In a perfect world, Chris Hastings would need no introduction. But I know how the internet works; at any given moment there are fifteen different clickable links all desperately vying for your attention and in the end, you hold your breath, click, and hope that your journey will end in a safe harbor.
Two hours later you can’t remember how you ended up looking at pictures of iguanas in kilts, let alone what possessed you to wade into the tar pit of information that is the internet. You might even feel slightly hungover.
But if you like webcomics, or comics in general, chances are you’ve heard of The Adventures of Dr. McNinja. For those of you who haven’t, let me explain: he’s a doctor who’s also a ninja.
…not enough there for you?
The comic is written and drawn by Chris Hastings and colored by Anthony Clark. It has action, adventure, Dracula, space travel, motorcycles, zombies, Ben Franklin and a big lady gorilla. Also, velociraptors on occasion. Did I mention it’s hilarious? I mean, anyone who throws gorillas in there clearly has a pretty fine sense of humor.
As ridiculous as this may sound, the most impressive thing in this bizarre world full of ninjas, clones and flapjacks is how solid the storytelling is. There’s a haphazard bravado creeping through these comics and somehow it allows the whole thing to make sense. In some ways it’s reminiscent of the old film adventure serials that inspired the Indiana Jones series. The hero is part of a universe where everything is real. Science fiction and fantasy elements coexist when they really shouldn’t, and it’s all fine because someone (Hastings) is telling you that it’s completely normal. And you believe it. The only other option would be missing out on one heck of a ride.
So imagine my excitement when I heard that Marvel Comics has tapped this talent for the Crimson Comedian. That’s right, they have handed Hastings the reigns of Deadpool’s story in the Fear Itself series, and it’s due in June.
It’s a match made somewhere-that-is-definitely-not-heaven. Maybe Vegas. Or Shangri-La. Or the moon.
Honestly, I can’t think of a better meeting of minds on this one. Hasting’s sense of humor is bound to play well with this member of the Marvel cast and he’s certainly got the action chops to pull off something that will please all the fans. Nevermind how fantastic is it to see someone who writes a webcomic getting to work through other outlets of a medium they love; he’s definitely excited.
In the meantime, we’ve got a bit of a wait ahead of us. I’d recommend heading over to see if the Doctor is in…
Emmet Asher-Perrin thinks it’s amazing that no one thought to have a gorilla for a receptionist before this. She writes and tweets and needs more action figures on her desk.
