Comics / Comic Reviews / Marvel Comics

FF #8

By Colin Andersen
August 27, 2011 - 11:14

Finally! After two issue of lackluster backstory and less-than-impressive art, FF gets back on track and begins focuses on its titular characters again. The first battle of what will inevitably become “the War of Four Cities” starts in this issue as the return of the Inhumans begins less than amicably in the High Evolutionary’s Tomorrow City.

This issue focuses almost entirely on the war between Attilan and the Forever City and how our Mr. Fantastic might be able to stop it and his alternate universe selves, though he has to take his villains allies along for the ride. Though there are some great character moments throughout the issue, the rest of it largely focuses on the battle and this part of the books moves fast with some great splash pages from Steve Epting that really channel Jack Kirby.  If I had a complaint about the story, it’s that the issue felt like it was over very quickly, though this is not for any reason other than the fact that it is an engaging read.

As I said though, the all-out battle doesn’t mean that there is no time for some character development. There is a particularly great scene where the Invisible Woman confronts her father-in-law Nathaniel Richards that perfectly encapsulates her character. She is a stubborn and strong woman that worries first and foremost about her family and she wants to know what Nathaniel isn’t telling them (as Nathaniel Richards’ are wont to do in her experience). Hickman clearly has an excellent grasp on Sue Richards, especially with the line “I’m happy you’re here, Nathaniel. We all are” that shows that she is indeed glad to have him, but also carries an icy undertone to it that clearly lets the reader and Nathaniel know that she will not allow him to hurt her family. Reed Richards eventually comes into the scene and Hickman gets to show his perfect understanding of that character as well, showing him as the intelligent scientist we all know, while also showing that he also cares first and foremost about his family and that he isn’t going to keep dangerous secrets as he has been known to in the past. This is some quality character handling. Doctor Doom possibly steals the show with his trademark haughty attitude.

No offense to Greg Tocchini, but he really did no favors to FF in the last two issues, but with #8 Steve Epting makes his return and it is great. While I am traditionally not absolutely in love with Epting’s work, I always like it and he turns in some great work here. His battles are large and ferocious and fun to look out, while his quieter character moments are intense and (usually) let you know exactly how a character is feeling. I say “usually” there because there are some panels where characters, especially the women, seem to have very stiff faces that don’t look quite right and don’t carry the particular emotion they should. However, he more than makes up for it most of the time especially on the battle scenes and most especially whenever he is drawing his particularly-imposing Dr. Doom. If you don’t believe me, just take one look at his panel of Doom lifting a building-sized rock and see if you don’t change your mind. I did have one other minor complaint about the art, though I’m not sure if Epting or colorist Paul Mounts should take the blame; characters tend to have entirely too much shadow on their faces and it looks odd to me. I’ve never been too much of a fan of “dark and gritty” comic book art and I especially don’t think it has a place in a Fantastic Four related comic book and that’s what it sometimes makes the artwork look like. Not a huge nuisance, but one I noticed nonetheless.

I am very glad to see FF get back to fine form with issue #8. It’s not perfect and I do feel the issue could have been a little longer, but at twice-a-month, I suppose I can’t really complain about that. This is storytelling in the Mighty Marvel Fashion through and through. I’m glad to be able to say this again: any comic reader that is a fan of superhero comics needs to be reading this series as it is the shining example of the genre right now.

Rating: 9 /10

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12