Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash #1
Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash #1
Written by James Kuhoric
Art by Jason Craig
Covers by J. Scott Campbell
Based on the treatment written by Jeff Katz
Premise: Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash was originally the proposed sequel to the hit film Freddy vs. Jason. Jeff Katz, formerly of New Line Cinema, wrote the original treatment in late 2003 for the Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash project. This treatment added the character of Ashley (Ash) Williams from the Evil Dead film series; giving audiences an already established hero to take on the two villains. Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash was New Line’s best idea on how to continue the Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13th franchises, but Sam Raimi (Evil Dead writer/director) decided to not let New Line use Ash in the planned sequel. Due to an agreement could not be reached between the different camps concerning the use of the Ash character, Wildstorm Publishing and Dynamite Entertainment came together to release the sequel as a comic book limited series titled: Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash. The first issue (of six) was released in November 2007, with subsequent issues released monthly.
Plot Breakdown (spoilers): Five years after the events of Freddy vs. Jason, the town of Forrest Green (formerly Crystal Lake) has opened a new Super-Ultra-Mega S-Mart shopping center. It’s the Christmas season and the official town naming ceremony is planned to be part of the holiday festivities; an effort for the town to rid itself of its deadly reputation in time for the New Year. Lori and Will, the survivors from Freddy vs. Jason, return to Camp Crystal Lake for closure and confirmation that both Freddy and Jason are dead. While investigating the scene, both are dispatched by the machete wielding behemoth Jason Voorhees. Afterward, Jason delivers their bodies to his mother’s alter, which holds the severed heads of Pamela Voorhees and Freddy Krueger. Freddy, who has been trapped in Jason’s subconscious since his defeat in Freddy vs. Jason, learns of the Necronomicon ex Mortis (the Book of the Dead) from Jason’s memory. The long lost book was last seen in the old Voorhees home. Freddy manipulates Jason into getting the book, promising to make him a “real boy” if he can deliver the demonic book to Krueger. Unbeknownst to Jason however, Freddy has another agenda for the book’s knowledge. While Jason lumbers his way back to his old home, he notices the newly arrived “Housewares Domestic Engineer” walking into S-Mart: Ash. Ash, drawn by the Necronomicon, has arrived in Forrest Green to destroy the book once and for all.
The Good: A fine opening chapter for this crossover. Freddy vs. Jason vs. Ash #1 effectively fills the reader in on who the characters are and their motivations. The dialogue flows easily, with the main characters portrayed in recognizable spirit. The artwork is also clean and crisp, with a tight gore panel sure to excite horror fans. The change of scenery to winter is also welcomed, as the events of A Nightmare on Elm Street, Friday the 13th, and Evil Dead took place in the summer and/or fall, respectively. Snow brightens up many of the panels, so contrast between the dark/horror elements and the bright snow will be interesting to see in upcoming issues. In addition, the nods to past Friday films are also a treat, such as Jason’s shrine to his mother (Friday the 13th Part 2), the Necronomicon’s location (Jason Goes to Hell: The Final Friday), and Crystal Lake’s naming to Forrest Green (Friday the 13th 6: Jason Lives). Kicking off the series with the three piece covers of Freddy, Ash, and Jason is a cool touch too.
The Bad: Not much. The artwork is a little iffy when detailing Lori and Will, though this can be expected due to the medium. Freddy’s bed scene leans too far into a cartoony realm, though it’s not unexpected for his character. The added “sound effect” of Jason’s theme is somewhat hokey. Familiar fans will know what it means, while unfamiliar fans won’t; leaving the possibility for unneeded confusion.
Final Comments: Good first issue, with horror elements from all three franchises put to effective use. If you are a fan of Freddy vs. Jason or Army of Darkness, you need to check this out.
Grade: B+
Recently
