Comic Book Reviews: The FUSE, Vol. 4: Constant Orbital Revolutions TP

Title The Fuse Vol 4 (TPB)
Writer/s Antony Johnston
Artist/s Justin Greenwood
Publisher Image Comics
Where to buy http

Darth Zady Bun

Published March 2, 2017

Last week I had a look at Volume 4 of the police procedural offering from Image Comics entitled “The Fuse”.

The Fuse is a sci-fi, crime noir comic by writer Antony Johnston. The story is set on board a space station dubbed “the Fuse” which floats above the Earth. The series chronicles the exploits of the officers and officials at the Police Department. These tales are cast against the backdrop of the soap opera happenings of their personal lives.

Despite the sci-fi setting and theme, the story is actually surprisingly ‘down to earth’.

In this volume, veteran detective Klem is a week away from retiring and is trying to make peace with what will pass for her life after retirement. She and her partner Ralph are thrust into a murder investigation which results in all her personal plans being placed on hold until the case is closed.

Unfortunately, there are other personal issues the leads grapple with that diverts their attention away from the perp!

As if that wasn’t enough, they uncover a conspiracy and race to save the Fuse from an impending terrorist threat.

Entertaining a read as it was, there were a few predictable moments. I chalk this down to the fact that after all 500 seasons of CSI on TV, one starts to pick up on some of the familiar twists and themes.

Still, the characters are compelling enough to ensure that this does not denigrate from the appeal of the story.

I found Johnson’s no-nonsense, cranky older white female and the smart and savvy young black man cast as leads very impressive.This was a welcome departure from the usual stereotypes we see in the medium. No scantily clad “police bimbo lead” or “Harlem project social welfare case support character” in this tale I’m afraid.

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Of course, what’s a comic without art? I have to say that series artist, Justin Greenwood does a bang up job! His layouts, design choices and colour palette evoke that classic noir style and feel. This is particularly interesting given the ultra-modern setting of the series itself.

I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced read. I happy to be able to absorb the story without having to Google the continuity to date.

It’s hard to imagine anyone not being able to find something they enjoy in this series.

If you are fond of police procedurals, volume is enough of a tester to make me want to start following the series and is definitely worth picking up.

Where to from here?

Want to pick up a copy of this or some other title?

Chat to Shane or Karryn at Cosmic Comics who can be reached at:

coolstuff@absamail.co.za or www.cosmiccomics.co.za

Last week I had a look at Volume 4 of the police procedural offering from Image Comics entitled “The Fuse”. The Fuse is a sci-fi, crime noir comic by writer Antony Johnston. The story is set on board a space station dubbed “the Fuse” which floats above the Earth. The series chronicles the exploits of the officers and officials at the Police Department. These tales are cast against the backdrop of the soap opera happenings of their personal lives. Despite the sci-fi setting and theme, the story is actually surprisingly ‘down to earth’. In this volume, veteran detective Klem is a week away from retiring and is trying to make peace with what will pass for her life after retirement. She and her partner Ralph are thrust into a murder investigation which results in all her personal plans being placed on hold until the case is closed. Unfortunately, there are other personal issues the leads grapple with that diverts their attention away from the perp! As if that wasn't enough, they uncover a conspiracy and race to save the Fuse from an impending terrorist threat. Entertaining a read as it was, there were a few predictable moments. I chalk this down to the fact that after all 500 seasons of CSI on TV, one starts to pick up on some of the familiar twists and themes. Still, the characters are compelling enough to ensure that this does not denigrate from the appeal of the story. I found Johnson's no-nonsense, cranky older white female and the smart and savvy young black man cast as leads very impressive.This was a welcome departure from the usual stereotypes we see in the medium. No scantily clad “police bimbo lead” or “Harlem project social welfare case support character” in this tale I'm afraid. Of course, what’s a comic without art? I have to say that series artist, Justin Greenwood does a bang up job! His layouts, design choices and colour palette evoke that classic noir style and feel. This is particularly interesting given the ultra-modern setting of the series itself. I thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced read. I happy to be able to absorb the story without having to Google the continuity to date. It’s hard to imagine anyone not being able to find something they enjoy in this series. If you are fond of police procedurals, volume is enough of a tester to make me want to start following the series and is definitely worth picking up. Where to from here? Want to pick up a copy of this or some other title? Chat to Shane or Karryn at Cosmic Comics who can be reached at: coolstuff@absamail.co.za or www.cosmiccomics.co.za [taq_review]

Comic Book Reviews: The FUSE, Vol. 4: Constant Orbital Revolutions TP

2017-03-02

Darth Zady Bun

Not exactly Good cop and Bad cop

Total - 8

80 8

An engaging read with the sci-fi awesomeness of story about life on a space station with the drama of a police procedural story

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Darth Zady Bun

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Zaid is a story teller, traveller, artist, entertainer and comic culture geek of note.

Powered by chocolate, and guided by an ever growing bucket (and collectibles) list, he finances his addiction to geek merchandise, comic books, action figures and all the cold cast porcelain and PVC pieces of heaven he can buy by giving (mostly) legal advice. He is also rumoured to have once eaten an entire pack of Marie Biscuits with a single mug of Five Roses Tea.

Witnesses deny the incident.

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