Web-comic review: Doritos and Max: A Powerful Combination - Episode 2
Despite its original purpose being to sell as many packets of Doritos Jalapeño Fire and bottles of Pepsi Max Citrus Freeze as possible, this web-comic seems determined to reinvent the wheel when it comes to pushing the boundaries of what online comics are capable of, resulting in one of the freshest, funniest reads in recent memory.
(To read our in-depth article on the first episode, click here) Despite its original purpose being to sell as many packets of Doritos Jalapeño Fire and bottles of Pepsi Max Citrus Freeze as possible, this web-comic seems determined to reinvent the wheel when it comes to pushing the boundaries of what online comics are capable of, resulting in one of the freshest, funniest reads in recent memory. The second episode of 'The New Yet Somehow Continuing Adventures of FireFingers and IceFist' features the two titular heroes, who are still getting used to their new powers, going up against several hilariously named super-villains. Whether it's the nefarious Holepunch ordering everybody to 'remain stationery', or the auto-tuned lyrics of pop-star OMGenius, the writing is consistently witty and self-aware, and I found myself laughing out loud on more than one occasion. As a comic book fan the caption boxes are an endless source of amusement, as they lovingly poke fun at comic book clichés and ironically comment on the action. There are also parodies of iconic scenes from a much-loved movie series (I won't spoil it here!) and a great send-up of the current music scene which is sure to have people in stitches. In an inspired moment of interactivity, the reader can select what words OMGenius sings about, leading to the most bizarre lyrics I've heard this side of 90s Gangsta rap. There's a huge selection and, if you're anything like me, you'll find yourself going back and trying them all in an attempt at finding the funniest combination. 
What makes this web-comic stand out from the crowd though is how it takes advantage of the technology that being online affords it, incorporating motion within the panels, interactive elements, sound effects that accompany the action and an original music score that helps add to the fun, bouncy tone that the brilliantly cartoonish art and whip-smart script have created. They might be the result of an ad campaign, but FireFingers and IceFist have proven that they are more than just gimmicks, with this genuinely being one of the most fun online reading experiences I've had. You can view both episodes here: