Powerpuff Girls #4 (2016) – Comic Book Review & Breakdown
Genre
🌈 Superhero, Comedy, All-Ages, Adventure
Blending vibrant cartoon energy with superhero action and quirky humor, Powerpuff Girls #4 is an all-ages comic that balances satire and storytelling with a touch of mystery.
Main Characters
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Blossom – The intelligent and composed leader of the trio 🧠🎀
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Bubbles – Sweet and innocent, but don’t let her cuteness fool you 🐬💙
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Buttercup – Tough, headstrong, and always ready for action 💪💚
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Professor Utonium – Their brilliant scientist father figure 🧪
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Penny Farthing – A suspiciously charming stranger offering to teach the girls how to ride bikes 🚲
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HIM – The enigmatic, devilish antagonist lurking behind the scenes 😈
Writer
✍️ Haley Mancini – Known for her work on the 2016 Powerpuff Girls animated reboot, Mancini brings playful wit and character-driven storytelling that remains faithful to the tone of the show.
Artist
🎨 Derek Charm – His bold, vibrant illustrations and expressive character work perfectly capture the animated essence of the Powerpuff universe while adding flair that pops off the page.
Editor Details
🖋️ Sarah Gaydos – A seasoned editor known for her work in all-ages comics. She ensures the narrative remains cohesive, fun, and accessible to both younger and nostalgic older readers.
Publisher and Brand
📚 IDW Publishing
🏷️ Brand: Cartoon Network Comics (licensed through IDW)
IDW handles the comic adaptation of several iconic cartoons, and this issue is part of the licensed series based on the Powerpuff Girls reboot that aired in 2016.
Release Year
📅 2016
Released during the same year the Powerpuff Girls TV reboot aired, this issue complements the show with original stories not seen on screen.
Brief Plot Summary
The Powerpuff Girls face their most unexpected challenge yet—they can’t ride bikes! When a mysterious figure named Penny Farthing appears and offers to teach them, the girls leap at the chance, even trading their superpowers for a lesson. But Penny is hiding a dark connection to one of their oldest enemies… HIM! With their powers gone and danger closing in, the girls must rely on teamwork, wits, and sheer determination to reclaim their abilities and uncover Penny’s twisted secret.
Notable Arcs or Storylines
🌀 “Bikes and Betrayals” – While this issue stands on its own, it hints at a deeper narrative involving manipulation and deceit, expanding the show's lore in comic format. The story also subtly explores themes of self-worth beyond superpowers.
Fan Theories or Interpretations
💭 Many fans speculate that Penny Farthing is either a creation or pawn of HIM, designed to test the girls' vulnerability and morality. The strange bargain and HIM’s indirect manipulation echo classic trickster villain tropes. Some readers even theorize that Penny represents childhood insecurities—like learning new skills or feeling powerless—which HIM amplifies for his own amusement.
Review Summary
✨ Powerpuff Girls #4 is a charming blend of humor, nostalgia, and heart. The writing is clever and character-driven, especially in how it explores the girls' identity without their powers. Derek Charm’s art is a visual treat—colorful, expressive, and packed with energy. The plot, while simple on the surface, carries emotional depth and suspense. It’s a great issue for longtime fans and new readers alike, delivering the fun and action the franchise is known for, all wrapped in a colorful and mysterious package.
🟢 Art: 9/10
🟢 Story Quality: 8.5/10
🟢 Character Depth: 8/10
🦸♀️ A must-read for Powerpuff Girls fans looking for new adventures with a nostalgic twist!
Comic Resource / Read Online (External Source)
