iffer's review against another edition
4.0
Between 3 and 4 stars.
Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this. Of course, the adventures are a little silly, and Waid's first issue basically makes a Powerpoint presentation on why readers should like the Fantastic Four, but not expect a typical superhero comic, but what he's trying to communicate in his first issue nails it. The FF aren't superheroes first and foremost; they're a family of explorers/adventurers/troubleshooters (you know, because weird science always puts them and others in mortal danger). Although I'm not a huge fan of any of the characters individually, I enjoy reading about the family and the family's snarky comments to each other, especially because relationships and snarky comments about friends and family is one of Waid's strengths as a writer. It's pleasantly reminiscent of watching a 80s or 90s family sitcom :)
P.S. Thanks to Dave at Comic Book Herald for drawing my attention to this run of Fantastic Four for his 2015 Marvel Comic Reading Club. Especially in light of the new Fantastic Four movie's release, I wanted to try reading some FF comics, but comics can be so sprawling and nebulous that I didn't know what might be a good jumping off point.
Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this. Of course, the adventures are a little silly, and Waid's first issue basically makes a Powerpoint presentation on why readers should like the Fantastic Four, but not expect a typical superhero comic, but what he's trying to communicate in his first issue nails it. The FF aren't superheroes first and foremost; they're a family of explorers/adventurers/troubleshooters (you know, because weird science always puts them and others in mortal danger). Although I'm not a huge fan of any of the characters individually, I enjoy reading about the family and the family's snarky comments to each other, especially because relationships and snarky comments about friends and family is one of Waid's strengths as a writer. It's pleasantly reminiscent of watching a 80s or 90s family sitcom :)
P.S. Thanks to Dave at Comic Book Herald for drawing my attention to this run of Fantastic Four for his 2015 Marvel Comic Reading Club. Especially in light of the new Fantastic Four movie's release, I wanted to try reading some FF comics, but comics can be so sprawling and nebulous that I didn't know what might be a good jumping off point.
plaidbrarian's review against another edition
5.0
IMHO, Mark Waid & Mike Wieringo's Fantastic Four run doesn't get enough love. People like it, sure, but I don't think they *love* it enough. For my money, it's The Third Great FF Run (first is Lee/Kirby, of course, then Byrne) because it hits EVERYTHING that makes the Fantastic Four work... the perfect mix of high adventure, low comedy, astonishing technology, exotic locales, and of course the family dynamics. Even the slightest of stories (like Reed & Ben on Baxter Building pest control duty) still have everything you want from the FF. Near-perfect comic bookery in the Mighty Marvel Manner.
crankyraconteur's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
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