Comic Vine Review

16 Comments

FF #4 - Escalation

5

It's all about love this issue. Find out who has a crush on She-Hulk and what lengths they go to over it.

The Good

Matt Fraction is on a roll. While there is a bit of heavy subject matter where last issue left off and this one begins, there is so much fun contained in this comic. Scott Lang wants to "end Doom," which makes sense since he's the cause of his daughter's death. But that's not really how the Future Foundation works. It sets the stage for a great philosophical debate.

The real treat is the focus on She-Hulk. When Wyatt Wingfoot was brought in last issue for his advice on a certain development, long time FANTASTIC FOUR readers were on the edge of their seats, wondering what this would mean for him and Jen. Fraction depicts their time out together perfectly. There is a mix of nervousness and caution as we see two former lovers try to get over the awkwardness of hanging out and trying to figure out where they stand with each other.

Fraction also gives the Moloid kids, Mik, Korr, Turg and Tong some delightful time in the spotlight. They used to be all about "The Ben" but with the Fantastic Four off planet, we see their admiration shift which is a driving force of the story.

Mike Allred always manages to add life to any scenes. Whether it's a simple scene like She-Hulk applying make up or a confrontation between the team and their new guest, each page will make you pause as you enjoy what's being drawn. Laura Allred amazingly enhances it all taking the art to another level. The choices of colors used from inside the Baxter Building to a restaurant to a romantic outside scene during some snowfall is simply beautiful.

The Bad

I just loved this issue. In a time where comics can get really heavy, it's stories and art like this that gives reassurance that comics can be entertaining without having to be grim and gritty. How deep the story gets into the death of Scott's daughter remains to be seen but it's clear that comics don't have to be a major downer.

The Verdict

Matt Fraction, Mike Allred and Laura Allred make this series a breath of fresh air. Even though the story may not be crammed with intense superhero action, there is non-stop storytelling going on. Fraction is handling a large cast of characters with ease and the Allreds on art and color give life to Fraction's script. FF is a comic that will warm your heart. Often we get the same formulaic stories in mainstream comics but Fraction is able to juggle humor and action in his stories and reminds you why reading comics should be fun and entertaining.

16 Comments

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Kerrigan

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Edited By Kerrigan

This is one of my favorite Marvel books right now. The Allred art is fantastic, and Fraction's found a style that matches it perfectly. Great stuff.

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SolthesunGod

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Edited By SolthesunGod

I bought a bunch of comics this week and this one was by the far the best. Every issue Fraction delivers on this and so does Mike Allred. I'm considering getting some of X-Force/X-Stattix on the basis on FF just because it's so good.

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Billy Batson

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Edited By Billy Batson

@SolthesunGod said:

I bought a bunch of comics this week and this one was by the far the best. Every issue Fraction delivers on this and so does Mike Allred. I'm considering getting some of X-Force/X-Stattix on the basis on FF just because it's so good.

X-Statix is amazing.
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gmanfromheck

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Edited By gmanfromheck

@SolthesunGod: I bought the X-Statix omnibus a year ago because I loved it so much.

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Mucklefluga

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Edited By Mucklefluga

Such a good book. I LOOOOOOOOOOOVVEEEE that cover!

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MadeinBangladesh

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Edited By MadeinBangladesh

FRACTION is GOD

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Jonny_Anonymous

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Edited By Jonny_Anonymous

The Jen is like a radiant flame to which we are all but moths.

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Cafeterialoca

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Edited By Cafeterialoca

I'm loving this book. Please tell me it's selling!

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Kerrigan

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Edited By Kerrigan

@Cafeterialoca: It's hard to get a real picture because FF's numbers will be inflated by being a new book, but so far sales are middling/comfortable. Better than a lot of other books (X-Men Legacy, Astonishing X-Men, X-Men, X-treme X-men, Daredevil, Ultimate Spidey, Avenging Spidey, whole lot more).

As you might guess from the above, if Marvel's in the mood to cancel, some of the lesser X-books could be the first to fall. If FF doesn't drop too fast, it should be safe.

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longbowhunter

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Edited By longbowhunter

Out of nowhere this has become my favorite Marvel title. Humor, romance, action, adventure and mystery. Not to mention some of the most gorgeous and fitting art you'll find in comics. FF has become THE book I look forward to reading every month.

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SolthesunGod

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Edited By SolthesunGod

@G-Man: @Billy Batson: Thanks I think I'll give it a look. I'm just mid way through the first Walking Dead omnibus. I'm going to get the next one and then I might move onto X-Statix. The omnibus or omnibi? are kind of tricky to read though. The Walking Dead had the panels too far into the centre though...

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Billy Batson

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@SolthesunGod:

If you live in the U.S. you should check out Amazon/Instocktrades, you'd get it for almost half price, not that it isn't worth the full cover price.
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SolthesunGod

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Edited By SolthesunGod

@Billy Batson: I don't but I appreciate you spending the time giving me the recommendation.

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Mezmero

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Edited By Mezmero

This comic is just incredible. It did not take long for this series to make me really appreciate Allred's throwback art style. The characters and the art were amazing but I'm not seeing a main plot thread for the team to follow up with. Lang's idea of eliminating Doom is a misguided endeavor but at the same time my heart goes out to Scott for trying to change the future. I'm excited to see what this creative team has planned next.

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dreamfall31

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Edited By dreamfall31

@Cafeterialoca said:

I'm loving this book. Please tell me it's selling!

According to http://www.comichron.com it's been selling 40,000+ since the 2nd issue! So hopefully it stays like that because I love the series quite a bit as well!

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CombatSpoon86

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Edited By CombatSpoon86

@G-Man: Just bought that X statix Omnibus yesterday. 50% off and I got the last one at my comic shop. Also started picking up FF. Had to track down all the issues but well worth it.