From the first page, readers have everything they need to know about this new status quo of Fire and Ice’s switched powers. It’s very reader-friendly that way and would feel at home as a sitcom. The feeling that this comic gives is not unlike the Harley Quinn show, with its fun cast of characters and a playful setting. The difference is that this has better-natured characters with less crass tongues.
DC
Continuing off the six-issue series, Welcome to Smallville, writer Joanne Starer makes the best out of last year’s crossover event, Absolute Power, having its effects lead to back-to-back hijinks. The hot-headed Fire gets chill ice powers, and the ingenue Ice gets destructive green flames. Their new abilities clash with their personalities, and the comic asks a relatable question through this premise: What happens when you define your self-worth through your abilities?
It’s an ingenious way to explore the outcome of a large-scale event that switches superhero powers around. Starer makes the most out of a shifting status quo. By limiting the scope to this small town of New Kooey, just outside Superman’s hometown, Starer examines the repercussions of power and identity in an intimately interesting way.
But don’t be mistaken – this is a comedy through and through. Fire and Ice butt heads, they throw a party with Zatanna, Gorilla Grodd’s sister Linka, and a big ol’ karaoke. It’s refreshing to read a superhero comic that chooses to focus more on the slice-of-life aspect of a world with superpowers rather than rehashing the common cycle of supervillain fights.
Instead, Fire and Ice combines elements and genres together, adding tropes of fantasy family comedies, complete with monkey paw magic and a closing zinger. Stephen Byrne’s art fits the story being told, with expressive features that capture our heroes’ identity crises and shenanigans. This is a genre that doesn’t get as many titles, so I’m glad that Fire and Ice’s small-town adventure goes all in on comedy, bringing lighthearted joy in a sea of dark and gritty.
Fire & Ice: When Hell Freezes Over #1 packs a lot of fun with a surprising amount of character depth for both protagonists. It’s a cold open that quickly warms you up to a quirky cast of characters in the close-knit community of New Kooey. With Fire having ice powers and Ice having fire powers, only time will tell if this duo will be as dynamic as they were.
You must be logged in to post a comment.