For my weekly comic write-up, I will talk about two different titles from Image Comics’, the first 3 issues of CROSSOVER from and HAHA #1.
CROSSOVER is from the team of Writer Donny Cates, Artist Geoff Shaw, Colorist Dee Cunniffe, Letterer and Designer John J. Hill, with Story Edits by Mark Waid.
This series has really opened up a lot of possibilities. In the first issue the series introduces us to the devastation caused by “supers” in the real world, the actual crossover. I’ve reviewed this books so I’m going to skip to the end of #1 and talk about the transition into the second issue. As the first issue ends Ellie, Otto, and the girl (later introduced as Ava Quinn) are seen escaping the riot at the store with the next issue picking up shortly after that. Orion or Ryan is quickly reintroduced in the second issue, he’s seen speaking to a mystery man who exclaims Ryan is out of his usual jurisdiction. It’s later explained that the mystery man runs multiple facilities that house comic characters. Facilities that drain their powers, all except one character. This issue shows many cameos but never shows who this character is, just that their powers aren’t drained. As the second issue progresses the story is split between Ellie and Ryan. On one hand Ellie seems to want to help all the characters and on the other Ryan is essentially tasked with what seems to be the opposite.
The third issue is particularly interesting due to where it starts. The beginning gives a little back story on Ellie, it shows her origin in relation to the start of the crossover. It’s a strong flashback that really takes this book into a new light. In the first issue it kind of just dropped her into it, but this one it gives a little background on her personality. As it jumps into the current time, Ellie is seen helping Ava disguise herself as a normal person. Otto interrupts and lets them know everything is ready to go. They set out on a trek that has a couple bumps along the way. I could give detail on this entire book, but I’ll keep the rest of this simple and just say around this point in the book a couple good cameos are coming. The end of the third issue is a big ending, I wasn’t expecting to fall in love with this series the way I did. It’s got everything to make a great story, it seems familiar yet so unique. If you haven’t jumped on this train yet I’d suggest getting into it. I will say CROSSOVER is in my top four favorite series right now. Being a big DC fan I can honestly say I’ve come to love this series over a lot of current DC stories.
The first 3 issues of CROSSOVER are now available.
HAHA #1
Next up for my reviews this week is the brand new series from the writer of ICE CREAM MAN, W. Maxwell Prince. Joining him on the creative team for HAHA #1 are artist Vanessa Del Rey, colorist Chris O’Halloran, with lettering by Good Old Neon.
Back to how I normally review, let’s start with the art! This book has differing art styles, at first we see a crisp and typical comic style art. It’s nice, the type I really like to see. As the story unfold though, it changes.
The way it changes is a major plot point so I won’t spoil that. Being particular about interior art I can say I didn’t mind this change. It’s a subtle but it’s still noticeable change I thought. I went back and looked over it again to make sure I was seeing it right originally. It was completely necessary, and executed nicely. Now onto the story! It’s a rather sad story overall but it’s still so exciting. The beginning takes us to the home of the main character, makes them a joke, and gives hints as to how the story may go. The next few pages can only be described as a downward spiral for our character. At the end of this extreme decline is where the art change happens, it’s always where the main character truly comes into his own. The ending of this book shines an entirely new light on him, it opens up the story to so many possibilities. Like CROSSOVER I’m really excited to follow this story. Right now really is the time to get into indie books, I’d highly suggest ordering HAHA if you haven’t already.
HAHA #1 is now out, the issue has sold out at most stores but a 2nd printing (pictured below) is on the way.
