FF #4
Written by Matt Fraction
Art by Mike Allred
Colors by Laura Allred
Reviewed by Steve Seigh
Tensions are running high inside the walls of the Baxter Building where the newly formed Future Foundation is scrambling to figure out what to do about their latest dilemma. Reed, Sue, and Ben are still lost somewhere in space and time, and a mysterious “Future” Johnny Storm is clouding everyone’s heads with the worst of thoughts about the fate of Marvel’s First Family. What are the FF to do knowing that it could take years (maybe even forever) for their family to return home?
In my opinion, FF#4 is a significantly big issue, both in a sense of covering a fair amount of plot related ground as well as well as treating long time fans of the Fantastic Four to a few throwbacks. I personally squealed with joy at the sight of She-Hulk laying a little bit of the old chin music on Miracle Man (one of the very first villains to match wits with the Fantastic Four) inside of her court room photo. But, surprisingly, what this issue is more about is the notion of trust, and whether or not this new team really has any. Did everyone make the best choices when appointing Ant-Man, She-Hulk, Medusa, and Miss Thing to the team? Should they have really been put in charge of all of those gifted children? These are just a few things you’ll need to ask yourself as you make your way through the pages of this comic.
The writing on FF #4 continues to be a sure example that Matt Fraction has done his homework before attempting to command this powerful and often hilarious series. His blending of humor mixed with cryptic emotional beats is just one of the reasons I keep coming back for more. It doesn’t matter if we’re following a rather ravishing She-Hulk on her “Not a Date” with Wyatt Wingfoot or discovering that not everyone can be trusted, FF#4 stays on target from beginning to end. The art of Mike and Laura Allred is also something to behold. Some readers have said that they do not care for the pop art style of the book, but I call hogwash on that bit of noise. The Allred’s style is fun and hypnotic. The quirky line work is in perfect concert with the vibrant nature of the colors, and heaven help you if they’re going to use either confetti or even snow. It’s just gorgeous.
Look, I love FF. It’s my favorite book on the shelves (coupled with Fantastic Four) each and every month and I could not be happier with the playful and intelligent direction the House of Fraction and Allred has build for us. The series maintains all of the elements from Hickman’s run that established it as a powerhouse of entertainment, but now it has an added element, and extra flair that makes it shiny and new. I can’t think of a better way of spending your $2.99.
VERDICT:
Of course you should buy it. I champion FF and Fantastic Four for a very good reason, they’re my favorite Marvel property ever. But more than that, and a better reason to pick this book up, is because it upholds the core values of what comic books are supposed to be: Fun, with a little bit of danger and whole hell of a lot of personality. Try and find a book that does it better. I dare you.
* This review was written while still listening (I can’t seem to get enough) to the album Kitsune by the band Marriages.
