A review by iffer
Fantastic Four by Waid & Wieringo: Ultimate Collection, Book 1 by Mark Waid
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.