The Fuse #2 follows up a perfect first issue and a fun interview with creator Antony Johnston. How will the second issue continue this compelling mystery? Will it falter compared to the incredible first one? Is it good?
The Fuse #2 (Image Comics)
On their first case together, Dietrich and Klem are trying to work out the trend of dead cablers and are investigating some possible politician involvement. They visit the morgue to see the results of an autopsy, the mayor to question him about a possible lead and are finally exposed to a new twist that might change everything. This story is an altogether compelling and exciting mystery.
The thing about The Fuse is that because we haven’t been to this whole new world before, we can’t recognize any trends or cliches. It’s a totally fresh setting to explore and holds a whole bunch of intrigue. Now that we’re caught up in the politics, police department and general disgustingness of The Fuse and can really enjoy our time there while also learning about the world as we go. This isn’t Batman just taking yet another stroll through Gotham’s underbelly, this is a whole new universe waiting to be explored by two characters who aren’t totally equipped to explore it. In my aforementioned interview with the man himself, Antony Johnston professed his love for world building. The Fuse shows just how much he wants to treat us to a glorious new fiction and how much work he has put into developing it.
It’s easy to get caught up in a thrilling case and lose sight of the big picture of the mystery, and at times, The Fuse #2 loses you in terms of knowing exactly what’s going on in Klem and Dietrich’s heads as they piece everything together. However, thanks to informative (but not clunky) dialogue and a break midway through where the two pretty much just rehash what they’ve discovered The Fuse isn’t confusing to the point of being unreadable, just a little unpleasant at times.
While this issue is very wordy, and its slow pace might throw some readers off, I truly believe that this is just what we need before Johnston launches us into all-out craziness. A solid foundation is always worthwhile to establish and if The Fuse needs a lot of dialogue one issue to really set itself up for future endeavors, I’m fine with that.
Justin Greenwood continues to help create the setting by contributing a perfectly toned art style that is beautiful and stylistic. While he does a fantastic job at rendering the characters and their surroundings, he falters a bit when faced with motion. The characters look a tad stiff, but not so much that the issue is worse off for it. Rather, it just seems a little off-putting if you stare at each panel wondering how anyone might be caught in a certain position. I’m also digging the colors in this comic, especially the grimy greens and off skin tones.
Is It Good?
The Fuse #2 is a little slower-paced, wordier and less stunningly new feeling than the series’ debut, but it’s still a fantastic and highly recommended read. The characters are ringing really true and developing some recognizable and enjoyable personalities while the plot keeps rushing forward. This is some great storytelling and should be enjoyed by all.
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