Peter David is back at it this week with a new series set in the past. He’s carved out a chunk of Marvel’s line utilizing Symbiote Spider-Man and Maestro to plumb the depths of past characters. Now it’s Joe Fixit’s turn. Originally created by Peter David in 1986, Joe Fixit is a version of gray Hulk, a morally ambiguous Las Vegas tough guy. More in control than the rampaging Hulk, Joe Fixit allowed David to explore the side of Bruce Banner that was fine with breaking some legs to get the point across.
Returning this week, Joe Fixit faces off against Kingpin with some help from Spider-Man. This first issue is a perfectly good introduction to the character, detailed by a news program reporting on him. We’re reminded that nobody knows who he is because his gray skin makes people think he’s not the Hulk. Spidey happens to be in town, and while he’s headed back home, he runs into Kingpin and realizes trouble is brewing.
Given the characters used, this book has an old-school feel. Gone are the giant alien invasions or longwinded story arcs, and instead, we’re getting a good old-fashioned team up to beat the near-invincible and super-strong Kingpin. You’ll come for that, but you’ll stay for Joe Fixit’s new funny business attitude. He’s tough, revels in being bad, and isn’t to be messed with. He’s not a bad guy or villain. He does things differently. That makes Spider-Man’s inclusion a smart one since he’ll likely disagree with Joe Fixit’s methods every step of the way.
If the story seems a bit thin, Marvel seems to throw Spidey in for good measure.
Credit: Marvel
Yildiray Cinar draws the issue, giving it a complex, modern feel. With colors by Dee Cunniffe with Matt Milla, the book looks as good as anything Marvel is putting out today. Most notably, Joe Fixit looks natural in a giant blue pinstriped suit. Kingpin may steal the show, though, as his hulking mass and furious demeanor are present throughout. He’s a force, and you get that from his look and his fighting ability.
However, this issue lacks a certain level of character work and probing of Joe Fixit himself. It’s an intro issue detailing Joe Fixit’s whole deal and then delivering an example of his questionable justice. We’re never allowed to see Joe Fixit outside of his duties or how folks perceive him, making him a mystery throughout. This issue is more of a series of events and moments than a complex or compelling narrative. There’s tons of potential, but if it plays out as a classic revenge tale, it’ll be a fun revisit of Joe Fixit, but not much more.
Joe Fixit #1 is a good reintroduction to the character and the start of what could be an intriguing dust-up in Las Vegas. I can’t say the story is all that complex, nor are its characters, but if you’re looking for a nostalgic return of a character introduced in 1986, it’s a good start.
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