This issue’s cover is by Dave Johnson. Inside, we find a story by Brian Azzarello, Eduardo Risso’s 100 Bullets collaborator, and Scott Levy, who I don’t actually know. The illustrator is Giuseppe Camuncoli, who I had forgotten was working in the business this early, but who will be doing quite a bit of Spider-Man eventually. Buccelatto hangs in there on colors. We’re here for a sort of Crusher Hogan: Year One.
Not exactly the lovable doof of ASM 271. Crusher’s internal monologue goes on about respecting the sport and whatnot, and then he goes to see the bossman, who says there weren’t enough fans in attendance, and he can’t make payroll. He tells Crusher he should take the deal he was offered from one of the larger companies, but Crusher again refuses, loyal to a fault, it would seem.
Joey, as it turns out his name is, goes home and has an argument with his wife about working for free. She says she’ll call Global herself, and he gets very mad and throws a glass at a wall. Fun times in the Hogan house.
I don’t really know what’s going on. As a lifetime avowed non-wrestling fan, I’m barely paying attention. Hogan has apparently riled up all the fans to the point that they’re lining up for tickets to next week’s show, but Hogan and the bossman say not to sell any with a knowing glint in their eyes. I don’t know. We’re told everyone goes along with the gimmick, and Bobby books them into an arena way bigger than usual. They put posters up all over town, and it’s the cover of this issue. So he’s made the fans mad and is going to wrestle them? And then Peter’s going to show up and ruin it? Ok, I guess.
Bzzzzt! Hammerhead 100% did not exist at this time, but thanks for playing. Hammerhead was… whoever he was back then, he had not yet lost his memories, been rebuilt by Jonas Harrow, and become Hammerhead.
Ok, whatever. They get their act together, we’re told everyone puts on a good show, and then it’s time for the main event, Crusher Vs. the Fans.
So… I guess Hammerhead lost his money? Hogan’s hands were looking pretty un-crushed in ASM 271. And they’re now saying Peter Parker got $10,000 for winning that match? That’s… a lot, even in 2002! I don’t know about all that. This is another one, like the Kingpin one, where regardless of the craftsmanship… is it really worth the money? Did anyone really wanna pay $3 to see the secret origin of Crusher Hogan? I’m not exactly shocked I didn’t remember this one. They say anthologies are a hardsell in comics, but I would say an issue like this isn’t helping. Again, not because of the quality of the writing or art, but because of the subject matter.