Another FF #1 Review
This issue marks the end of the Fantastic Four and the beginning of the Future Foundation. I've been expecting this for quite some time now. It also marks the inclusion of Spider-Man as a member of the team. Although I am not the biggest fan of Spider-Man, I've always enjoyed his interactions with the Fantastic Four.
That being said, I guess it was his interactions with Johnny that I really enjoyed. This issue sure sets the mood of the mourning of Johnny's death, so we don't get to see the full potential of Spider-Man's effect on the dynamic. In fact, some moments are just downright awkward - and I actually like it. It seems more realistic that way. I am still hopeful for a more upbeat Spider-Man and Thing in the future.
I'm a big fan of the new costumes as well....well, maybe not Thing's tank top. I'm also glad the Wizard is involved and has escaped (his third prison break in maybe a little over a year?). I like the Wizard and it looks like he has gone even more over the top crazy since being captured after World War Hulks. Can't wait to see him in the future and what will become of Bentley 32 (who is incorrectly labeled in the back of the book as Bentley 23).
I also got to see confirmation of another of my suspicions - there is a field team and a home team. I knew most of the kids would have minimal value on a actual mission. Too many brains would mess things up. I'm sure in the future we'll see some of them go out, but I think most are stay home characters, more for being innovative and creative. It's going to be tough to give this many characters much of a spotlight.
We also get the inclusion of a certain villain to the team at the end. A certain villain that our beloved editor G-Man guessed a while back. Curse Marvel and their solicits and preview images. I would have loved for this to have been a surprise.
Also, I do not like the main cover. I thought the Invisible Woman was Valeria at first - and that totally creeped me out.
I give this a 4 out of 5. Good start, not too busy or confusing. I don't think you need to have been reading the Fantastic Four or keeping up with all the storylines Hickman has been planting over the last year to read this. So go pick it up!
