Fantastic Four #525
Quick Review
One of my oldest and best friends is a longtime Fantastic Four reader/fan. He gave me a recommendation that I was missing out not giving the title a spin. Taking his word, I started back with it just a few issues before the recent Mark Waid / Mike Wieringo finale.
From the first issue I picked up, I enjoyed the creative edge and humor Waid brought to the title. I liked the power ex-change storyline, the fresh take on Galactus being humanized, and enjoyed seeing Johnny as a herald. The chase for the team’s powers that followed in issue 524 was classic Fantastic Four fun.
Waid’s work made it enjoyable to read the Fantastic Four again and brought out a bit of that sense of wonder I felt the book had been lacking in recent years. Waid really captured the spirit of adventure yet maintained the family focus that makes this title unusual in today’s storylines. He really tapped into the same spirit that made the animated movie Incredibles so much fun. That said, I was saddened to hear he and Mike Wieringo were leaving the title with issue 524.
My fears were eased when I learned Joe Straczynski (whose work I’ve been enjoying in Supreme Power) was coming on board. Couple that with the art of Mike Mckone (Teen Titles, need I say more… that book is so good) and I was more than a little intrigued. Would this be the creative team Joe Quesada has given the go ahead to take the title into the months leading up to the film? We’ll see...
Anyway, I wasn’t disappointed by issue 525.
Straczynski brought back a great second string villain, Diablo (I mean who can go wrong when it comes to a villain decked out in purple and green) and presented an interesting yet simple threat to the team. A nice second plotline involving the dreams of each team member nicely added to the complexity of the overall story. Throw in some great, eerie dream flashes and my attention was held firm.
More so than the actual villain, I have to say that the environment within which the story was set was really enjoyable to me. I especially liked the setting when the residents of the Chesler Hotel were trying to fight off the team. It had a real New York feel to it and harkened back nicely to Yancy Street references of old. In fact, the entire issue (most likely due to the art) had a more down to earth realistic feel which I really enjoyed. The space craft in the beginning looked more worn, I liked the complexity of the rocks on the thing and the wariness on the face of Reed after working all night.
This issue was a nice first showing for the new team.
Official word from Marvel ..
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FANTASTIC FOUR #525
COVER BY: Jim Cheung /
WRITER: Karl Kesel
PENCILS: Tom Grummett / INKS: Larry Stucker
THE STORY: "Dream Fever!" Part 1 (of 2)
Diablo's back-- more dangerous than ever as the potion-toting terrorist declares alchemical warfare on the FF! Making matter worse, the World's Greatest Imaginauts are becoming more and more tired, irritable, delirious... sick! Coincidence... or part of Diablo's nightmarish plan? All this and The Inhumans, Dr. Doom and guest stars galore!
32 PGS.
PRICE: $2.99
IN STORES: 04-20-2005
April 23rd, 2005
