Review: Crossover #1
When I saw this book in my review list, I thought, “a crossover 
of Image characters?”. I had no idea how that would even work with Images diverse publishing history. Thankfully, it seems that the world is not ready for a Spawn meets Sunstone meets the Walking Dead book. Instead, the topic of this new series is clever if a tad pretentious and smug; the real world and the comic world crossing over.
The main idea in the book is what if the “real” world and the comic book world crossed over, in Denver Colorado. During the ongoing battle one of the heroes decides to erect a forcefield around the battle zone. Now the worlds are trying to live with each other. Thing is, because of all the deaths, it seems that the bottom has finally fallen out of the comic book business. Ellipses, a young woman who works at a comic book store in cosplay, both of which antagonises the religious elements of society. Throw into the mix a little girl with newsprint pink dots for facial coloring and not only do you have an escapee from the zone, but also a mystery in how she got out in the first place.
Donny Cates has taken a leaf out of comic book history in order to build a world based on fear and distrust. Ironically, I don’t think Cates has to look too far for that, but by using comics books and characters there is an immediate resonance. Cates does a great job of including some of the biggest heroes in the industry, kind of. The meanderings of the monologue do a great job of setting the scenes for the book before the dialogue gives the story a more personal touch. There are lots of nuances, nods and little touches that comic fans will love. There is even a nod to the Man of Steel and Iron Giant thrown in for good measure. What more could you want? Surprisingly, all these elements don’t even touch on the main aspects of the story.
The art is supplied by, Geoff Shaw who has the task of bringing in a superhero wars without any really recognisable characters. Once that is out of the way, he can settle in on Ellipses and her day. The pencils have a functionary aspect, with enough of Shaw’s flourishes; there are cartoony elements that add to the overall vibe of this first issue. Caricatures or characters the pencils work well in an understated way. Dee Cunniffe does a great job creating two schemes; one for the modern day and the style of yesteryear, emphasising the contrasts between the two worlds well. Finally, John J. Hill does a great job on the lettering and design, making the book extremely to read at the pace Cates dictates.
This was a fun read, given the history of the comic book industry; there are Fredric Wertham quotes and the influences of the Seduction of the Innocent are plain to see. Part of this may be the influences of Mark Waid who is helping out with story edits and putting it all together. It is going to be a fun ride.
Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
Colors – 5 Star
Overall – 5 Stars
Pick up a copy of Crossover #1 NOW
Written by; Danny Cates
Art by; Geoff Shaw
Colors by; Dee Cunniffe
Letters by; John J. Hill
Published by; Image Comics
Author Profile
- I am a long time comic book fan, being first introduced to Batman in the mid to late 70's. This led to a appreciation of classic artists like Neal Adams and Jim Aparo. Moving through the decades that followed, I have a working knowledge of a huge raft of characters with a fondness for old school characters like JSA and The Shadow
Currently reading a slew of Bat Books, enjoying a mini Marvel revival, and the host of The Definative Crusade and Outside the Panels whilst also appearing on No-Prize Podcast on the Undercover Capes Podcast Network
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