A Fantastic Four comic book is finally back on the shelves this Wednesday at your local comic book store, and Dan Slott and Sara Pichelli set up an emotional rollercoaster for you.
The Steve Ditko tribute at the beginning of the book feels appropriate and extra special setting up a sober, celebratory mood for the book.
“Signal In The Sky”
Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Sara Pichelli with Elisabeth D’Amico’s inks
Color Artist: Marte Gracia
Letters: Joe Caramagna
The main story from Fantastic Four #1 is “Signal In The Sky,” and it’s a therapy session for anyone who has missed the Fantastic Four since the series was canceled more than three years ago. Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm are at an emotional crossroad with the loss of Reed, Sue, Franklin, and Valeria. Johnny and Ben play the roles of hope and despair. Slott must have been listening at all those conventions he spoke at because he understood what the fans need. Some of the dialogue is corny at times, but it has raw emotion attached.
Pichelli is a top artist at Marvel, but it is her understanding of shape and form that separates her from the pack. As Slott verbalized our feelings, Pichelli put us in the panels. Every body type is represented in Fantastic Four #1, and it brought you closer to the characters and the story.
Sidebar – Pichelli’s detail in hairstyles is insane, and more importantly, it was consistent. Johnny Storm looks like he has a fresh blow dry and style every panel. Elisabeth D’Amico’s inks and Marte Gracia colors are substantial factors in the beautiful hair for all.
Gracia’s color palette is perfect with the vibrant primary colors that harken back to the Jack Kirby days. The color scheme of the book is what pushes the theme of adventures, and hope and optimism.
As a Mets fan, it has been a horrible year, but Joe Caramagna lettering had me singing “Meet the Mets” for the rest of the day.
Overall, it was everything a Fantastic Four fan could ask for in a book, with a cliffhanger at the end that has you excited for issue two.
“Our Day Of Doom And Victory”
Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Simone Bianchi
Color Artist: Marco Russo
Letters: Joe Caramagna
You cannot have the Fantastic Four without Doctor Doom, and Slott, with the help of Simone Bianchi, resurrects the legend with “Our Day Of Doom And Victory.” The short story quickly recaps where Doom has been and pushes him forward with a new understanding of the character for the readers.
Bianchi has a style that is somewhat muddled, but this works out well for a villainous tale. Marco Russo’s dark color palette builds tension, until the final page explosion.
After “Signal In The Sky,” you want to read more Fantastic Four and “Our Day Of Doom And Victory” fits perfectly within the book as a backup tale.
“What The Pop?!”
Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Skottie Young
Color Artist: Jeremy Treece
Letters: Joe Caramagna
“What The Pop?!” correctly closes out the issue with one page. It acknowledges the stupidity of nerd rage while consoling the rational readers.
Fantastic Four #1 is a well-written book with spectacular art that begs for a second issue immediately. The creative team connects with the reader and takes them on a journey, that’s the magic of comics.
After you read Fantastic Four #1 let me know what you think in the comments below.
