Fantastic Four #2 Review
Writer: Dan Slott
Penciler: Sara Pichelli
Inkers: Sara Pichelli with Elizabetta D’Amico
Colorist:Marte Gracia
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Remember how Dan Slott teased us about the Fantastic Four not reuniting in the long awaited Fantastic Four #1 last month? And assured us that it would happen this issue? Well, it does, but barely any more than it did in the last… Fantastic Four #2 is a meeting of two lines at the present in order to give us more context, but for now, I’m afraid that that context doesn’t feel important enough to make us wait another month for a reunion that’s more than just an awkward splash page. How long are they going to put off the emotions, the questions, and the answers? It sure feels like we’ve been waiting forever since Marvel Two-in-One was labeled “The Fate of the Four”. Still, I can’t say I disliked this book. While I’m a little miffed that we still haven’t really seen them all back together, this book does have something to enjoy in family dynamics when it pays attention to the kids. They’re stereotypical, sure, but the Fantastic Four really is all about being a family, so I think if you’re not so concerned about answers (since we the audience already know them), you’ll be satisfied with the dad/daughter/boyfriend schtick. I do think it’s worth mentioning that – mild spoiler – Franklin Richards is unceremoniously nerfed. Like, really unceremoniously. “Whoops, battery low.” I understand that you have to nerf someone as powerful as him on a team, but it feels like an afterthought here.
I very much enjoyed Sara Pichelli’s work in the previous issue, but here, it feels like it may have been rushed in a few places to meet a deadline. You know I’m about to nitpick, but… Man, Reed’s beard just looks so awkward. The 4’s on their suits are so scribbled on that I swear, if you didn’t know who the characters were or what book you were reading, you’d think they had S’s on their chests. But Pichelli and Elizabetta D’Amico create some really breath-taking landscapes together, and Marte Gracia seals the deal with beautifully blended night skies. Usually committed faces help sell the script in the same way that an actor is crucial to your enjoyment of a scene in a movie.
All in all, Fantastic Four #2 is an enjoyable issue. I just can’t help but feel like we’re getting pulled around here, like Marvel definitely wants to shake us down for $3.99 (at least) as many times as possible to see the family back together at last. I think many people will be annoyed that that doesn’t really happen in this issue, but the issue still has enough to offer in family shenanigans and awe-inspiring scenery to be enjoyable. I’d say check it out, but adjust your expectations that last issue set.
Penciler: Sara Pichelli
Inkers: Sara Pichelli with Elizabetta D’Amico
Colorist:Marte Gracia
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Remember how Dan Slott teased us about the Fantastic Four not reuniting in the long awaited Fantastic Four #1 last month? And assured us that it would happen this issue? Well, it does, but barely any more than it did in the last… Fantastic Four #2 is a meeting of two lines at the present in order to give us more context, but for now, I’m afraid that that context doesn’t feel important enough to make us wait another month for a reunion that’s more than just an awkward splash page. How long are they going to put off the emotions, the questions, and the answers? It sure feels like we’ve been waiting forever since Marvel Two-in-One was labeled “The Fate of the Four”. Still, I can’t say I disliked this book. While I’m a little miffed that we still haven’t really seen them all back together, this book does have something to enjoy in family dynamics when it pays attention to the kids. They’re stereotypical, sure, but the Fantastic Four really is all about being a family, so I think if you’re not so concerned about answers (since we the audience already know them), you’ll be satisfied with the dad/daughter/boyfriend schtick. I do think it’s worth mentioning that – mild spoiler – Franklin Richards is unceremoniously nerfed. Like, really unceremoniously. “Whoops, battery low.” I understand that you have to nerf someone as powerful as him on a team, but it feels like an afterthought here.
I very much enjoyed Sara Pichelli’s work in the previous issue, but here, it feels like it may have been rushed in a few places to meet a deadline. You know I’m about to nitpick, but… Man, Reed’s beard just looks so awkward. The 4’s on their suits are so scribbled on that I swear, if you didn’t know who the characters were or what book you were reading, you’d think they had S’s on their chests. But Pichelli and Elizabetta D’Amico create some really breath-taking landscapes together, and Marte Gracia seals the deal with beautifully blended night skies. Usually committed faces help sell the script in the same way that an actor is crucial to your enjoyment of a scene in a movie.
All in all, Fantastic Four #2 is an enjoyable issue. I just can’t help but feel like we’re getting pulled around here, like Marvel definitely wants to shake us down for $3.99 (at least) as many times as possible to see the family back together at last. I think many people will be annoyed that that doesn’t really happen in this issue, but the issue still has enough to offer in family shenanigans and awe-inspiring scenery to be enjoyable. I’d say check it out, but adjust your expectations that last issue set.
A Look Inside
