The Fantastic Four are still reeling from Doctor Doom becoming the sorcerer supreme, but that won’t stop them from solving another science adventure this month! Ryan North and Carlos Gomez team up for a new two-part story featuring one of the wildest science mysteries of recent times.
Fantastic Four #23 is a very funny issue, largely due to the captions focusing on the Human Torch. He narrates the issue directly to us, complete with spoilers and translations of what his fellow Fantastic Four means. The voice adds a comedic bend North is known for in some of his best works, and it works quite well here.
That’s particularly the case when Human Torch paraphrases the sciencey stuff to the reader. That adds extra chutzpah to what could be a very dry science recap. Never change, Johnny.
Fans of Marvel Comics staying within continuity will be pleased to note the events of Blood Hunt are still apparent. Vampires and humans are present when a science event happens, and it’s a doozy of a quandary.
These kids are LOUD.
Credit: Marvel
Not to spoil it, but if you are interested in science, bone up on the Oh My God Particle before reading this issue.
When things get sciencey, they get super sciencey, and there are even aliens to behold. There’s quite a lot here to make a two-part story earned, too.
There’s also the family element present, especially with Invisible Woman and Johnny watching over Skrull N’kalla and the Kree Jo-Venn. They’re loud little buggers and have a love of life that’s quite fun. And you gotta love little barbs between Sue and Johnny.
One gripe I had was how easy it is for the FF to solve the big science problem. It reads like the creators ran out of page space to do something more creative. It’s a minor gripe, though.
Art by Gomez is great, particularly the science parts, but also the hard-to-draw science mystery. Paired with Jesus Aburtov on colors, and a lot of this book just pops. Comedic elements always work as well, like a particular one “drawn” by Johnny.
Other highlights include vehicles, new Fantastic Four suits that glow, and even more freaky Mr. Fantastic bending moments. Oh, another highlight is Johnny Storm when he flames on. There’s a cool red look with flames on the edges of him, with white outlining his muscles.
If you enjoy wonderment, science, or simply adventure, do not pass up Fantastic Four. This book is a pure joy, and it is great at putting a smile on your face while you actually learn something. It’s richly rewarding.
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