Mega Man: Issue 25

Mega Man: Issue 25
Publication Date: May 2013

The Archie’s way of doing things had change a lot by 2013 but one thing remained consistent: Their need to give their series an anniversary issue every two years. Most comic companies barely acknowledge the 25th issue or even the fiftieth. Then again, “Mega Man” reaching 25 issue was kind of a big deal for this series. According to Flynn, “Mega Man” was on the verge of cancellation before the “Worlds Collide” crossover. Afterwards, it would run for another two years.

Part four of “Worlds Collide” is subtitled “Through the Looking Glass,” which is presumably a reference to Lewis Carrol and not “JFK” or “The Simpsons.” Sonic and Mega Man’s fight continues through Mega City. However, the two quickly realize they are both heroes and that they are being duped by their greatest enemies. At that point, Eggman and Wily order Tails Man to attack. After Mega Man and Sonic return the fox to normal, the villains change their strategy and kidnap Dr. Light.

From the cover on down, it really seems like part four of “Worlds Collide” is going to be about Sonic and Mega Man fighting, continuing the brawl that started in the previous part. The issue even begins by declaring this the start of round two. And the fight goes on for a few pages. Mega Man evens the odds a little with the help of his robotic pets: Rush the dog, Tango the cat, and Beat the weird bird thing. (Sonic still doesn’t seem that endangered though.) Those hoping for a definitive answer to the “Who Would Win?” debate are going to be disappointed. This issue marks the part of the crossover were the heroes cease fighting and begin teaming up

Naturally, there’s a tedious element to this revelation. While running through a traffic jammed intersection, the two begin to talk. After a minute of conversation, Mega Man learns that Sonic isn’t linked to the bank robbery and Sonic learns that Mega Man didn't kidnap his friends. That they’ve both been tricked. Gee, if only they had taken the time to ask each other one question before they started blasting away. However, Flynn puts a little more work into it than that. After Tails Man attacks, some innocent bystanders get blown away. Both heroes notice each other saving civilians, realizing neither can be all bad. That’s a much more natural way of the two learning both of them are good guys. I wish Flynn had led with that instead of the two just getting over their jocko need to punch each other.

Flynn also brings both characters’ supporting cast together in this issue, which leads to some amusing humor. Roll’s reaction to seeing Sonic and Tails is quiet bafflement, which got a chuckle out of me. Sonic continues to tease the more straight-laced Mega Man throughout the issue too, which is definitely in keeping with his personality. Tails even apologize for his friend’s hyperactive nature. This even leads to some character development, when Sonic is too flippant about Dr. Light’s kidnapping and realizes he was being a dick.

The book still delivers the action though. As the silly as the idea of Mega Man having a SWAT team of animal sidekicks is, they do shake up the conflict. Tango rolls into a buzz saw, prompting Sonic to say that’s his move, and Rush gives Mega Man the ability to fly. Once Tails Man attacks, he reveals he can shoot huge gusts of wind. That also leads to some cool panels of the heroes leaping around scattering cars. Sadly, Tails Man is too easily defeated. One blast from Mega Man’s lemon shooter is enough to destabilize him.

I’ve been somewhat critical of the artwork in the crossover and I want to clarify that. None of the art has been bad, thus far. There are no Ron Lim or Many Hands level eyesores here. Mostly, I’ve been critical of the art because I know Jamal Peppers can do better. Peppers draws the first ten pages here. While his artwork is fine – energetic even, as in the panels were Sonic leaps on Beat’s head or when Wily and Eggman are freaking out –  I still thought it was Yardley at first. The rest of the book is illustrated by Ryan Jampole. Jampole’s work is also totally acceptable but it’s clear he’s still learning to draw the Sonic characters. A few times, it looks like Sonic has no neck, his head just resting on his shoulders, and his arms are awkwardly jutting out of his torso, instead of having shoulders.

Well, “Worlds Collide” is getting better. After a very shaky start, the crossover is finally finding a more entertaining rhythm. Getting through the boring set-up and to the two casts actually interacting improves things considerably. I just wish Flynn could have found a more natural solution to getting these buys to fight. [7/10]