Fantomex MAX #2

By Andrew Hope, Shawn Crystal and Lee Loughridge

It’s always odd to see comic book characters in a MAX series. We’re not used to seeing dirty words come out of there mouth without dollar signs and hash tags following it. That being said, there are some characters that do seem like they would be an easy fit for a MAX book and Fantomex is a perfect candidate.

Fantomex and E.V.A attempt to steal a master key for the ultimate weapon so that team Grove Lane won’t hurt Rhona Flemyng, the object of Fantomex’s affection. The plans and reasons for the weapon is revealed, Fantomex battles a gigantic kraken, and there is some rape; but what else would you expect from Fantomex MAX?

This issue has a lot of humor in it, which is a trademark of Fantomex’s. Andrew Hope does a great job of having our world renowned thief play off of other characters, none better than E.V.A. though. Their interaction is similar to siblings, which makes the book hit home a little bit. Hope should also be given credit for making this book intelligent. The master plan of Grover lane is pretty cool, and the reason that Fantomex is involved works out perfectly. Jean-Phillipe could easily be a knock off Deadpool, but he is written as very intelligent, and has a plan for everything, which is why he’s such an interesting character.

Shawn Crystal does a great job matching the artwork to the film noir type of story. Lee Loughridge should also get some credit for making the colors very similar to the old pulp magazines. A small gripe about the art, is that peoples fingers seem freakishly long, this may be on purpose, but it just seems a bit odd. That aside, Crystal’s style art is so in touch with this type of story, even the pages have polka dots between panels, which will make the reader fall further back in time as this wise cracking noir thief steals anything he wants. Good art for the book.

Issue two shows us what Fantomex is very capable of. This MAX title will more than likely make a few more fans of the character based on the his charm, quality writing and solid art. There aren’t many characters more deserving of a MAX title, so scoop this up.