This is a great entry point for people who might not have been reading any x-titles due to the fallout of Avengers vs X-Men, or their dislike of Bendis essentially having a monopoly on the core books. I would recommend this book to teen readers and up due to violence and suggested themes.

The book starts with a slow pace, as we watch Jasper getting stoned, leads to him donning the costume and attempting to save the Police Chief. This was a solid start to the book, however the long winded, yet necessary dialogue from The Darling during the second act slowed the book to a near halt. The reveal was somewhat worth the build up, however the pace at which we arrived at it was painful. The third act, in which I was left bewildered and completely confused, another attempt to get me purchase the second issue was just messy. As their approach of limiting information in order to secure future sales has worked on me, I'm hoping the confusion of the first issue is resolved.

Clown Fatale is a wild ride that goes to a dark place very quickly. It shows the darker side to circus' a place I always had fond memories off. It's always great to get some insight into the goings on, even if fictional. Full of not so surprising twists, great art and a script that screams out, "film me!"

The art is very pulpish and simple, and works amazingly. The MAX line I've noticed never attract higher ranking art staff, however I think like B-Grade horror, that is part of the charm. Dots are used quite frequently by colorist Lee Loughride, and I'm sure they would make Jack Kirby proud with their use. It adds to the pulp feel, and makes the comic appear dated, without being so.

I highly recommend this comic for fans of horror and exploitation films. Go into this expecting more of the same, and know that I enjoyed this issue and will be reviewing the second issue this week.

I feel this book could be all ages, however the action that's revealed may be hard to explain to younger readers. Some readers may not want their children seeing the shower scene. (I believe it's harmless.) I am beyond excited to see how Agent Lokis' story unfolds, and am eagerly awaiting issue #2.

I recommend this for teenagers and up, although so far it could be seen as all ages. There is teenage rebellion, and scenes with under age drinking, however Kamala refrains from willingly partaking in it. I feel this will be a great coming of age book for the next generation of readers.

While not as gritty as the War Journal or MAX books, Punisher #1 is probably one of the better #1 titles in the Marvel NOW range. Being the Punisher, I wouldn't recommend this book to a young audience, however teens and up, or fans of Punisher, I believe will be happy with the violence and pacing of the story.

I feel with enough issues under it's belt The Fuse could easily get picked up by a television station and created into a series. Short of that happening, procedural television is some of my favorite, and for it to have switched mediums so fluidly is amazing.

Overall this is a fun book that I would recommend to younger teens and upwards. Teaming up a golden-age and silver-age character of two separate brands and keeping them both true to their nature and style was wonderful to see. In a world over-saturated by the superhero genre, it's great to see there are still routes out there, as dated as they may be, that can still be fresh.

A great start to the run, with art that's expected from IDW's Transformers range, and a story that sends both books face first into the newest cosmic threat! This is not a jumping on point for new readers, and it is highly recommended that they read the Dark Prelude, collectable as a trade or via Comixology, as well as the two ongoings.