Comic Book Thursdays: Crossovers!!

This is the stuff nightmares are made of.

   Once upon a time, comic books were limited to whatever universe they belonged in. Superman stayed in Metropolis, Batman stayed in Gotham city and Spiderman stayed in Manhattan. Heroes either made cameo appearances in other turfs or ignored them all together.

  Then in the 80’s the DC and Marvel universes crossed over. They proceeded to do it again in the 90’s, which in turn spawned some of the most unholy abominations ever conceived from mankind. Ever heard of Dark Claw, the unholy union of Wolverine and Batman? Or Super-Soldier, the ultimate American hero that is not G.I. Joe, but rather a Superman/Captain America Hybrid? Or better still, let’s try Shatterstarfire which is where I like to think that the creative juices just turned into cyanide laced Kool-Aid.

   But let’s not talk about traumatizing times. Let’s talk about other crossovers more recent than the 90’s constant “what-the-hell-is-this?” crossovers.

   Whenever crossovers happen in the comic book universe, we have to suspend all matters of disbelief. The “how” and “why” don’t really matter. What does matter is how it caters to fans of both parties involved. I’m not saying that’s an excuse to directly ignore plot, but merely a recommendation to adopt a “Just go with it” mentality. Don’t question something meant to cater strictly to your inner fan-boy/girl, just ride with it. 

Assimilation 2 - May-December 2012; IDW

   That being said, recently we’ve had some crossovers of the strange, awesome and delightful variety. IDW Publishing, the kings of pretty much almost every licensed cartoon, movie and show; have given us numerous crossovers. The Transformers have teamed up with pretty much everyone, including the G.I. Joe. I recently found out (even though it’s been out for a while) that they’re also responsible for teaming up X-Files and Ghostbusters and that a few years ago, Doctor Who and teamed up with the Star Trek crew.

   It’s not just comics aimed at older audiences. Circa 2010, Archie comics acquired the rights to publish a Mega Man comic. Considering their record with the acclaimed and long running Sonic the Hedgehog comic series, they managed to produce one of the best comics of the year. 

   So what happens when you acquire the rights to two of gaming’s biggest icons ever and give them a solid team of writers? They proceed to team up of course, creating one of the most unexpected and yet greatest team ups in comics. What makes it refreshing is that these aren’t gritty heroes given absurd circumstances and multiverses that proceed to spawn unholy abominations. These are merely two heroes who crossed into each other’s way, figured out the world was in trouble and proceeded to kick ass and take names as a team. They also managed to keep it age appropriate; meaning that everyone can pick up a copy and enjoy it. Which in all honesty is actually good, since bigger comic book publishing houses seem to have forgotten that kids are readers too.

This is not fanfiction. This is awesome. (Worlds Collide Sonic/Mega Man crossover event)

   Vertigo characters tended to visit the DC universe from time to time, whether it was in friendly manner or because publishing rights demanded it. Dark Horse comics gave us team ups such as Batman vs Predator and Image comics gave us Gen13 and Generation X in yonder years. Looking further back you’ll even find Spawn crossovers which include, ironically, one with Sonic the Hedgehog. 

   “The plot sucks”, “It’s just a cash grab” and the sheer “How the hell is it going to work?” will often be quotes heard among the myriad of ways we can express opinions. But it’s our job as fans to complain. Good or bad, crossovers will always be welcomed because at the very least we’ll want to know just what will happen and until our curiosity is sated, team ups will always exist. As fans of whatever franchise, we’ll be there.

   That being said, I demand a Doctor Who/Supernatural/My Little Pony crossover. What is wrong with IDW and DC for not making this happen?   

Currently Listening To: Pompeii- Bastille

Book on My Nightstand: Nightwing- Freefall

On my TV: Doctor Who (Season 7)

Currently Retro gaming: Final Fantasy VIII

Random Pop Culture Thought of the Day: "I wonder if the TARDIS has a healthy supply of yoghurt?"