Ash is the premiere superhero franchise of Event Comics, popular enough to crossover with DC. But who is Ash? More importantly is there a chance of a comeback like his co-star Painkiller Jane? I hope so, he has a lot of potential.
Ash of Event Comics
Ash is the brainchild co-created by Event Comics’ founders Joe Quesada and Jimmy Palmiotti. The beginnings are ridiculously simple. Palmiotti was in the shower in a Chicago hotel with Quesada when he comes up with the concept of a fireman superhero. Whatever the case, fans seem to like this development to the point of Event Comics surviving the speculator boom.
But seriously, why is Ash the thing that prevents bankruptcy? Well to go too deeply into an idea, the timing of a firefighting superhero might have to do with new challenges and engagements. Because how can firefighters help people better without inconveniencing communities? The idea of a superhero as a more controlled form of firefighting is a decent form of wish fulfillment. Plus, what better way to tribute emergency workers?
The Origins and Story
Ashley Quinn is a regular firefighter who gains his power in an occupational hazard. When a burning building almost kills him, Ashley’s all but a goner. Unless you find yourself in a regeneration chamber from a post-apocalyptic future. Frankly it’s not that surprising with the insanity going around New York. And from it all is a phoenixian rebirth.
From The Ashes
As Ash, Ashley gains a new appearance and powers from a recovery pod containing the genetics of a demi-superhuman. Although it doesn’t look like Ash came out right. I mean he has the bizarre anatomy of a 90s comic character. But with a transformation from some kind of hot liquid erupting from Ash’s body, that’s the least weird thing about him.
Fortunately, this form comes with a powerful form of pyrokinesis. This allows Ash to pull off feats like controlling heat and flames where just a bit of spit can cause explosions. His gauntlets allow him to fly and make blades of hot plasma. To top it off he has a healing factor that allows him to recover from life-threatening injuries. Because he’s going to need it to tackle huge threats combining firefighting and superheroism. From human combustion to full-on supervillains. All under the direction of some Joker-like figure, The Actor. Okay, Actor and his family who sowed the seeds to the pod’s origins. To top it all off, Ashley has the everyman problem of fumbling about in work and social life.
Ash At His Peak
Throughout Event Comics’ lifespan, Ash would entertain readers. Apparently there was enough fanfare for a crossover with DC’s Azrael. In all honesty, the energy and panel layouts with the action are some adrenaline pumping times. Not to mention, the mundane little pass times where people are just living their lives is soothing. So when something out of the ordinary happens, it’s genuinely shocking. It’s certainly enough for talents like Mark Waid and James Robinson to come aboard. Probably for the best considering Palmiotti and Quesada put so much into their initial run, the plot was all over the place. The inclusion of the 22 Brides and some angels really didn’t do it any favors.
Which is where I’m going to have to bring some downsides. During Robinson’s larger turn with Ash comes a mystery involving the death of Ashley’s father in a brewing conspiracy. Worse yet, the Actor is targeting the people Ashley loves for amusement. Everything was shaping up to a big climatic confrontation on multiple fronts. Only for Quesada and Palmiotti to halt all productions in Epic Comics. They got a deal from Marvel for their creatives to work in Marvel for the Marvel Knights imprint. Their success was so notable Quesada got promoted to Editor-In-Chief of Marvel Comics. Which unfortunately put Event Comics and Ash on halt until ceasing operations.
Chance For A Comeback?
It baffles me how Ash unlike Event Comics’ other series Painkiller Jane hasn’t made any appearances. Apparently there was supposed to be an omnibus released by Dynamite Entertainment, but I can’t find records anywhere. Also Palmiotti confirms in an interview that he sold Ash’s film rights to Dreamworks. So why has nobody made another move? Seriously Palmiotti has his own publisher, PaperFilms, where he and Amanda Conner publish Painkiller Jane.
So why is nobody doing anything with Ash? Does Palmiotti have no idea what to do with the character? Does Quesada still have a share in the rights? For whatever reason it can’t be a lack of demand. There are dedicated fans of Ash who made a website… until Google archived it.
But until then, Ash is stuck in a Hell between development and Limbo. Thanks for coming to the end and as always, remember to look between the panels.