Fantastic Four #5AU (mini review)

(w) Matt Fraction     (a) Andre Araujo

Matt Fraction's Fantastic Four has been a slow burn, to say the least. Five issues in and Reed Richard's health condition is still taking precedent, and that's not really enough (for me, anyway) to carry the series. It's been fun so far, but I fear Fraction falling into an episodic format.

And then there's Fantastic Four #5AU, my favorite issue of the series thus far. It has more energy, fun, and high stakes than anything else so far. Plus, it really feels like the events of this issue will have lasting ramifications going forward in Fantastic Four, so it will be interesting to see how Fraction handles this change in status quo. 

My only real problem with the Fantastic Four being involved with events on Earth is that up until now, there's been absolutely no way of contacting the team while on their journey. Now, seemingly out of nowhere, Black Panther has some deus ex machina communication device that can broadcast through all space and time. What?

GRADE: 8/10

The Week in Revue (Mar 27-Apr 2, 2013)

------- Spotlight

Guardians of the Galaxy #1
(w) Brian Michael Bendis     (a) Steve McNiven
THE GUARDIANS RETURN TO THE MARVEL UNIVERSE!

------- DC Reviews

Batman Incorporated #9

(w) Grant Morrison     (a) Chris Burnham

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE MOMENTS AFTER THE DEATH OF DAMIAN WAYNE?

The Flash #18

(w) Brian Buccellato     (a) Marcio Takara

THE TRICKSTER ACCUSED OF MURDER? AND A SPECIAL CROSSOVER WITH...DIAL H!

Justice League Dark #18

(w) Jeff Lemire and Ray Fawkes     (a) Mikel Janin

THE CONCLUSION TO "THE DEATH OF MAGIC!"


---------- mini reviews
Aquaman #18

(w) Geoff Johns     (a) Paul Pelletier

"DEATH OF A KING" BEGINS HERE! A NEW ARC IN THIS ACCLAIMED SERIES!

Superman #18

(w) Scott Lobdell     (a) Kenneth Rocafort

H.I.V.E. MAKES IT'S NEW 52 DEBUT AS THEY TRY TO TAKE OVER METROPOLIS!

Teen Titans #18

(w) Scott Lobdell     (a) Eddy Barrows

FALLOUT FROM "DEATH OF THE FAMILY" AND THE DEATH OF DAMIAN WAYNE! GUEST STARRING THE SUICIDE SQUAD!

------- Marvel Reviews

Age of Ultron #3 of 10

(w) Brian Michael Bendis     (a) Bryan Hitch

MARVEL'S POST-APOCALYPTIC EVENT CONTINUES!

Uncanny Avengers #5

(w) Rick Remender     (a) Olivier Coipel
WONDER MAN, WASP, AND SUNFIRE JOIN THE UNCANNY AVENGERS!

Young Avengers #3

(w) Kieron Gillen     (a) Jaime McKelvie

MORE AMAZINGNESS FROM GILLEN AND MCKELVIE ON THE LANDMARK SERIES!

---------- mini reviews

Fantastic Four #5AU

(w) Matt Fraction     (a) Andre Araujo

AN "AGE OF ULTRON" TIE-IN ISSUE!

The Superior Spider-Man #6AU

(w) Christos Gage     (a) Dexter Soy

AN "AGE OF ULTRON" TIE-IN ISSUE!

The Week (Feb 13-19, 2013)

------- Featured Review

Uncanny X-Men #1 PREVIEW

------- DC Reviews

• Batman #17 - Death of the Family Finale!
• Demon Knights #17

---------- mini DC reviews

• Katana #1
• Superboy #17

------- Marvel Reviews

• Fantastic Four #4

---------- mini Marvel reviews

• Avengers Assemble #12
• Powers: Bureau #1
• X-Treme X-Men #10

THE WEEK (JAN 9-15, 2013) 1

FEATURED REVIEW
The Superior Spider-Man #1

Reviews
Action Comics #16

Earth 2 #8

Fantastic Four #3

Green Lantern: New Guardians Annual #1

Extra! Extra!
Animal Man #16

Stormwatch #16

Swamp Thing #16

Thor: God of Thunder #4

EXTRA! EXTRA! (DEC 12-18, 2012)

Batgirl #15
(Simone, Benes)

While Scott Snyder and Greg Capullo's main "Death of the Family" storyline is a vehicle for a much scarier and focused Joker, the model of car seems to be different depending on the title you're reading--last week's Batman and Robin #15 was incredible, but while this week's Batgirl #15 adequately conveys the story, it falls flat more than once. It feels like Gail Simone really doesn't know what to do with Barbara and the Joker together besides dredge up Barbara's feelings of anger and rage, which wouldn't be out of the question normally, but this is supposed to be the sort-of king of all Joker stories (in recent history, at least), and I supposed I just expected more from Simone after a poignant and suspenseful 14th issue. Also, a lot of what was set-up last month in Batgirl #14 doesn't really move forward so much as stays stagnant while the Joker waxes poetic about the hardships of life; not the most interesting use of panel space, but not totally boring. If you ignore the flashback scenes (which I'm sure will be important down the road, but show no indications of being so here), Batgirl #15 is a passable issue that builds upon the greater "DotF" narrative, but only a little bit.

GRADE: 7/10

Fantastic Four #2
(Fraction, Bagley)

After a fun and energetic first issue, Matt Fraction effectively hits the breaks this month and gives readers yet another full issue of build-up to the Fantastic Four's voyage into multidimensional space that's just kind of boring. As well as Fraction writes, it's a bit off-putting to see such utilitarian use of dialogue and narrative--Ben Grimm screaming at Yancy Street seems over the top, Reed and Scott Lang's scientific discussion has no emotional core, and the origin of Darla Deering as a member of the Fantastic Four is very, very weak. Obviously, things pick up next issue, as Reed launches his family into a portal at the end of Fantastic Four #2, but it's just annoying to have to wait yet another month to see Marvel's First Family on their ridiculously awesome adventure. A 'slow burn' story isn't bad, but this issue just feels like filler.

GRADE: 7/10

Green Lantern Corps #15
(Tomasi, Gleason)

"Rise of the Third Army" is becoming more and more of a misnomer because none of the GL titles are actually dealing with the rise of this Third Army, and Green Lantern Corps is a prime example--instead of focusing on the Corps fighting this monstrous parasitic force, Tomasi is focusing on Guy and John exclusively, giving them more personal stories when they should be at the front lines of this incursion. Yes, I know, the Guardians are sneaky and all that, but we're talking about GUY GARDNER, who normally doesn't take crap from anyone, and JOHN STEWART, who's got years of military experience telling him something is wrong. Yet, I like Green Lantern Corps #15, and the story of Guy and his family is told extremely well, it just feels superflous and unnecessary--why do I need to know so much about Guy's father (he's been in three issues so far)? The Third Army seems less like a universe-threatening force and more of an annoyance off in the corner of the of narrative, and if that's how it's supposed to be unfolding, then it's doing so in a clunky and unbecoming manner.

GRADE: 6/10

Iron Man #4
(Gillen, Land)

Things are looking better for Iron Man (not literally, as Greg Land's artwork is pretty underwhelming), as Kieron Gillen puts Tony in his 'Heavy' armor this week for a trip to France to find yet another illegal Extremis virus. Deep in the catacombs of Paris, Tony must fend off a legion of Extremis-infected women who've been stripped of their personality and humanity, effectively making them mindless killing machines. Tony's ethical dilemma over killing people who are effectively dead already is a testament to Gillen's ideals, but the concept struggles to come across smoothly, and the entire issue suffers from a lack of emotional depth. I'm a big fan of Kieron Gillen, but Iron Man has been fairly disappointing since it's fantastic first issue.

GRADE: 6.5/10 

Superboy #15
(DeFalco, Silva)

"H'el on Earth" hasn't been too understandable, so far--H'el himself doesn't have much of a backstory beyond claiming he was Jor-El's assistant, the narrative has been somewhat choppy and fragmented, and the three members of the Super family seem to have weirdly different personalities depending on the title you read. Fortunately, Superboy #15 hits all the right marks by focusing on Superman and Superboy while leaving H'el out of the picture until the very end. The main point of this issue is to show Superboy effectively inheriting Superman's Kryptonian armor, as it's the only thing that can possibly save Superboy's life after H'el's fatal beating. While I still despise Tom DeFalco's inner monologue for Superboy, the narrative is a lot stronger this issue than in Superman or Supergirl, and that's saying a lot for a series that's struggled to find it's footing since day one.

GRADE: 7/10

THE WEEK (DEC 12-18, 2012)

FEATURED REVIEW
Cable and X-Force #1
(Hopeless, Larroca)
Debut issue! Cable is on the run from the Uncanny Avengers with Colossus, Domino, Dr. Nemesis, and Forge along for the ride.

Avengers Arena #1
(Hopeless, Walker)
Let's hope this isn't a complete rip-off of Battle Royale or The Hunger Games...wait...there's no way it can't be. The premise is the EXACT SAME THING. Plus, even if this was a new, inspired idea, I can't imagine fans of the characters in this book are going to be too happy to see them cut down one by one.

Batman #15
(Snyder, Capullo)
"Death of the Family" continues now that Joker has revealed that he knows the true identities of everyone in the Batman Family.

Batman and Robin #15
(Tomasi, Gleason)
While the last two months were revealed to be a plot by the Joker all along, "Death of the Family" kicks off proper this month in Batman and Robin.

Fantastic Four #2
(Fraction, Bagely)
While FF is going to be my primary Fraction title going forward (not counting Hawkeye, which I will read regardless), Fantastic Four is set to start their year-long/four-minute journey through multi-space, and I'm just pumped to see how ti unfolds.

Green Lantern Corps #15
(Tomasi, Pasarin)
"Rise of the Third Army" trudges along this week with Guy and John facing an increasingly violent Guardian Army. We still don't know why John was tasked to reconstitute Mogo if that would help the Corps...whatever.

Extra! Extra!
Batgirl #15
(Simone, Benes)
"Death of the Family" tie-in issue!

Demon Knights #15
(Cornell, Chang)

Iron Man #4
(Gillen, Land)

Superboy #15
(DeFalco, Silva)
"H'el on Earth" tie-in issue!

FEATURED REVIEW: FF #1

(w) Matt Fraction
(p) Mike Allred

Basically, FF is the spiritual successor to Peter Milligan and Mike Allred's X-Statix. So, if you're a fan of meta-humor and satire, you're going to love Matt Fraction's quirky, off-handed take on the Future Foundation. As we learned a few weeks ago in Fantastic Four #1, Marvel's First Family is taking a pan-dimensional vacation that will take them away from Earth (and our space-time continuum) for a year, though it will only really be about four minutes of real time. And, as Reed Richards says, the Fantastic Four "do[es] not leave the Earth unprotected," so they decide to recruit temporary replacements. And thus, FF #1 is all about preparation -- the Fantastic Four getting ready for their trip, the replacement heroes being briefed on their responsibilities, and the audience getting a first-person account of the Future Foundation and it's members as an effective jumping-on point for new readers.

FF #1 is not a comic book that will WOW and AMAZE most. Though it's quirky in setting, the story of the Fantastic Four finding their replacements is subtle and given depth by emotional ramifications. Scott Lang, the recently resurrected former Ant-Man, is the first to be scouted by Reed. Fraction doesn't beat around the bush concerning the reason Lang was chosen to be the temporary head of the Future Foundation -- he's a father who lost his daughter and could probably use some direction. Scott sees it as somewhat presumptuous after the death of Cassie at the hands of Doctor Doom. "I don't want anything to do with those kids Reed!" Scott explains to Reed in a rather kurt manner. "You need to respect that and open that door and let me go home!" For Scott, the pain is too fresh and being asked to be take responsibility for an whole group of kids is like a big slap in the face. Fraction does an amazing job conveying the intense conversation between the two men, and Mike Allred's phenomenal artwork only helps to push the point across -- when Scott is in utter anguish, the entire panel shifts perspective.

Of course, this series wouldn't last long if the main character wasn't on board, so Reed comes clean and admits that he chose Scott because it would be good for him. Ant-Man definitely hasn't been seen much since Avengers: The Children's Crusade, wherein Cassie Lang was murdered, so it's not a far stretch to assume he's been wasting away in grief and self-pity for a few months. Reed sees this and thinks being around kids will not only help Scott, but it will provide the members of the Future Foundation with a new role model and paternal figure. It's a win-win situation in Reed's mind.

Fraction and Allred have struck some gold with this series. Fraction's relatable, grounded writing coupled with Allred's signature art style is a match made in heaven and this first issue is the evidence. There's a lot to love about FF #1, but unfortunately, a lot of that comes from knowing who these characters are and what's happened to them. Fraction does an apt job covering his bases when it comes to integral backstory, but it's still FF, which is named after the Future Foundation, which is an offshoot of the Fantastic Four, who wont actually be in the series at all in an issue or two -- it's a bit wonky. Other than that, FF #1 is a fantastic issue that has left me wanting more...now...seriously.

GRADE

9.5/10

REVIEW: FANTASTIC FOUR #1

(w) Matt Fraction
(p) Mark Bagley

I've never been a big fan of the Fantastic Four. They've always existed in a weird middle ground for me -- somewhere between science-based adventure books and superhero-filled action titles. For some, the mixture of pulp and 'weird science' is a welcome alternative to comic books that provide only one or the other...not me. I don't 'gel' with the Fantastic Four, though I've tried for years to figure out why. Turns out it's the writing.

Fantastic Four #1 is just good fun. After a few years of concept-heavy storytelling from the masterful Jonathan Hickman, Matt Fraction brings his signature style to Marvel's first family. The issue starts off with a "One Year From Now" full-page spread featuring what looks to be a de-Thing'ed Ben Grimm, then we're thrown 2 million years into the past where Reed Richards gets seriously injured for the first time since the accident that gave him his body-stretching ability. It's all very bombastic and 'in your face', which would normally go against Fraction's more subtle nature, but at it's core, this story is about something universal, something we can all relate to -- family.

Recognizing their need to balance life as a family and as super-powered heroes, Reed convinces Susan, Ben, and Johnny Storm to take a year-long vacation (with, "Less action. More adventure," as Reed puts it) in a vessel that can travel through all space and time. The catch is, Franklin and his older sister Valeria will be accompanying the team. The young Franklin Richards indirectly drives Fraction's story, as his distressed emotional state during his parents' absence leads Reed to develop one of the team's old ships into a multi-dimensional classroom wherein Franklin and Valeria can learn from first-hand experience as they jet off through worlds and times unknown. Oh, and because it's a time machine, too, they'll just return minutes after they've left even though it'll feel like a year for Richards & Company. It's a high-concept idea that comes in an extremely easy to swallow form.

After reading Marvel NOW! Point One, I was mainly just interested in reading Fraction's FF, but after this debut issue of Fantastic Four, I will most certainly be following the adventures of Marvel's first family as they steal away through the multiverse in search of adventure and knowledge. If nothing else, 'Marvel NOW!' is most assuredly bucking my usual preferences, which was kind of the point in the first place, right?

GRADE

8/10

THE WEEK (NOV 14-20, 2012)

FEATURED REVIEW
All-New X-Men #1
(w) Brian Michael Bendis
(p) Stuart Immonen
Brian Michael Bendis' tenure on X-Men books starts here with All-New X-Men #1, chronicling the time-displaced original five X-Men as they come to the present and learn to cope with the world post-AvX. BMB did wonders for the Avengers, so hopefully he can do the same with the X-Men.

Batman #14
(w) Scott Snyder
(p) Greg Capullo
"Death of the Family" continues this month as the Joker attacks Alfred! Already, "DotF" seems like it's going to involve Joker pushing all of Batman's biggest buttons. It's all deliciously sadistic. Scott Snyder is absolutely tearing it up with Batman.

Fantastic Four #1
(w) Matt Fraction
(p) Mark Bagley
Matt Fraction is one of Marvel's best writers currently, and his FF prologue story in Marvel NOW! Point One promised amazing things from Marvel's first family and their substitutes. Also, Mark Bagley is just a phenomenal artist.

Green Lantern Corps #14
(w) Peter J. Tomasi
(p) Fernando Pasarin
Another of DC's events continues this week with "Rise of the Third Army" in Green Lantern Corps #14. So far, only GLC and Red Lanterns have come face-to-face with actual Third Army drones, so I'm excited to see where this issue goes.

The Phantom Stranger #2
(w) Dan Didio
(p) Brent Anderson
I'm definitely in the minority in my love of Dan Didio's The Phantom Stranger. It's a campy book through and through, and Didio doesn't shy away from this premise. This month, Pandora makes a guest appearance!

Superboy #14
(w) Tom DeFalco
(p) RB Silva
"H'el on Earth" starts here! We got to see H'el briefly at the end of Superman #13, and now he's center stage to take on the Boy of Steel! We know -- through various back-stories and #0's -- that Krypton once had a clone problem. How will that play into H'el's interactions with Superboy?

X-Men Legacy #1
(w) Si Spurrier
(p) Tan Eng Huat
Destined to be the black sheep to Bendis' All-New X-Men and Uncanny X-Men, Si Spurrier's X-Men Legacy will focus on the late Professor Xavier's son, David, and his uncontrollable, reality-altering powers.

Extra! Extra!

Batgirl #14
(w) Gail Simone
(p) Ed Benes

Demon Knights #14
(w) Paul Cornell
(p) Bernard Chang

Frankenstein: Agent of S.H.A.D.E. #14
(w) Matt Kindt
(p) Alberto Ponticelli

Thor: God of Thunder #1
(w) Jason Aaron
(p) Esad Ribic

X-Treme X-Men #6
(w) Greg Pak
(p) Paco Diaz