If there’s one truth about Ryan North’s Fantastic Four, every issue is different. From new science problems to new dynamics to overcome between the family, there’s always something new in every issue. Take Fantastic Four #20 out today. The conflict revolves around Thing and Human Torch working at a grocery store. Seriously.
As this issue shows, North is very good at plucking at the various relationship dynamics of this team. The brotherly love and teasing of Thing and Human Torch are on full display, and for some reason, they insist on getting jobs at the same places. At the start, the two are working security at a brewery. This falls apart quickly, and soon, they’re both interviewing for a gig at a grocery store. Not even in need of money per se, the two are bored and enjoy getting under each other’s skin.
Outside of the rivalry, North plucks at the personalities of these characters. Something they have in common is being stubborn, but they both always assume the other is wrong and they are right. It’s not all fighting, though, as North utilizes a key scene to show they love each other and will back each other up immediately.
Frankly, this issue doesn’t have a lot of action, but it’s not lacking in the entertainment department. In a key scene showing the rivalry of our characters, we get to see how Thing and Human Torch gain favor with grocery store customers. It not only shows how these characters function but also what they know are their strengths. The issue ends with a bit of action, which feels like a natural way to show the head-butting these characters go through throughout the issue continue on even when they’re facing incredible monsters.
How often is it Johnny’s fault?
Credit: Marvel
The artwork by Carlos Gómez has a clean look and great expression. Johnny is particularly expressive, so much so you might want to smack him yourself. Flame abilities are on point, with colors by Jesus Abertov. While there isn’t a lot of superhero action, there are plenty of characters drawn in a single panel throughout. The details are never lacking.
Now, do I miss a science problem getting resolved in this issue? I sure do, but the element of family and character writing is pronounced and well done. In a key dinner scene, it’s fun to see Invisible Woman deal with Thing and Human Torch in her own way. Extra points go to the creative team by showing the family carry on with dinner as if they always deal with these two arguing.
Fantastic Four #20 takes the mundanity of working in a grocery store and plucks out family conflicts. There isn’t a family-based superhero comic out there as good as this.
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