV show Power 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.
“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” says Duane Murray. “And as a kid who laughed out loud reading the 80’s Justice 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.”
“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” adds artist Ahmed Raafat. “As someone who was a kid in the 90s, I grew up watching the same shows the Power Pals would 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!”
Take a look at the cover art for issue #1 below:
Who are the Power Pals? #1 (of 4) will arrive in comic shops on March 19, 2025, and is available for pre-order at your local comic shop for $4.99.
