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fixation 1
Comic Book

IDW Comics reviews 9/9/26 – Fixation 1

Jeffrey Lyles , , ,

After reading Fixation 1, it’s pretty hard to imagine a scenario where this series isn’t already being fast tracked for a movie or TV series.

It’s a love letter to obsessive fandom and slasher films with enough modern touches to still have a distinct voice in the genre.

Fixation writer Amy Chase and artist Savanna Mayer really have crafted a special series making for a can’t miss title for fans of teen fantasy or slashers.

Taylor Van Owens hit the superfan lottery as she was selected as the winner among thousands of fans of the Blood Mountain novels turned movies franchise contest.

Along with her best friend, Karrah, Taylor gets to stay in the Mallard house, the site of many of the vampire film’s iconic moments and get the VIP treatment for the film’s 10th anniversary. Taylor has the requisite hard luck back story that makes for an ideal final girl.

fixation 1 interior art 1

Before Taylor and Karrah arrive, the publicity team has a massive PR nightmare as an overzealous fan sneaks onto the property and gets killed by a shadowy figure. Chase captures the snarky “the show must go on” mentality of franchise publicists who spin the narrative that the homicide was actually a viral stunt.

That definitely feels like something that would happen especially for a big franchise anniversary event that reunites the cast after several years apart. Naturally, there is some tension and hard feelings for some cast members.

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Taylor and Karrah arrive in Vail and are thrilled to see the franchise stars in the distance before encountering Patrick, a supporting cast member who seems like the most viable killer suspect. Mayer draws Patrick like the too good to be true nice guy likely harboring some deep secret although he’s probably a red herring just to throw Fixation readers off. If the latter is the case, Patrick could prove to be an intriguing, unexpected love interest for Taylor…right before he gets killed off in the final act for one last shocking twist.

Fixation is a three-issue limited series, which feels like the right length especially considering each installment is about the size of two regular issues. Pacing certainly wasn’t a problem as there was the obligatory set the tone early murder, introduction of our final girl/final girls as well as the rollout of potential suspects.

fixation 1 interior art 5

Mayer’s art style might be a bit rough, but there’s an authentic nature to it that makes Fixation look more like the real world instead of some glammed-up Hollywood presentation. Colorist James Fenner uses a darker color palette to properly set the tone for this slasher mystery. Letterer Sandy Tanaka arranges the dialogue cleanly with clear emphasis on character tone to convey the emotions as tempers start to rise.

Chase gives the characters that same realistic portrayal. Taylor and Karrah sound like young girls living out their fandom dreams while their publicist “babysitter,” Marisol, is not thrilled with the prospect of keeping a watchful eye on them throughout the event.

Naturally, the killer has their sights on Taylor as well although for now, they’re focused on the star of the franchise, Summer, for some payback that might have something to do with the death of her stunt performer.

Fixation offers plenty of viable suspects in this double-sized issue. This was a promising start to the series that should be very enticing to fans of either genre.

Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Photo Credit: IDW

After checking out Fixation 1, revisit one of its inspirations with The Twilight Saga collection on Blu Ray on Amazon.

As an Amazon affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

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