Comics / Comic Reviews / Marvel Comics

Fantastic Four: Isla De La Muerte!

By Henry Chamberlain
January 30, 2008 - 19:39

In this one-shot Fantastic Four story, Marvel allows a new artistic talent to shine who is best known for his painting, Juan Doe.  He is a Puerto Rican artist who focuses on the language of political propaganda with brightly colored pop art works featuring Castro and Che Guevara. He adopted the sharp red and blacks of Soviet Constructivist posters for the covers  of the limited series, X-Men: The 198.  And now Doe has the Puerto Rican flag prominently displayed behind The Thing for the cover of this artist's first fully illustrated story, "Isla De La Muerte!" or "Island of Death!"

This comic book is available in English and Spanish and, according to The Baltimore Sun, the bilingual release marks a first for a major U.S. comic book publisher. In 2004, Marvel introduced its first latina superhero, Anya Corazon. This latest book finds Marvel continuing to add more color to the historically white world of comics. And who better to help than such a colorful artist as Juan Doe or "John" Doe. Judging by magazine features, Doe is an elusive, mischievous, down and out bohemian and that's just fine.

The story is very whimsical and light. Once a year, Ben takes off by himself on a three day weekend. Why only three days is never questioned but just where it is he goes gets the better of the rest of The Fantastic Four's curiosity. Before long, Reed, Johnny, and Sue discover Ben's hiding place, the island paradise of Puerto Rico. Ben is hurt that the gang couldn't leave well enough alone; everyone feels awkward for awhile and discuss their feelings; and then it's time to fight a mastermind hiding down below the island bent on world domination. This is geared more to a younger age already familiar with The Incredibles which actually offers far more hip writing. That said, this is a heartfelt effort; one of those books the whole family could read.

And, by all means, do stay for the art which would appeal to any age. Juan Doe is given the keys to the Marvel family car and he takes us on a fun ride. The art is very lively that meshes very well with the story. The Fantastic Four are given a make-over that pumps them up with sharp features that would make Pixar proud. Gadgets, villains, monsters, it all adds up to solid visual entertainment. Most gratifying for Doe must have been the chance to have a story with more than just a latin flavor as Puerto Rican culture and history features prominently here. Hey, The Thing is even honored by the locals because he resembles a treasured landmark, a mighty fort. This is one story where the locale, Puerto Rico, is a character all to itself.

Last Updated: August 31, 2023 - 08:12