When stories crossover into the real world, someone must stop them. Clever ideas and superb execution make for an engaging and very entertaining comic. Dr. Hank Wallace, a community college teacher, gets caught in a crossover event with a Marian Tripod from War of the Worlds. A dreamer caused the crossover, and they need to be awakened. Hank joins the Crossover Division and works with Hank Rameriz. There are crossovers from Dracula, Shakespeare, Frank Baum, and Victor Hugo.
Will Allred uses the characters and situations from the stories in nicely unexpected ways. He treats the cast of the classic stories with respect and ensures they remain true to themselves in his writing. There is no element of parody or being over-reverent with the cast. Will Allred’s portrayal of the characters and situations in the stories infuses them with energy and intention, creating a sharp and engaging collision with reality. The crossover team are bookish action heroes, and he makes both aspects work seamlessly. The series sets up a mystery and leaves it open, hinting at a bigger story working across the series.
Pablo Martinena’s art and colours on issues 1-2 are a pleasure to read. The cast are expressive, and the action scenes have impact. There is nothing dreamlike about the crossover, it is taking place in a sharp-edged reality. The comic delivers the classic mismatched buddy pairing of Hank and Hector without shouting it at the reader. For issues 3-4, Alice Leclert is clearly a different artist. The changes are not grating; she matches the established style enough to bring her own stamp without disruption to the story. Ryan Kroboth has a nicely different approach to colouring, it brings out the tones and context for the story. Brian Fowler’s letters are a unifying thread across all the issues and stories. The sound effects are loud and effective, the dialogue is easy to read.
Crossover Division is smart, fun and engaging.
