By Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning (Writers),
Tyler Kirkham (Pencils), Sal Regla (Inks), Rick Basaldua (Inks Pg. 12),
Livesay (Inks Pg. 19), and John Starr (Colors)
Some Thoughts Before The Review: Just looking at the cover of Fusion #1 makes
me think it’s going to be something of a (rather dated) mess. Four
teams from two different companies jockeying for space in a three issue
mini-series? And it’s going to be coherent? Surely you jest. Still, I
do have some hope for the series because it’s being written by Dan
Abnett and Andy Lanning, the two guys responsible for making the cosmic
side of the Marvel U. home to some of the best stories and characters
the company has to offer.
The Story: Fusion is a crossover between
Marvel and Top Cow. In the first issue, Cyberforce member Ripclaw is
going on a rampage and it’s up to the Mighty Avengers and, eventually,
the Thunderbolts to stop him before he injures more people. Something
causes the outburst and an ultra-sapien may be to blame.
What’s Good: Fusion #1 is entertaining,
visually pleasing (in that special Top Cow way), and full of action.
It’s also a hell of a lot of fun as long as you don’t stop to think
about it. The book doesn’t, so why should you? It hits the ground
running and makes very little attempt to slow down. As a critic,
however, I have to stop to think about it. That’s where the next
category come in…
What’s Not So Good: Fusion #1 is all the
things mentioned above. Unfortunately, it’s also really dated,
frustrating to follow, and somewhat ridiculous-looking (in that special
Top Cow way). I mean the Might Avengers and Thunderbolts (as featured
in Fusion) don’t even exist anymore. It makes the whole thing
feel pretty odd. Furthermore, while I put something in the story
section, I really have no idea what’s going on as far as overall plot
is concerned. It’s almost completely overwhelmed by the action. As for
“that special Top Cow way,” I mention it because the style used by
Tyler Kirkham tends to be quite divisive.
Conclusion: If you just sort of roll with it, Fusion #1 works
in its own unique way. It’s mindless, but it’s also quite a bit of fun.
If you look at it from a critical perspective, it’s sure to frustrate,
confuse, and maybe even cause a few unintentional laughs. Yeah…it’s that kind of comic…
Grade: C (could easily be a “D” or “B” depending on taste, so a “C” seems appropriate)
-Kyle Posluszny