Fused Volume 1: Canned Heat

by Steve Niles, Paul Lee, Ben Templesmith

Mark Haggerty was a promising young robotics engineer until his body became fused with an experimental robot suit during a routine testing session. Trapped inside a body that's not his own, and suddenly the unwilling pawn in a deadly struggle between obsessive egos and misguided military forces, Mark's life is forever changed. With his human body consumed more each day by the Cy-bot suit, and the most dangerous elements in the world closing in around him, Mark's only recourse is to keep fighting - until he gets his life back.

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Science Fiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published July 14, 2004

About the author

STEVE NILES is one of the writers responsible for bringing horror comics back to prominence, and was recently named by Fangoria magazine as one of it's "13 rising talents who promise to keep us terrified for the next 25 years."

Niles is currently working for the four top American comic publishers - Marvel, DC, Image and Dark Horse. He got his start in the industry when he formed his own publishing company called Arcane Comix, where he published, edited and adapted several comics and anthologies for Eclipse Comics. His adaptations include works by Clive Barker, Richard Matheson and Harlan Ellison.

Steve resides in Los Angeles in his bachelor pad with one cat. While there's no crawlspace, there is a questionable closet in one corner and no one is quite sure what is hidden in there...but we have an idea.

--from the author's website

Reviews

[47Time · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story features Mark Haggerty who has fused with a robot body during a testing accident. Now he is wanted by the government for their superhero team. The 'good' guys are less than ethical in their testing of his abilities. They release a bad guy from deep freeze. Only Mark is able to fight him, obviously. When his girlfriend leaves him, Mark finally agrees to join the team. He has little else to live for. Boy, that sure was a dry story, only rivaled by my review.

[Ricardo Nuno Silva · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read, this one.
The art is a bit lacking, and the last issue (#4), is completely different visually.
The story is mildly interesting, with some common stereotypes.
There are a few surprises but nothing earthshattering.
Therefore 3 stars, and only because of some bits of... "machine humor".

[L.B. Sisk · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the story: Cool characters and tech. Interesting concept. However, I had to knock it down a few pegs because of the artwork toward the end. I understand that it was caused by delays and a change of artists (I believe?). I'd still say pick up a copy if you can.

[L.B. Sisk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hope that Mr. Niles returns to this universe someday. The series ended so abruptly, hence the missing star.

[Erik · Rating 1 out of 5]

Mmmmmmmehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. It's a odd Iron Man ish kinda ripoff.

[Riko Stan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this little known series. It's to bad the world was abandoned. I'd love to visit there again.

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a bad story, however the artwork goes totally to hell in the 4th issue, looks like a elementary school kid drew it. Recommended