Comic Books

> > 588
FANTASTIC FOUR #588

Following the death of Johnny Storm, we spend a month seeing how the remaining members of the Fantastic Four, the extended family, other heroes, and prominent villains react to the loss of this legendary hero. It’s the epilogue to THREE: A Month of Mourning.

PLUS: The Amazing Spider-Man consoles Franklin Richards in a second all-new tale!

Story by Jonathan Hickman
Art by Nick Dragotta & Mark Brooks
Cover by Alan Davis

Price: $3.99
iFanboy Community Pick of the Week Percentage: 31.2%

Reviews

UserAddedSpoilers
mongo02/24/11YesRead Review
TheNextChampion02/23/11NoRead Review
jackietam02/23/11NoRead Review
764
Pulls
Avg Rating: 4.7
 
Users who pulled this comic:
 

Comments

  1. Avatar photo TheNextChampion says:
    February 21, 2011 at 2:16 pm

    Are we going to have Doctor Doom cry over Johnny dying? Hey wait a second….what did happen to that team up with Valerie and Doom?

  2. Avatar photo wallythegreenmonster says:
    February 21, 2011 at 2:20 pm

    I hope i’ll be able to find this….at cover price. 

  3. Avatar photo TexasZombie99 says:
    February 21, 2011 at 2:23 pm

    Is the funeral going to be at the same gravesite as Sentry?  Whatever, lets cry it out and then promptly get back to science adventuring please.

  4. Avatar photo KickAss says:
    February 21, 2011 at 3:04 pm

    Fanboys sure hate crying.

  5. froggulper says:
    February 21, 2011 at 4:38 pm

    @TNC: I was thinking about the lost Doom subplot a few days ago. It’s stuff like this that caused me to drop FF after last issue (I think I was the only one on the internet who was unimpressed by it): Lost subplots, suggestions of intrigue that never amount to anything, political and/or scientific speeches that have no substance, long stretches of boredom, and too many character moments and interactions that seem forced or stereotypical to me (e.g., precious children, for the 37,000th time).

    The whole “Three” storyline started with Valeria talking to Doom. Nothing came out of it. Then the storyline finished with Johnny being killed by a totally generic Annilius invasion, which wasn’t developed enough to be specific or unique enough to justify the “death” that resulted from it (Did Annilius even say anything?). I guess if I just took everything at facevalue than I’d be happy with all of it. But I can’t not remember what a cocktease it was to throw Doom out there and then just have him disappear for so long. And I can’t not recognize how Annihilus wasn’t really developed.

    I like Hickman as much as the next guy. I’ve liked earlier parts of this run–but those turned out to be isolated moments that never really built toward any logical overall meaning. Then there’s totally nonsensical stuff like Namor being supplanted by Sue as Ruler of the Sea, yet it’s stated that Sue’s earned the throne BECAUSE of her connection to Namor (so how could she possibly outrank Namor if she only has political power through him?). Everything that’s going on lately seems forced to me. No offense to anyone who’s enjoying this. If it was my first (or second, or third) time following an FF run, then I’d be having a good time discovering these characters. I’m glad Marvel puts out comics like this–they’re good comics–but I feel like I’ve read too much or something, because they don’t impress me enough to want to keep reading.

  6. Avatar photo roadcrew1 says:
    February 21, 2011 at 4:59 pm

    I had managed to not be spoiled by who died until I saw the solicit for this book.

  7. Avatar photo Conor Kilpatrick (@cskilpatrick) says:
    February 21, 2011 at 6:30 pm

    @roadcrew1  I’m surprised you made it that long.

  8. Avatar photo RoiVampire says:
    February 21, 2011 at 7:42 pm

    @conor  @roadcrew1  As am I. Hats off to you sir.

  9. Avatar photo USPUNX says:
    February 21, 2011 at 7:47 pm

    @froggulper: yeah man! instant gratification or nothing! i hate having to actually wait for seeds to be planted and things to develeop! if it doesn’t all happen in one 5-issue arc i’m done! right on!

  10. Avatar photo JimBilly4 says:
    February 21, 2011 at 8:28 pm

    @froggulper I am fairly certain Namor does not recognize Sue’s right to be ruler of the sea. The crazy new Atlanteans do and Namor was unwilling to fight their new Queen to the death over it. With Sue in charge, Namor has some assurances the new Atlanteans are not about to wage a surprise war against him. You can tell these other Atlanteans are an ancient civilization as their bureaucracy has developed to a point where they pick their rulers buy technicalities.

  11. Avatar photo TheNextChampion says:
    February 21, 2011 at 8:57 pm

    Well I don’t think Hickman dropped the Doom storyline. Just like everything else, I’m sure it’s going to affect the book in the long run. Just strange to introduce it in the last storyarc and hear nothing from it.

    I’m sure Hickman will bring it back again for FF.

  12. Avatar photo huntersan182 says:
    February 21, 2011 at 9:30 pm

    @froggulper  I bet you hated lost

  13. Avatar photo j206 says:
    February 22, 2011 at 12:32 am

    @roadcrew1 – Not to say ‘told ya so’, but…

  14. Avatar photo kmob181 says:
    February 22, 2011 at 5:22 am

    I also got spoiled but before this solicit.  I think it was CBR which had a death of characters article with a big pic of Johnny Storm next to the link for all to see.  I should have figured it was naive to think I would be able to go on on not knowing until I actually read the book in June.  Incidentally, Hickman, in my experience, never drops subplots.  He writes complex stories and really appreciates the slow burn, which I appreciate.  This may be my favorite Marvel book right now although its neck in neck with X-Factor.

  15. Avatar photo kmob181 says:
    February 22, 2011 at 5:23 am

    Incidentally does anyone know if FF is going to be $2.99 or $3.99?

  16. Avatar photo AmirCat says:
    February 22, 2011 at 1:08 pm

    @TexasZombie99  We’ll find out that Johnny was the only guy who was able to get Rogue HOT!

  17. Avatar photo AmirCat says:
    February 22, 2011 at 1:10 pm

    @froggulper  Doom is going to be involved. He is on a cover of FF #2 and Hickman has mentioned him in interviews.

  18. Avatar photo wallythegreenmonster says:
    February 22, 2011 at 2:56 pm

    ONe thing i’ve learned from reading through the first volumes of Hickman’s FF run is that he plants some seeds, and then leaves them alone for quite a while. Remember Johnny and his Negative Zone incident back in vol2? Kinda like a foreshadow. 

  19. Avatar photo AmirCat says:
    February 22, 2011 at 4:38 pm

    @wallythegreenmonster  That negative zone incident woudl have been a sad way to go. Hooking up with an assassin alien chick.

  20. Avatar photo OttoBott says:
    February 22, 2011 at 5:52 pm

    I’m seeing $3.99 for the first with $2.99 for the rest (up to #4 at least). So that’s what Diamond is saying thus far, anyways.

  21. Avatar photo TheNextChampion says:
    February 22, 2011 at 7:27 pm

    @wally: That’s a great observation. Cause in that sense, he was irresponsible with that incident and had no idea what to do when the negative zone opened. But when he died he knew exactly what to do and acted more adult. 

  22. Avatar photo WaltKellysGhost says:
    February 22, 2011 at 7:45 pm

    @TheNextChampion  I think you’re right. The FF (orF3?) will, from my understanding, be taking a darker direction. I don’t think we’ve seen the last of that subplot.

    Also…while pretty much Hickman’s books (along with Paul Cornell) top my list of best things in superhero comics right now, it would have been nice to see Johnny Storm nova flame about a thousand of those swarm bastards before the rest converged on him. But that’s just me projecting. I’m still along for the ride.

  23. Avatar photo OnASunday says:
    February 23, 2011 at 1:59 am

    Froggulper must not know about The Future Foundation…

  24. Avatar photo kmob181 says:
    February 23, 2011 at 7:05 am

    @OttoBott – Thanks man.  Trying to limit my $3.99 purchases so this good news.

  25. Avatar photo wallythegreenmonster says:
    February 23, 2011 at 6:14 pm

    @TheNextChampion  –yean and don’t forget how Reed scolded Johnny afterwards about being more responsible and doing the right thing for himself and the team. Forget the exact dialog, but when i read it i was like DAMN! thats why he did it!!!!

  26. Avatar photo cubman987 says:
    February 23, 2011 at 6:58 pm

    Damn my shop sold out of this in an hour, had to order is online….thats two times in a row, usually he can’t give FF away.

  27. Avatar photo scallionsncreme says:
    February 23, 2011 at 8:08 pm

    I usually hate these funeral for a friend books, but this was done very well.

  28. Avatar photo TheNextChampion says:
    February 23, 2011 at 8:42 pm

    Amazingly well done. Everything about this issue was perfect. Plus so many things were hinted at for the future that I’m really excited for.

    5/5 (POTW) 

  29. Avatar photo andybmcd says:
    February 23, 2011 at 10:01 pm

    This issue was phenomenal. I thought I’d miss Epting, but Dragotta really conveys the grief held here with great ability (the dark circles on Sue’s eyes are haunting).  I loved that instead of the typical “half-issue eulogy at a funeral” trope, Hickman actually gave a spotlight to each character’s grief as they worked through it over the course of the next month.  There really isn’t much of a weak spot in this issue.  I thought the backup with Brooks on art was cute and even added a little much needed levity to the proceedings.

    Longer thoughts here: http://bit.ly/ieSONo 

    Overall a 9.7/10 or 5/5 on the iFanboy scale

    P.S. Too many girly tears welled up at the Thing’s coping mechanism. 

  30. loki2486 says:
    February 23, 2011 at 11:19 pm

    Nah… I think the ‘Sentry-Fallen Son’ was much better…

    Who’s with me…

    anyone… anyone?

  31. Avatar photo s1lentslayer says:
    February 24, 2011 at 2:18 pm

    Not for sure why but this didn’t have quite the emotional impact on me as it seems to have had on others.

  32. Avatar photo Zarathos81 says:
    February 24, 2011 at 6:25 pm

    The Spidey back up was good. The main story would have been better if the art was better.
    For a fake final issue it was alright though. I guess I’ll be taking about 11 months off and might come back for Fantastic Four #600.

  33. Avatar photo AmirCat says:
    February 24, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    @Zarathos81  With all the due respect, I totally disagree. I loved the art and the arc/issues have been great. I would not mind seeing Dragotta on art. He reminded me of a Darwynn Cook/Tim Sale. It was awesome.

  34. Avatar photo AmirCat says:
    February 24, 2011 at 6:38 pm

    Who was the guy that handed Reed parts of the Jersey? Is that Annilus?

  35. Avatar photo XManRyan says:
    February 24, 2011 at 6:41 pm

    @ AmiCat.

    Yes it was. At first I was like woah isn’t Annilius much bigger than that shrimp.

  36. loki2486 says:
    February 25, 2011 at 12:50 am

    OK, I’m a sucker for logic (even in comics).   If the Ultimate Nullifier is indeed such a powerful weapon in the Marvel Universe… and if Reed is in procession of the Ultimate Nullifier, why should he worry so much about the all those threat levels? 

    It’s like a country declaring it has nuclear weapons… you invade us, and we’ll drop the nukes…

    And if the guy that handed Johnny’s jersey to Reed was Annilus, and Reed had the Ultimate Nullifer pointed at him… why didn’t Reed use it?

  37. Avatar photo wallythegreenmonster says:
    February 25, 2011 at 2:25 am

    This was an amazing issue. Totally loved everything about it…just some really masterful storytelling here. I think this is my first 5/5. 

  38. Avatar photo EAGLEBAUER says:
    February 25, 2011 at 6:04 pm

    This issue is a testament to the power of comic book storytelling. Dragotta nails the emotional power of every scene, which is an impressive feat. If that sequence with Thor, Hulk, and the Thing doesn’t put a lump in your throat, you’ve got no soul.

  39. Avatar photo Impulse says:
    February 25, 2011 at 6:06 pm

    Spidey cheering Franklin was the best part of this book.  I didn’t expect the relating of 2 Uncles would have the emotional response that it did.
    Plus the panel with Spidey asking Franklin for a dollar at the Hot Dog stand was classic.  That one made me laugh out loud in public.

  40. Avatar photo MutantSentry says:
    February 26, 2011 at 2:20 am

    Dragotta is, to borrow an adjetive, Fantastic.  Between this week’s Amazing Spider-Man and this issue it is a pretty sad week… but in a good way…

  41. Avatar photo mguy77 says:
    February 27, 2011 at 11:29 am

    I cried also during & after reading this issue. 

    Matthew

  42. Avatar photo cahubble09 says:
    February 27, 2011 at 11:58 am

    I have a stupid question for the board. How do we really know that Johnny Storm is dead? In #587 he didn’t look very dead to me. Sure, in the final pages he was lying there with his eyes closed as the Annihilus insectoids closed in … without a scratch on his body and a still faintly burning flame. Did any of us see an actual moment of death? Personally, I think he’ll be back as a brooding anti-hero in a year or so. I expect a long, drawn-out story of a threatening, unseen, new nemesis who will be shockingly revealed in a stunning cliffhanger … he’ll be especially peeved that Spidey has taken his place on the team.

    Or I’m just in denial and Johnny really is dead.

  43. Avatar photo LRecio says:
    February 27, 2011 at 1:11 pm

    Loved this issue.  It took us through the family’s and other heroes’ emotions without being in our faces, yet being impactful enough that you can feel their pain.  I didn’t know it was a mostly silent issue but it was a great artistic choice and very fitting.  5/5

  44. Avatar photo cahubble09 says:
    March 6, 2011 at 2:11 pm
    I am a tad bit cynical about this arc. Johnny Storm will be back.
    That said … the segment with Spidey and Franklin was gold.
    Still … this issue and #587 are tainted by one absence/oversight by Hickman et al:
    Where was Uatu?
  45. Avatar photo JimBilly4 says:
    March 15, 2011 at 4:51 pm

    No one is ever dead dead in comics. And no way Johnny Storm will be. It was clearly written with the idea of a loophole in mind. We don’t see the death. The only question is whether Hickman plans to bring him back or whether he will leave that for when the next writer of FF runs out of ideas.

    My personal prediction is we will see the return of Johnny in Fantastic Four #600, but he won’t really be back. Either he will be evil, corrupted by Annihilus, or there will just be a rumor or some small shred of evidence he lives. Getting him actually back on the team will take at least another year.

  46. Avatar photo Vidman says:
    April 17, 2011 at 8:30 pm

    Come on, Spidey and Franklin made me tear up.  That is what it’s all about, the fun of the fighting, and saving the world, with the ability to still touch you with storylines like this. Eaglebauer said it all.

Leave a Comment