Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #2 – Review

By Mark Waid (Writer), Kenneth Rocafort (Art), and Sunny Gho of IFS (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: The great looking first issue of Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer definitely started things off on the right foot for the Mark Waid and Kenneth Rocafort mini-series. Though Waid used a tried-and-true formula to set up the crossover, I found myself appreciating it because I’m fairly new to both the Cyberforce and the Hunter-Killer stuff. Sure, they were in that Fusion mini-series with the Avengers that I reviewed, but it was hard to really get a bead on the teams with so many characters running around.

The Story: Ellis desperately tries to smooth things over between Cyberforce and Hunter-Killer as he reveals the truth behind Morningstar and his connection with the Cyberdata Corporation.

What’s Good: The main reason you should pick up Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #2 is because Kenneth Rocafort is just so damned good at what he does. His work may look gritty and rough at first glance, but upon closer inspection, it’s hard to deny how sleek and sexy Rocafort’s style is, especially when it comes to his character work. And thankfully, as far as the art is concerned, Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #2 isn’t a case of style over substance in any way (though, thanks a great deal to Sunny Gho’s color choices, it is definitely stylish). Rocafort’s action scenes are dynamic (I really like how he handles Velocity’s powers), his attention to detail is mighty impressive (seriously, check out the panels that feature some sort of complex technology), and his smooth storytelling is complimented by some slick panel layouts.

So the artwork is quite kick-ass in the second Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer issue. How about the writing? Mark Waid does a nice job of handling the necessary exposition while moving both teams forward towards an interesting enough goal. In particular, I really like the “Jett” technology concept that’s revealed to be driving the overall plot. Also worth mentioning is the dialogue that’s exchanged between Cyberforce and Hunter-Killer. Waid nails the tension, yet also tosses in some sharp, surprisingly funny lines to keep things from feeling overly serious or pretentious.

What’s Not So Good: I’ve only got one complaint about the artwork and one complaint about the writing. The negative thing about the artwork is that occasionally backgrounds look a bit plain, bland, and sterile. It’s not such a big deal, but it’s noticeable enough to mention. The negative thing about the writing is that there’s no avoiding the sense that a portion of the book is dedicated to an information dump. It’s necessary for the plot, yet it feels a bit clunky.

Conclusion: Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #2 is well worth picking up. Kenneth Rocafort’s artwork is great and Mark Waid’s definitely got some cool ideas driving the story along.

Grade: B+

-Kyle Posluszny

Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #1 – Review

By Mark Waid (Writer), Kenneth Rocafort (Art), and Sunny Gho of IFS (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: I’ll admit to not being all that familiar with either Cyberforce or Hunter-Killer. Truth be told, it is the creative team that got me to pick up the first issue of the heavily hyped Top Cow mini-series.

The Story: The Hunter-Killer team, working to track down other Ultra-Sapiens, launches an attack on Cyberforce. As it turns out, the members of Hunter-Killer may have bitten off more than they can chew.

What’s Good: Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #1 is really welcoming to new readers, which is a good thing because it’s a book you’re probably not going to want to miss once things really start rolling. Right from the odd opening, writer Mark Waid lays down a solid foundation for a crossover while doing a nice job of introducing both teams (and the universe they exist in) that are going to be fighting and (probably) joining forces for the greater good. The artwork by Kenneth Rocafort, meanwhile, manages to be gritty, sexy, and stylish all at once without ever failing to tell a story (for the most part). Rocafort’s work makes Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #1 look truly unique and almost worth the price of admission alone.

What’s Not So Good: You’ve read Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #1 before. I don’t mean that literally, but I mean it in the sense that it feels exactly like almost every other crossover that’s come before it. The stage is set, the teams are introduced, there’s some revelation, and then…uh oh…to be continued. You’ve seen it before, you’ve read it before, and there’s no getting around that fact. Now, that’s not to say that the formula doesn’t work, because it does. It still warrants a mention though, so that’s why I bring it up.

Conclusion: If you can get pass the generic “beginning to a crossover” feel that dominates the book, Cyberforce/Hunter-Killer #1 is well-worth checking out. Mark Waid’s got some cool ideas in play and Kenneth Rocafort’s work deserves to get noticed.

Grade: B

-Kyle Posluszny

Fusion #3 – Review

By Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning (Writers), Tyler Kirkham (Pencils), Sal Regla & Jay Leisten (Inks), and John Starr & Blond (Colors)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: As long as you read an issue of Fusion with the right mindset…

The Story: Cyberforce and the Avengers face off against the Thunderbolts before all the teams realize there’s something far worse that must be dealt with: Venom’s alien symbiote has gone ballistic!

What’s Good and What’s Not So Good: Fusion #3 uses a simple formula to get the job done. And you know what? It works well enough. If you came into the series to see all four teams (Cyberforce, Hunter-Killer, Tbolts, and Avengers) fight and then team up, well… Fusion #3 is your book. It’s dumb, it’s mindless, but it’s also quite a bit of fun (I’m sure I’ve said that about Fusion at least once before).

Artist Tyler Kirkham does his best to make the most of his time playing with the Marvel characters. Kirkham crafts a rather badass looking Venom and he also does a nice job of keeping the nonstop action manageable and satisfying. There’s a drop in quality here and there, but it’s understandable, considering how much is going on in nearly each and every panel.

I honestly wish I had more to say about Fusion #3, but how much can you really say about a book focused almost entirely around the action taking place? Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning keep things moving from scene to scene with some fun dialogue and, frankly, that’s really all I need with a crossover like Fusion. In short, if you’ve liked part one and two, you’ll probably enjoy the conclusion as well.

Conclusion: There isn’t much to it, but Fusion #3 is almost certain to please those that are part of its target audience. Fun, yet totally forgettable.

Grade: C

-Kyle Posluszny

Fusion #2 – Review

By Dan Abnett & Andy Lanning (Writers), Tyler Kirkham (Pencils), and Sal Regla (Inks)

Some Thoughts Before The Review: Fusion #1 was a fun ’90s throwback comic. It was dated as hell, but if you just went with the crazy stuff going on, there was far more to like than hate. Plus, you really can’t go wrong with Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning.

The Story: The Avengers and Cyberforce battle it out because of the Ripclaw situation. It’s soon learned that something is linked to Ripclaw in some way and that something is now in the hands of Norman Osborn’s Thunderbolts….

What’s Good and What’s Not So Good: You can look at Fusion in one of two ways: it’s either an action-packed crossover that delivers where it matters most or a dated, tired crossover that serves as a reminder of why comics like Fusion no longer work well. That’s why it’s so difficult to write a review about Fusion #2. In fact, I’m fairly certain that the second chapter of Fusion is “review proof.” If you like it, I can totally understand why. If you hate it, I can totally understand why. It’s a great example of what made some of those “bad” comics so much fun, but also a great example of how silly and nonsensical they are. Make sense?

Now, on a technical level, Fusion #2 is surprisingly solid. Dan Abnett and Andy Lanning do a nice job of bringing out every personality that’s part of Fusion’s cast. They write a number of entertaining character moments and have come up with an interesting enough reason to throw four different teams from two different companies together for a showdown. As for the artwork, Tyler Kirkham does a fine job of handling a number of chaotic scenes, though a few panels look awkward and rather “pose” heavy.

Conclusion: If it sounds like your type of thing, then by all means pick up Fusion #2. If it sounds like your comic book version of hell, then be sure to stay far, far away.

Grade: C+

-Kyle Posluszny

Fusion #1 (Top Cow/Marvel crossover) – Review

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 in that it harkens back to the ’90s.  It’s mindless and gratuitous, 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