Freddy Vs. Jason Vs. Ash #1

Freddy Vs. Jason Vs. Ash #1 (DC Comics/Wildstorm/Dynamite Entertainment)
By Jeff Katz, James Kuhoric, Jason Craig, J. Scott Campbell

Some time ago Jeff Katz — now kicking butt on Booster Gold pitched a sequel to Freddy Vs. Jason that included Ash Williams, chainsaw-wielding hero of the Evil Dead/Army of Darkness films. Although the movie fell through, Wildstorm and Dynamite (holders of the licenses for the respective properties) took Katz’s story and gave it to regular Army of Darkness scribe James Kuhoric. This miniseries is the result. Although it’s guilty of what I consider one of the cardinal sins of horror sequels, the story itself does build nicely on the last film, picks up on a throwaway gag from Jason Goes to Hell for a critical element, and introduces Ash in a perfectly logical way that doesn’t strain the bounds of credibility too much. If you read this, you’ve basically read the first 20 minutes of the movie, and as the first 20 minutes of a movie, this isn’t too bad at all.
Rating: 7/10

Danger Girl: Viva Las Danger #1

November 18, 2003

Quick Rating: Good
Title: Viva Las Danger

Abby Chase recovers an ancient gem, only to run afoul of the machinations of its original owner.

Writer: J. Scott Campbell & Andy Hartnell
Art: Phil Noto
Letters: John Roshell
Editor: Scott Dunbier
Cover Art: Phil Noto (Cover A); J. Scott Campbell (Cover B)
Publisher: DC Comics/Wildstorm/Cliffhanger

I’ve read enough Danger Girl over the years to feel the same way about the property as I do about James Bond movies – it’s predictable, it’s clichéd, but more often than not it winds up finding a way to be a fun time nonetheless. Abby Chase and Johnny Barracuda recover the cleverly-named “Jewel of Eternity” to return it to a Las Vegas casino owner who claims it has been in his family for generations. The Jewel turns out to have mystic properties, and what was supposed to be a relaxing weekend in Vegas turns into a battle against an ancient evil.

The story, as I said, is extremely predictable, and some of the villains (particularly Jackpot, the human slot machine), are almost too cornball to be believed – but somehow, it’s still a fun read.

I greatly enjoy Noto’s artwork, he draws some of the most beautiful women in comics without lapsing into the pure T&A that this property was when Campbell handled the art chores himself, but his actions scenes seem to come out a little stiff and forced. It’s almost like watching still frames from a film of a battle, chosen in-between the moments when the combatants are in their most exciting poses.

If you’re a fan of Danger Girl, you’ll enjoy this one-shot as much as any other Danger Girl book. If you’re not, there’s really nothing here that will inspire you to take it up.

Rating: 7/10