Comics
Review: ‘The Fuse’ #2
I want to bathe in the “dirty sci-fi” of “The Fuse”. It’s my new favorite sub-genre of science fiction. This isn’t hard sci-fi—there will be no technical explanations of big, scary gadgetry, nothing highly scientific going on. But it’s gritty as hell. That combined with its smartly speculative plot make for a sci-fi that’s appealing and palatable to tourists in the genre yet remaining entertaining to the die-hards. This fantastically crafted comic has the guts of an old pulp rag with the experience of the 21st century comic culture.
WRITTEN BY: Antony Johnston
ART BY: Justin Greenwood
PUBLISHER: Image
PRICE: $3.50
RELEASE: March 19, 2014
To refresh your memory, “The Fuse” is a science fiction/crime/cop drama comic set in the near future in Midway City, an orbiting energy platform 22,000 miles from planet Earth. Emancipated from Earth, Midway City is a five-mile-long steel pressurized environment with very strict laws and a lot of corruption. Veteran Fuse detective, Ristovych, and literal brand new Fuse detective fresh in from Germany, Dietrich, are a seemingly incompatible team until they start digging into the case.
In issue two, as they really dive into the murders of two Fuse cablers (think homeless person meets a computer hacker of the Angelina Jolie and Jonny Lee Miller variety), the low-level compatibility between the two transforms into mutual respect for each other. I love the way that Johnston writes this partnership’s dynamic. It’s definitely got the tropes of an “Odd Couple” relationship mixed with a genuine power that leaves the reader with absolute confidence in their relationship and ability to kick ass together. This is such an urbane and effective dynamic.
Greenwood’s illustrations have completely seeped into the fabric of Johnston’s world. At first I struggled with the stark simplicity of his art but over the course of these first two issues, I’ve grown to love the way his characters and worlds are so distinct yet so light on detail. Literally. His illustrations have very little detail and can appear shifty or blank at some points. But that’s what’s so damn amazing about this style, all the expression in the comic comes from the impact of one single frown line, a raised eyebrow, a tight lip. It blows my mind that he’s able to accomplish so much emotion with such a minimalistic style.
The plot—pacing—is quick and smooth, which is hard to come by in science fiction. Reading in this genre can often feel long-winded and tedious but “The Fuse” manages efficiency and simplicity without losing the hardened edge of crime set in science fiction. It gathers up armfuls of other sub-genres (see: cop-procedural, crime drama, dystopian, speculative fiction) putting them in a melting pot with sharp writing, perfect pacing, and intuitive wit. It’s truly a bold combination of slow burn tension, in-your-face dialogue, and cerebral execution.
4/5 Skulls
Reviewed by – Bree Ogden
The supernatural world of Korean folk horror movie Exhuma grows larger with the arrival of prequel spinoff webtoon Maengjong this weekend, Variety reports today.
Naver Webtoon debuts Maengjong on May 30.
The series hails from Haemuri (Olgami) and will trace the high school origins of how shaman duo Hwarim and Bonggil, played by Kim Go-eun and Lee Do-hyun in the 2024 film, came together to face occultish threats.
The story is set to begin when “Hwarim, who has been concealing her identity following a childhood encounter with a snake spirit called Jin, crosses paths with Bonggil at their school.”
Variety notes that Exhuma director Jang Jae-hyun participated in the project’s early concept stage.
“We are presenting ‘Maengjong,’ a new series capturing the appeal of the horror-occult genre, ahead of the full summer season,” said Lee Jeong-geun, Naver Webtoon’s Korea webtoon content leader. “With the high school story of Hwarim and Bonggil, who left a strong impression in the film ‘Exhuma,’ enhanced by Haemuri’s characteristic tense direction, we expect it will be a welcome work for genre fans.”
“It is meaningful that the spin-off story of ‘Exhuma,’ loved by many audiences, expands by meeting the new grammar of webtoon,” said Lee Hyeon-jeong, managing director of the film business division at Showbox, which distributed the film. “We hope it will be a fresh experience for both film fans and webtoon readers.”
Exhuma was a breakout hit in 2024, becoming the first Korean occult film to surpass 10 million ticket buyers and the country’s highest-grossing film of the year. I wrote in my review that “the intricately woven Exhuma delivers one of the year’s biggest surprises in horror so far.”
The bond between Hwarim and Bonggil was one of the film’s highlights, making this prequel webtoon a must for fans.
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