EmpoweredAKA Elissa Megan PowersThe main character. A sweet, beautiful (despite what she thinks) and kind young woman who had dreams of fighting crime from a young age, but got saddled with an unreliable supersuit that showedeverything.
Affirmative Action Girl: The Superhomeys made her a member because of some "gender quota", not because she was an awesome superhero.
Aren't You Going to Ravish Me?: In volume 1 of Empowered, she is captured by a robot "Pimpotron" that scans her to see if she's worthy of a galactic harem. After deciding her butt was too big, it leaves her behind. She is clearly more devastated by the insult than relieved at her good fortune.
Ascended Fangirl: Loves superheroes so much that she took it as a college course. Then she became one and found out what most of the 'heroes' in her chosen superteam were like. She still fangirls over the leader of the Superhomies, to the point of themed underwear.
Awesomeness by Analysis: Often. Though her crowning moment might have been figuring out how Deathmonger could find a newly risen SuperDead.
Berserk Button: Don't compare her to JLo, or say anything else that might be misunderstood as "you're fat".
Brains and Bondage: Subverted; what with the number of times Emp gets tied up, it is in NO WAY a turn-on. NONE. Apart from when she first met Thugboy. Ocelotina comments, later: "That guy was practically making love to you with that rope!"
Broken Bird: Watching her father die in front of her is just one of her many happy memories.
Empathic Weapon: Her supersuit, apparently a sapient being. Also, it's been suggested that her body issues are what keep the suit so fragile, which produces gratuitous nudity and augments her body issues, which obviously doesn't lead anywhere good. So or so: As long as it remains intact, it comes with
Nigh Invulnerability: Sorta... it acts like ablative armour; bullets and blows tear off bits of the suit but leave her undamaged. If there's at least a tattered bikini's worth left of the suit, she can survive a ten-story fall.
Kamehame Hadoken: Which varies wildly in power depending on a number of factors, including how confident she feels.
Suit Invisibility. That is to say her suit turns invisible, but she doesn't, leaving her naked. Again.
For Halloween, I Am Going as Myself: It's her part-time job - making public appearances with other lookalikes as herself. The "Southern" accent she affects might be an effort to stop the disguise from being too realistic.
Future Loser: Has this in a kind of Imagine Spot, where kid Emp meets her future superheroine self.
Kid Emp: "Why do I have such a big butt as a grownup...? How did I wind up so old and f-fat...?"
Current Emp: "Thanks a lot, younger version of me."
Geek: She is a Yaoi Fangirl and took "superhuman studies" at college. OK, if you consider her looks, make that Hollywood Geek.
Heroic Self-Deprecation: It becomes clear fairly quickly that Emp is a significantly more competent hero than she gives herself credit for. After this being pointed out by Ninjette, Thugboy, the Caged Demonwolf, Mind████, and Maidman, she's starting to get it
Even earlier than both of those examples was her effortless rescue of ThugBoy in Vol. 1, which was pretty much foreshadowing the above incidents.
At one point she completely lost her temper, nearly killed a villain by ripping off her own bodice and suffocating him with it. She stopped herself in time, and felt horribly guilty after.
Meta Guy: In between the chapters, Emp comments on the story and her role in it. Most prominently when she drew attention to Adam Warren's Kill 'Em All tendencies in his previous works and started freaking out that she might be next on the chopping block. 'S all right Emp, your name's on the cover.
Breathing in hard vacuum: Which she actually discovered by accident and didn't notice the first time. All she noticed is that she was a lot lighter and that her suit was sparkling.
After the events of Vol. 5, Sistah Spooky might just be warming up to her a bit.
A better question was how she managed to avoid getting respect after one-shotting a world-destroying demon lord that had just wiped the floor with every other superhero combined.
You underestimate the power of the bitch side. They'd probably say stuff like, "Lucky shot" or "You didn't kill it?!"
One Note Cook: The only food she can cook well is blueberry pancakes. (In a Naked Apron, which is even better!)
Samaritan Syndrome: Emp's always wanted to be a superhero; she gained extra motivation after seeing her father die in front of her, though she's since come to terms with that particular trauma.
Berserk Button: When he recognises the cape who killed his friend, he almost shoots him in front of a hundred other supers before he's stopped by Ninjette.
Combat Pragmatist: Particularly in his cape-killer days he often uses a cape's or a super villain's weaknesses and flaws against them and will play extremely dirty if need be. a brief flashback in volume 6 shows him giving a step by step guide to attacking a superhero funeral that doesn't involve being a suicide bomber
Hair of Sorrow: After the other Witless Minions got killed by Willy Pete, Thugboy goes into permanent "Whatever" mode until he meets Emp and lets his hair grow out. He still seems to shave - or, being half-Asian, naturally doesn't grow a beard (yet).
Huge Guy, Tiny Girl: OK, Emp isn't really very tiny, but ThugBoy TOWERS over her. Just look in the first chapter of volume 2 where he's carrying her with one hand.
Ninjette AKA Kozue KaburagiEmp's best friend and part-time Lancer. Originally introduced to us as a Punch Clock Villain, she quickly turned into a sparky, confident foil and emotional support for the self-doubting main character. Then plot happened, and we discovered why she drinks so much...
It's more of a Freudian thing, because she dearly wants to, but as a princess in a Hidden Elf Village she was not allowed, and the only eligible man now is attached to Empowered. The ensuing frustration causes her to focus her attention on ninjaing. invoked
Fate Worse than Death: Averted — before she was rescued by Emp, she narrowly avoided having her hands and feet cut off to facilitate her use as ninja breeding stock. Invoked later, when she tells Emp what could have happened.
Fridge Horror: The issue of howshe'd be bred is just as bad - this troper doesn't think hidden ninja villages have in-vitro fertilization labs.
IVF is expensive. Why waste money when the traditional method is there, huh?
It wouldn't be a too good idea to force a woman to breed anyway, even if you cared for the babies only. Besides of the fact that you could probably expect a lot of issues for the children too, babies of women who hate being pregnant tend to be seriously sick.
Foot Focus: She doesn't wear shoes on the job, but wraps her bare feet in leather (?) strips, probably for the extra grip/dexterity. Her feet are dexterous enough to pick up and throw stuff and unwrap her footbindings.
Gratuitous Japanese: Justified. She was given a full Japanese name to make up for the dilution in the bloodline.
Master of Disguise: All ninja are taught "hensojutsu", but she's exceptional. To the point where she consummated a marriage whilst disguised as the groom.
Caged Demonwolf, Molester of WorldsEldritch Abomination captured by Emp in some alien power-draining bondage gear. He lives on her coffee table and spouts ranting, wordy monologues.
Anti-Villain / Affably Evil: to the point that, world-destroying Eldritch Abomination or not, he's basically a good guy—being one of the comparatively few people who has a high opinion of Empowered. He certainly doesn't seem to mind hanging out on Emp's coffee table watching TV for the rest of his existence
The Nicknamer: Emp is "the Alpha Wench", Thugboy is "the Boy of Thug" (if he's not the P-whipped princeling), Ninjette is "the Ninja Wench" or "the boobless booby", Sistah Spooky is "the mystical Wench", Mind████ is the Sapphic/Psychosensual Wench, and so on. Also counts as a parody of Superhero Sobriquets.
Only Sane Man: The threshold for this is not that high. That an Eldritch Abomination that habitually describes himself as "The Caged Demonwolf, Molester of Worlds" gets to be the Only Sane Man in the cast tells you everything about this comic you needed to know in one sentence.
Jerk with a Heart of Gold — mmmmmmmaybe. Consider that at the end of her first appearance, she indicated that she considered whatever debt she owed Ninjette to be paid, and that the traitor should expect no further help from her. A few days later (in comic time) she shows up to warn 'Jette that the Ayakami clan — all of them — are coming after 'Jette. It's possible that she did this because she enjoys Ninjette's terror. It's also possible that she actually cares. We shall see.
The Stoic: In her expressions at least. Adam Warren mentions he accidentally gave her some expression in one scene; he'd intended her to look like a doll.
Stripperiffic: The Kaburagi clan wear this season - almost nothing.
The superteam that employs Emp. Based on empirical analysis, most of them are either macho, sexist arsewipes or bitchy queens. Somewhat hip-hop themed.Sistah Spooky AKA TheresaA demonically-charged sorceress and a senior member of the team. Also a neurotic mess of a woman who continually puts Emp down because she hates and fears blondes. Don't worry, she has a reason.
Alpha Bitch: Spooky's Back Story (and consequent Freudian Excuse) also has her being cruelly tormented by blonde, voluptuous Libbies whilst herself a child, hence the chip on her shoulder regarding Emp.
Dark Magical Girl: Older than the other examples, but still fits the trope.
Deal with the Devil: How she got her powers. In her case, she originally just wished for beauty but got mystical powers because the demon she made a deal with screwed up the paperwork.
The Faceless: Initially, we only see her without her mask in flashbacks.
Heel Face Turn: Possibly. At the end of volume 5, she seems to have finally accepted that Emp isn't the blondeAlpha Bitch her mind makes her out to be.
You Are What You Hate: Mind████ takes a peek into Spooky's memories and instantly grasps that her public persona has been subconsciously patterned after the same vain blonde bimbos she was so traumatized by. Both physically (sans actual Blondeness) and personality.
Mind████Intensely telepathic super who's been romantically involved with Sistah Spooky in the past. Stays in orbit most of the time to get away from the background thoughtstream.
Flat Earth Agnostic: Mindf██k's ex-girlfriend Sistah Spooky got her powers from a Deal with the Devil, and Mindf██k can read her thoughts. But is still agnostic.
Heroic Self-Deprecation: hers differs from Empowered's in that she sees herself as being an effective hero, she just doesn't feel she's as purely heroic as, for instance, Empowered, given that Empowered is a genuinely good person and Mind████ is not because she had to Mind Rape herself in order to not be a sociopath. Whether or not a willingness to Mind Rape yourself is proof of inherent goodness is a matter up for discussion
Mind Rape: one possible use of her powers. Her backstory reveals that she constantly did this to herself to avoid becoming a sociopath like her brother.
Major HavocA super-strong, none-too-bright Jerk Jock. That's about it for his character. Because of this, we can cheer when he gets his just desserts. ( Although given that he is one of the one and a half survivors left over when his team confronted Willy Pete...)
A Father to His Men: He truly cares for his teammates, just not Emp. His description of trying to save Turbobrain from Willy Pete's fire is quite sad.
Asshole Victim: To the Chloroformaster. And arguably to Willy Pete.
Book Dumb: Another superhero states that he dropped out after third grade. He may have been joking, but still...
Crouching Moron, Hidden Badass: While he's definitely no genius and the degree to which he took Willy Pete lightly bordered on Too Dumb to Live, he's a professional super all right- just look at how he commanded his team when they were preparing to ambush Willy Pete (at least before it all went to hell).
Gilligan Cut: He tries to give a rousing speechwhen the supers are temporarily depowered, saying, "We're still heroes, aren't we?". Cut to him screaming, "Aaaagh! Get it off me!"
Nigh Invulnerable: Willy Pete's fire, which has the heat of a nuke, just knocked him out and destroyed his shirt.
The Worf Effect: Have we seen any battles where he didn't get the ████ kicked out of him? Even Ninjette defeats him once.
Capitan RivetThe leader of the team. Made entirely of metal. Surprisingly, not a jerkass (he has the decency to at least suppress his laughter at Emp's humiliation).
The Cape: In a world full of superheroes that range from idly idiotic to actively assholish, Capitan Rivet stands out as a (mostly) genuinely nice guy and heroic figure. This may be why Emp idolizes him to the point of wearing underwear with his logo on it.
The Worf Effect: Have we seen any battles where he didn't get the ████ kicked out of him?
Syndablokk (sic!)A man with a cinderblock for a head. One of the few truly sympathetic heroes, he gives Emp some fatherly advice and compliments in his first appearance.
DivangelicA pair of Conjoined Twins; the twin on the right is Vanity, a devil; on the left, we have Charity, an angel wielding a kind of morningstar. The mind boggles how they manage to live with each other. Since they were bith killed by Willy Pete in #5, we may never find out.
Maid ManA Batman (or Robin?) expy who seems to be the most decent, well-adjusted hero so far. The full French maid dress, stiletto heels and fishnets (with garters) he always wears could be thought of as an endearing character trait. He's introduced to us as a reverse mole.
Agent Peacock: He stands out even among the other superheroes with their costumes.
Real Men Wear Pink: He wields an explosive broom, throws doily shuriken, fights in stiletto heels with little bows on them and villains are terrified of him. The only male meido as badass is Kogarashi.
Split Personality: Apparently, his civilian identity, while aware of his alter ego's exploits as Maid Man, does not approve of them. Or know how to get bloodstains out of clothing.
Superhero Sobriquets: The Garter-belted Gladiator, the Dark Knight Domestic, the Delicate Cycle Detective, the Hard-hitting Hygenist, the Sanitary Sentinel, the Iron-handed Immaculist, the Manservant of Steel, the Squeaky-clean Samurai, the Corset-clad Crusader and the Velveteen Virtuoso of Violence.
OcelotinaA former kidnapper of Emp who saw the interest in the market for a Stripperiffic heroine that was constantly getting Bound and Gagged, then used it to great financial effect to become a softcore idol.
Exact Words: Empowered is gagged from talking about what happened at the superhero awards (other members of the Superhomeys aren't and start spreading nasty rumors about her), so Ocelotina invites her on her show and duct tapes her head so she can't talk so that Ocelotina can say how awesome Emp was
Jerk with a Heart of Gold: She respects Emp and considers her a true hero. Is it sad that, even though she has humiliated Empowered in public and over the internet that she is legitimately magnitudes nicer to our heroine than anyone else on Empowered's team?
The Load: "Please save me... because I'm really, really cute!".
Due to the Sorting Algorithm of Evil, most of the villains that have appeared have been comedic and one-shot. That isn't to say the rest weren't serious.Willy PeteA man who was turned into a fire elemental, and consequently gained the appetite of fire i.e. insatiable. Was the Witless Minions' (and thus Thugboy's) last employer, so they've got some history between them; it's the kind of history that usually starts with "The rivers ran red with blood...".
Anything That Moves: "Ol' Willy Pete can do animal...in fact, I'm kinda known for it."
Art Evolution: Sometime in between his first and second appearance, Warren apparently got much better at drawing fire.
Artificial Human: According to Mind████, he doesn't even have a true mind.
Fleshmaster/dWARf!A former member of the Superhomies, until he was publicly humiliated (Carrie-style) at an awards ceremony, then disappeared, or so they thought; he used his powers to secretly remould himself into a brand-new super, dWARf!, who was then accepted back in to the team.
Chekhov's Gunman: Both played straight (to a degree) and subverted; Fleshmaster is mentioned several times during Volume Four as part of the Capey's debacle that could prove to be Emp's eventual fate if she wins anything - since it's a proven fact (and alarmingly, Sistah Spooky seems aware of this) that the suprahuman community is a bunch of dicks - but we never meet him. Turns out he was under their nose all along as dWARf, which is revealed in a stellar scene mentioned below. Ironically, dWARf sets himself up to be found out by Emp.
Clipped Wing Angel: In his fight with Emp he uses his bio-editing powers to become a monstrous giant...which doesn't even get one hit in before Emp pounds him into the floor.
MannyA Littlest Cancer Patient who met Emp thanks to the Grant-A-Wish Foundation in order to tie her up. His greatest dream was to become a supervillain. Through a strange series of events he managed to attain superhuman intelligence and (possibly) cure himself.
Affably Evil: To an extreme degree. The mad respect he has for Emp makes for a jarring contrast with the disrespect her own teammates show her.
The Ghost: Deathmonger was mentioned in the very first story of volume 1 as the villain the Superhomies were arguing over how to defeat. Later in that volume was described as "a popular sell out supervillain" and an "overhyped jackass" by a disgruntled Big Iron. He was the central villain of the chapter 'Diseased Wench' with an army of "scythebots" but since Emp never made it to the battle nothing of him was seen. After volume 1 he dropped out of the series until volume 6- where he finally appeared after having been reimagined as The DreadedComplete Monster that he was. Even then, his mask still left him as The Faceless.
Emp lassos him with a Super tongue he severed, causing Ubiquitease, a SuperDead he enslaved, to leave without him at just the right moment.
He sets Tommy Tokamak's carcass, which is powering his facility, to detonate his Collapsing Lair... And it does, with him inside thanks to Emp... although it appears that teleport sparkles are appearing around him before the explosion.
Night of the Living Mooks: Literally. The SuperDead, as a result of their abilities, are aware and helpless to do his bidding.
Retcon: From his early mentions in volume 1, nothing about Deathmonger suggested that he was anything other than a death-themed supervillain commanding an army of "scythebots", although in the first chapter Emp mentioned him drawing power from a "pan-dimensional link" which she suggested the Superhomies try to cut off. When he reappeared in volume 6, he was reimagined as an actual Necromancer who commands armies of the superdead. This could be purposeful on his part as the cover story on the subject benefits his activities, but the apparent difference was never addressed.
