The Fantastic Four are celebrating a big 700th issue this week, and it’s Ryan North and Iban Coello’s chance to bring Doctor Doom into their story arc. It’s taken seven issues, but the team is finally on good terms. The reader knows the horrible thing Reed did, but what does Doctor Doom think of Reed’s acts? Surprise, surprise: he’s pissed off!
The Fantastic Four are on the run at the start of Fantastic Four #7, thanks to them playing a bit fast and loose to save the Earth. Sure, they could have accidentally killed everyone, but it was a price they had to pay to save us from bacteria that came from another dimension. From the very start, the issue takes different twists and turns, with an interesting plot structure that eventually allows Doctor Doom to get the entire focus.
That interesting structure makes this 38-or-so-page comic do a few different things. It starts with the heroes on the run, has them hunker down in a key Ben Grimm location, weaves in a ghost story that ties into science (a staple of this series), and eventually gets to show us Doctor Doom’s true ultimate nemesis.
Two elements steal the show in this issue. The first is a clever way the heroes lose their language. It’s a neat concept that leads to a banger of a page reveal. It’s a new idea I’d never even considered, and it’s a bit frightening. This element also shows how dangerous Doctor Doom can be in the most unique way. The second thing is Doctor Doom himself, who is written expertly here.
They’re like young brothers.
Credit: Marvel
Time travel is a staple of Doctor Doom, who takes this ability to another level in this issue. Given the implication of his many different jumps, not to mention the incredible feats he enacts, Doom is truly impressive. And yet, he doesn’t win. There’s a clever angle on Doom here that doesn’t reduce his abilities and explains him quite well.
Coello is a big reason why Doctor Doom comes off as so powerful and impressive here. That includes a massive punch given to Reed with blood spraying and quite a bit of force. Throw in the montage of him trying to do his best to beat Reed, and there’s a lot of visual evidence of his abilities.
If you’re looking for Fantastic Four family moments, there are plenty. There’s a bit too much since it slows things down, but they’re endearing. But heck, it’s fun to see Invisible Woman use her powers in a way you might not expect. The other members don’t get a heck of a lot to do with their powers, though, but the family aspect is the meat of their scenes.
Doctor Doom gets the honor of being the focus of a chunk of Fantastic Four #7 in a milestone issue that delivers science, problem-solving, and family. North and Coello, for the umpteenth time, make us believe the Fantastic Four are some of the best heroes ever.
Join the AIPT Patreon
Want to take our relationship to the next level? Become a patron today to gain access to exclusive perks, such as:
- ❌ Remove all ads on the website
- 💬 Join our Discord community, where we chat about the latest news and releases from everything we cover on AIPT
- 📗 Access to our monthly book club
- 📦 Get a physical trade paperback shipped to you every month
- 💥 And more!
You must be logged in to post a comment.