Written by Donny Cates
Art by Geoff Shaw,
Dee Cunniffe, John J. Hill
Published by Image Comics
Donny Cates has garnered a reputation over the last several years where his name on the cover of a comic book translates to a must-read. Geoff Shaw’s contribution has augmented several of those endeavors, and Crossover is no exception.
Ellie, Madman, The Paybacks, and company found some unexpected help at the end of the last issue.
What kind of help do you ask?
Well, it came in the form of a huge and powerful Final Fantasy-looking sword called Valofax. The sentient blade from Cates and Shaw’s other hit comic, God Country. Cates doubles down on the title’s definition not only in the abstract but in-depth as well. Valofax is as much a godly weapon as it is a sacred family heirloom.
Its handler, Dee, wouldn’t let it go easily, but it’s the only way to shatter the dome holding people captive. However, she does, and Ellie essentially plays the reader’s role, asking Dee if she’s sure, going based on fictional knowledge of a now very real event. It was a short but powerful moment wherein midstream, Ellie had to put her fandom in check.
Remember the superhero Father Lowe had trapped in his basement?
His situation not only has gotten worse but sets off a chain of events with significant ramifications throughout this issue and beyond.
Geoff Shaw’s depicts shadowy images of several Marvel and DC characters emerging from the immediate aftermath. It’s a clever way of legally getting around copyright issues while allowing the reader to use their imagination and pretend The Man of Steel and The God of Thunder are soaring within these pages.
Colorists don’t get enough love for their contributions to comic books.
Dee Cunniffe applies a dynamic palette during the closing moments of the book. Whether its blood splatter from a superhero getting their throat slashed to otherworldly powers outputting colorful streams, Cunniffe brings a unique energy to every critical moment, especially the final page where it’s time for Ryan Lowe to play his part.
Donny Cates and Geoff Shaw have done a wonderful job telling a compelling story while setting the groundwork for a vast payoff involving several plot points. Dee Cunniffe’s work, along with the lettering of John J. Hill, enhances the entire story. Moments such as the surreal sight of Madman wielding Valofax and Ellie stating she knows Kung-Fu are little moments that go a long way.
Bottom line, Crossover doesn’t fit in because it too busy standing out.
Rating: A
