THE FOX "FREAK MAGNET" AND "FOX HUNT" review

(Reviewed by Melody Werner)

The Fox is a superhero published by Dark Circle Comics, formerly known as Red Circle Comics, and an imprint of Archie Comics. He was the second Fox, taking up the mantle from his father in the 80's, and in the relaunch of all of the Red Circle titles, returned, being written by Dean Haspiel and Mark Waid; illustrated by Haspiel. It's a damn good series, and one I highly suggest to anybody who likes to read fun comics. I've already reviewed these two arcs but this one will be a combination of my praises and criticisms of both of my previous reviews.

The art can be hit and miss. Sometimes the faces look hideous, though that's more of a nitpick that you can easily get pass--especially if you're into caricatured art. The action isn't very special, though the feats on display are pretty cool. The character designs look quite good and all of a cartoony feel to them, which is no bad thing. It fits the style of the series and what it's going for, and it looks good all around. If you don't like more cartoony art though, you won't be impressed by this art at all.

The plot isn't very special. However, the story isn't really the focus of this series by any means. And when there are plot twists, they're good ones, even if there's a grand total of one plot twist. The plot is well executed, making it not much a blow to the overall quality of the series that it's not much new.

The dialogue is very well written, and is the star of the series. It has tons of humor, and when it tries to be funny, it very much is, always hitting its mark and never seeming too excessive or "trying too hard". Anything from the titular Fox is excellent. There are some cheesy lines here and there, but it really is fine with the theme it's going for. The characters are all likeable, especially the Fox, who's just a great character. He's a huge smartass, but he's also a family man and wants out of the game, even if the game won't let him go. Sure, it's inevitable that he'd decide that he'll just stay in the game, but he's got enough great lines because of it that I didn't really mind.

The Fox is an absolute blast to read and I can't wait for more issues to drop because every issue's been very strong and always entertained for the 20 pages or so each issue runs at. The Fox is definitely worth giving a shot. It gets a 9.5/10 thus far.

Must-read

Summary:
One of the most fun ongoing series we've been getting recently, if not the most fun. The humor, characters, and art definitely stand up strong enough to warrant a gander, even if the plot is predictable and tried and there is some cheese.

(originally posted: 12/18/2015)