Fantastic Four has had its fair share of creative teams, but there may not be a more wholesome start than Ryan North and Iban Coello’s. The series launched last month with a done-in-one story featuring Thing and Alicia, and now it’s Mr. Fantastic and Sue Storm’s turn. The wholesome vibes continue this week with a new problem to solve in a way only the Fantastic Four could.
Or, in this case, the fantastic two, as the team isn’t together just yet. Fantastic Four #2 opens with Reed and Sue eating at a diner, but they soon realize the people are phasing in and out as Doombots. Something is up, and our heroes are escorted out of town before they can figure things out. Similar to the last issue, the heroes could leave, but they can’t allow the mystery — or the Doombots — to go unanswered.
The issue is framed with a letter told via captions by Sue. She’s writing to Jen about the crazy story we’re about to embark on. This gives the issue a singular voice and allows North to pepper the issue with cute reflections on how happy Sue is in her marriage or the kind of things that she loves about her husband. The relationship’s family, or the marriage aspect, is alive and present. It’s incredibly fresh to see the couple written so well and with so much love. That said, it’s quintessential Fantastic Four in that it’s about family more than a bunch of related superheroes.
The mystery around the Doombots is intriguing and nuanced as the story progresses. There are twists and turns in the mystery, and every reveal feels earned thanks to Sue and Reed’s work. That, and the mystery surrounding the Doombots, is wholesome in its own right too. Once again, North shows us how the Fantastic Four is slightly different from the norm, further cementing how unique they are when done right.
Coello’s art is exceptional here as well. Character acting is on point no matter the size of the panel, and big smash-cut moments will take you off guard in the best of ways. Once again, this isn’t a fight comic, as the last issue wasn’t either, but we do get to see their powers at work. The weirdness of Mr. Fantastic is captured well, which is tricky to do. Plus, he uses shovel hands at one point. How positively practical! Coello also reminds us Sue and Reed genuinely love one another, and you can see that on their faces and how they look at each other.
Fantastic Four is a breath of fresh air in superhero comics. Light on violence but heavy on heart, this series will win you over. Grinch’s out there better watch out, as Fantastic Four will make their hearts grow three sizes as they fall in love with these characters all over again. Fantastic Four #2 reminds us of the strong and loving relationship between Reed and Sue and throws in a Doom twist to boot.
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