Final Fight #1
Illustrated by: Matthew Weldon
Written by: Matt Moylan
Udon Entertainment
2024
*Spoilers here and there..
The Mad Gear Gang has infested Metro City for years! But after they kidnap the mayor’s daughter, three heroes arise to clean up the streets once and for all! Cody Travers, bad boy street brawler! Guy, Bushinryu ninja master! And Mike Haggar, pro-wrestler-turned-mayor of Metro City! Bring a pocket full of quarters and prepare for non-stop fist-flinging action in this mini-series based on the king of Capcom beat-em-ups!
Nostalgia reigns supreme as “Final Fight #1” punches its way onto the comic book scene, delivering a high-octane experience that captures the essence of the classic arcade game. For those who spent their youth with a fistful of quarters, battling through the gritty streets of Metro City, this mini-series is a love letter to those bygone days.
The narrative is as gripping as it is familiar, with the notorious Mad Gear Gang stirring up trouble, only to be met with the formidable fists of our beloved trio: Cody Travers, the quintessential street brawler; Guy, the enigmatic Bushinryu ninja master; and Mike Haggar, the wrestler-turned-mayor whose muscles are only matched by his sense of justice. Their quest to rescue Jessica Haggar is rendered with a dynamism that leaps off the page, thanks to Matthew Weldon’s striking illustrations that perfectly complement Matt Moylan’s engaging storytelling.
What sets this series apart is its ability to evoke the same excitement and adrenaline rush that the original game provided. Each panel is meticulously crafted, with attention to detail that not only honors the source material but also expands upon it, giving fans a deeper dive into the world they thought they knew so well.
The “Streets of Fire” incentive cover is yet another nod to the fans, a bonus that ignites the imagination and serves as a perfect homage to the fiery spirit of the arcade era. It’s clear that the creative team understands and shares the passion of those who will pick up this comic, making it more than just a retelling—it’s an expansion of the CapCom universe that many have held dear for decades.
For those who recall the days of arcade dominance, where titles like “Altered Beast” and “Street Fighter 2” reigned alongside “Final Fight,” this mini-series is not just a trip down memory lane. It’s a celebration of that unforgettable era, a time capsule that has been carefully opened and shared with the world. And for that, we can be truly grateful.
“Final Fight #1” is not just a comic; it’s a bridge between past and present, a testament to the enduring legacy of the arcade classics. It’s a reminder that some stories are timeless, and some fights are never truly over. So, grab your copy, and let’s hit the streets once more, for old times’ sake.