Each of these volumes boasts all the traits for which Ed Powers' work is known, which is to say that all three tapes feature a mouth-watering and admirably diverse lineup of female talent - all of it fresh and likely never seen before by most porn fans. Less appealing is the fact that the intensity of the erotic chemistry Powers is able to spark with the ladies when matters come down to the actual factual varies precipitously.

Vol. 18 features a couple of bright spots - Red Violet and Betty Black by name. Black is a very thin, exotic and sports an exceedingly sultry, faraway manner, which simply adds to her dark-eyed allure. She seems to have a veritable TNT libido in there somewhere, too, although sadly, Powers is unable to find her fuse. Then there's the gorgeous Violet - a slightly older redhead whose natural body and full, heavy tits make her scene very watchable, regardless of whatever else the scene might be missing.

Black returns in Vol. 19, but this time her work is overshadowed by a pair of rival scenes. The first of these is the opener, in which the Puerto Rican hottie Calypso explains that she likes to "live on the edge" as she spreads her legs and points her toes for the camera. Whether intended or not, her makeup suggests a pronounced Goth aesthetic, which will work in a big way for some viewers. Her scene with Powers is lacking gusto, however. Then there's Belle - a Southern lass whose easy generosity with her sexuality is heartwarming. (She explains that she likes to share and "help people out" sexually.) Her scene with Powers is hobbled, however, by the vigorous (or vicious) pounding she had recently taken from another porn stud, which left her so raw even Powers' modest wedding tackle left her wincing. This "mistreatment" at the hands (or cock) of one of Powers' competitors gives Ed a chance to discourse upon the folly of those who treat women less respectfully than he. While industry watchers might feel compelled to sing out with a "Thank you, brother!" retailers might well ask how much sermonizing their customers are willing to endure, especially when it is, for the most part, not they for whom Powers' comments are intended.

Then there's Vol. 20, which stands taller than its two predecessors, thanks to the contributions of Alexandra Stevens and Drew Summers. Stevens is a natural-bodied young Chicana, and her scene cooks due to the horny good fun she has during her first experience with a small vibrator. The surprise and unselfconsciousness with which she brings herself off, coupled with her genuinely naughty giggle and alluring, sleepy eyes, make her scene a through-and-through winner. Drew Summer, on the other hand, is a tight-bodied, natural-breasted California girl whose ass and slick, pink pussy are both things of beauty. Also, her manner suggests that she, too, has a very itchy libido tucked away somewhere. Apparently, she also had a bad pre-Ed experience, but delivers a testimonial at the end of the tape (as do some other girls at various points in all three volumes) talking Ed up a genuinely nice guy and fun fuck partner. Such affirmation is important for everyone, we suppose.