Graphic Novel Review: Crossover Vol. 1: Kids Love Chains

When it comes to comics, a term that is getting thrown around a lot lately is “multiverse”, or the concept that there are multiple universes existing in the same fandom. In this way, fans can put the comics, tv shows, and movies all in the same bag and there will always be a chance that they will interact with each other. BUT… that is fiction. When you boil everything down, superheroes themselves are fiction.

But what if they suddenly weren’t?

One day, in what will become known as “The Event”, the skies over Denver become populated with superheroes directly from the comics. Having the appearance of drawn characters (complete with dot matrix style of printing found in old comics) they engage in a huge battle as the world gazes on. Suddenly, a bubble becomes erected over the city and slightly surrounding area, closing it off to the world. Give it some thought. How do you think the world would change?

El is a girl who works at a comic book store that only sells “pre-Event” titles, and business is booming. Ryan Lowe is the reluctant child of an angry preacher, someone who hates superheroes and blames them for so much of what is wrong with the world. Eva Quinn is a living comic book character from Denver who seems lost and needs help. When the three of these characters collide, the world will never be the same.

But can it or will it even be the same world once the bubble drops?

Donny Cates (DOCTOR STRANGE, GOD COUNTRY, VENOM) sets up the beginning of an amazing comic, which I hope will continue on for a very long time. A unique world in which the lines between reality and fantasy are blurred and might be able to be broken. Strongly recommend this, not only for the strength of the story, but also because of its parallels to our world and the events going on right now.

ADAM FISHER, Reference Associate