Pick of the Week
What did the
iFanboy
community think?
Pulls
Art by Steve Epting
Size: pages
Price: 3.99
Yes, I know it was spoiled in the mainstream media. Yes, I know it came sealed in a polybag. Yes, I know this was hyped and overhyped for the past few months. And yes, I know I called it wrong. But if you can step away from all that for a moment, and just absorb Fantastic Four #587 for what it is, I think you’ll agree with me that there really was no other choice this week. Â Amidst a stacked week with some excellent books, I couldn’t do anything by tip my hat to Jonathan Hickman, Steve Epting and the rest of the crew behind Fantastic Four #587Â for an excellent climax to this story arc.
Just to get things out of the way, if you’re one of the few people who avoided the media and the discussion that’s been occurring all week about this, I’m going to discuss the key plot point that someone in the Fantastic Four dies in this issue. I can’t talk about this issue without identifying who it is. So if you don’t know, if you’re waiting for the trade, or whatever your reason is, be warned — there are SPOILERS AHEAD!
Whew, with that out of the way…
For the entire length of Jonathan Hickman’s run on Fantastic Four, I’ve been teetering on the edge of loving it. When Hickman was announced as the ongoing writer of Fantastic Four, I was excited, thinking he was the perfect guy for the job. Right out of the gate he delivered a strong first arc and I thought we were in for a renaissance of Marvel’s First Family. But then over the next couple of story arcs, my excitement began to waver. I realize now that this lack of excitement was more related to an impatience. An expectation that each issue, each story arc have a strength and resonance that I had built up to expect. As I’ve read this current story arc, I’ve realized that Hickman is working at a much larger game plan, and that those moments I was dissatisfied were purely him putting pieces on the table, lining them up for the greater and larger story to unfold. Now given that logic, I’m still personally torn as to how I feel about this particular arc and how it fits in the grand scheme that Hickman is working on, mainly because he’s not finished. I don’t know what the future holds for the Fantastic Four, so I can’t judge the events of this issue in the wider scheme of things. But I can evaluate it on a single issue basis, which is how I approached it and what led me to assign it as the Pick of the Week.
This story arc has been particularly interesting to me from a story standpoint as what Hickman and Epting have done is to separate the team. The Fantastic Four, who are as tight knit as a an adventuring family can be, get puled away from one another. Mr. Fantastic is off in space dealing with Galatcus’ displeasure at the existence of the Nu-World. The Invisible Woman is in the depths of the oceans, playing negotiator to Namor and a newly discovered race of ancient Atlanteans. And finally, you have the kids of the Future Foundation being babysat by The Human Torch and The Thing, who is de-powered back down to Ben Grimm thanks to those baby geniuses of the Future Foundation, who are busy protecting the Baxter Building and Earth from an impending invasion force led by Annihilus from the Negative Zone. Â This story arc has been called “Three,” presumably due to the story leading to the death of one of the Fantastic Four, thus leaving three. But I think it was called “Three” because of the three stages that Hickman built. Three crisises that could mean life and death for any of the team.
Ultimately, the Invisible Woman is not only able to bring peace to the under sea conflict, but she became Queen of these new Ancient Atlanteans and bitch slapped Namor in the process, which only adds to the level of mystique and wonder those two characters have in their relationship. Mr. Fantastic is able to help evacuate the Nu-World as Galactus has his way with the planet, not absorbing/eating it as he usually does, but destroying the crap out of it very quickly. Which leaves us to The Human Torch, The Thing and the kids protecting the home front.
Even if you didn’t get the death in this issue spoiled, it became very apparent, very quickly where the death would happen, as Hickman and Epting seemed to spend more time and more pages on the battle at the door of the Negative Zone. I have to admit, it was these scenes that were the most entertaining to read. To see the genius mind of Valeria and the other Future Foundation kids work as they try and solve the problem at hand was fascinating. The speed of thought and planning that went into what ultimately occurred not only left my head spinning, but also had me laughing as the team bounced ideas back and forth. Throw in a dramatic plot twist as we see a public outing of the fact that Franklin Richards has his powers back, and is used as strong weapon in the fight was a blast to read. Of course all this lead to the ultimate climax and sacrifice that ended the issue.
With only one sure-fire solution deduced by the kids, the realization that someone will need to stay on the Negative Zone side of the door in order to stop the invasion force presents itself and as one would predict, Ben Grimm, ever the hero decides it will be him to make the sacrifice, until in an impulsive move, The Human Torch steps up, grows up, and takes it upon himself to make his stand and save the day. Now I have to give a ton of credit to Steve Epting here who killed it on the art with these last few pages, as the reality of what’s occurring hits both us the readers and the characters who are forced to watch as The Human Torch makes his sacrifice. To amp up the drama, the moment the door begins to lock and close, Ben Grimm, screaming, “No!” ends his week vacation from his rocky form, and reverts back into The Thing. ( I cannot help but call out the obvious reference to Star Trek II as Spock sacrifices himself as Kirk watches (“The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one”), but that’s probably a bit too geeky. ). The look on The Thing’s face, his eyes, this mouth, the single tear. I’ll be honest, I got a little choked up.
And so we say goodbye to The Human Torch. Will he stay dead or will he return like all killed off comic book characters do? I don’t know (Although I will point out, that we never actually see confirmation that he is indeed dead. Just sayin’). Will his death have resonance to the rest of the larger story that Hickman is weaving? I certainly hope so. But for right now, this week, the death of The Human Torch was an excellent comic book, climaxing what has been a great story arc, and a reminder of what two great creators like Jonathan Hickman and Steve Epting can do in just 22 pages of comic book. Fantastic Four #587 is a story with action, drama, subtle humor, conclusions, emotions and consequences all within those 22 pages and delivered on every level. Not to be too cheesy, but this issue definitely earned the adjective of “Fantastic” in my book.
Ron Richards
Give it up for Leech!
ron@ifanboy.com
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Hellz yes, This issue was everything I wanted it to be. Whether or not he is dead, or they retcon it to say he wasn’t dead after Hickman leaves, it was heroic and a truly great moment.
I know deaths aren’t permanent in the world of mainstream comics, but when it’s done right it doesn’t matter.
Fantastic (groan) review Ron!
You’re right, there was much more to this issue then just a death. There was a lot of great character moments, intriguing ideas for the future, and overall a great theme of ‘evolution’ seems to be at play here. With the death though he does handle it very well and definitely makes Johnny a much better character the way he sacrifices himself. Instead of just making it another shocking death.
It wasn’t my pick though for two things though. One, I think there was too much of the kids trying to figure out how to solve everything. Could’ve dailed that a bit and not be so much of a way to pad the issue. Also, the I think Reed’s storyline seemed to be a non-factor and I wasn’t so interested in its conclusion like I was with everyone else’s. Still a pretty damn good issue though (5/5 for me) even with those minor hiccups.
POTW was Deadpool #32 for being ridiculous, hilarious, and gorgeous. Can’t think of any more words ending in ‘ous’ but I will for the meet up.
Loved it too. Sue’s eyeroll made me cheer out loud, just before the titular Last Stand got me as close to balling my eyes out at a comic as I’ve ever been. A tour de force from Hickman and Epting.
Emotionally satisfying, especially after reading the rest of Hickman’s run and all of his intricate setup. I also kind of loved Action Comics this week, but a fine pick sir, a fine pick.
Oh, and Namor’s line about Sue being MAGNIFICENT may have been enough to make this a pick of the week all by itself.
Great review Ron! The marketing succeeded in getting me to pick up the book (not a regular FF reader) and the book succeeded in getting me to buy at least the next arc… Bravo to Hickman and Marvel as I’m sure this reaction was their endgame…
I loved that Hickman totally showed the death scene in this issue in the falling through time sequence from an earlier arc. It was right in your face, but the words were vague enough to not realize just what was happening.
Still can’t wait for what Hickman’s got planned with DOOM and Valeria.
not impressed
I would’ve bought this, but my local stores didn’t have any copies.
@ResurrectionFlan There’s only one issue left. Then it’s being retitled anyway.
I’ve loved the Hickman run on FF. He’s the reason I picked it up, after I read the Dark Reign mini. I can only hope that the death was his plan and not some forced editorial edict, although if it’s good it doesn’t matter
I think this book did exactly what is was meant to do… get more eyes on the title and potentially to continue reading the book. I did not read any FF leading up to this issue, but after reading this one will at least give it a chance going forward.
I might suspect some SEO here but this issue seemed to be a crownd pleaser. 🙂
@JNewcomb How dare you, sir! We’d never iPad do anything Mass Effect 2 solely for the sake of Mila Kunis nude SEO value!
Great issue but no one died in this issue. Read it again fellas, there is no death.
@PaulMontgomery You win.
Great pick and great review. Although I’m disappointed you didn’t mention that “it’s not about the outcome its about the journey maaaaaaaaan”
This issue was well produced, no doubt about it.
But it wasn’t my pick of the week. Not even runner up, really. Too many of the story threads and conclusions fell flat. Even the way that the main character died was fairly cliche, and since we were expecting it, the whole thing became an exercise in guessing.
For me, the big tension, the big battle for ‘pick of the week’ was between Action Comics and Detective Comics. Both of which are focusing resoundingly on their character. The first, Action, being one of the best character studies of TWO psychopaths I have ever seen, and one of the most complex and accessible Joker portrayals in forever. It was clever, funny, revealing, and absolutely cosmic. And the artwork was mindblowing. Rarely do I see such acting from characters. Truly brilliant work.
But no less skilled was Scott Snyder’s work on Detective Comics, which is layered with depth and subtlety, thematically rich and visually effecting. It’s a treat to get a book so focused on character, that not only works thematically but also personally.
Fantastic Four was good, and it’s one of the best books on the market right now. But compared to those two, it was pedestrian.
@glwarm76 I agree; they didn’t kill you-know-who on panel, so they can say in a year’s time when FF turns back into Fantastic Four “he didn’t really die, so now he’s hardened and not-jokey…and probably has a beard.”
@ComicBookGuy37 Exactly. The scene reminded me of Gandalf’s “death scene” in the Two Towers.
I tried soooo hard to avoid the spoilers, only to have the issue sell out everywhere I went. Why wouldn’t stores stock enough copies of this??
@themanagement Because the system is inflexible and stores are stuck with the amount of copies they pre-order without knowing there is going to be a big media push.
@conor @themanagement –i’m in the same predicament. Can’t find a copy anywhere except for the overpriced markup place. A shop owner told me the same thing, that they ordered the normal amount 3 months ago and had no idea there would be the big push. Actually a few shops told me that they were shorted on their orders so they expect more next week.
One told me that they have 2nd printings scheduled for the next 3 weeks or so.
Sales will skyrocket if they rename it “The Terrific Three” or “The Totally Tubular Three.”
Uncanny x-force #4 was my pick. Great story, fantastic art, shocking action, and zero hyperbole. ‘Nuff Said.
@PaulMontgomery – HA!
While this was descent it was not even close to pick of the week. I have been enjoying Hickman’s run, this was not his strongest.
The Reed / Galactus story was a bore. And I agree with an earlier comment that the Annihulus storyline had WAY to much of the kids babbling on and on. Only the Sue storyline was great.
As for the ‘death’..what death ? He was simply stuck in the negative zone..can’t he go Nova and blow their asses ? Are you telling me the rest of the team is not going to try and get in there to at least recover his body and confirm he’s dead ? Very average comic.
This will mark the first time Fantastic Four has ever gotten the pick of the week!
@PaulMontgomery Awesome! HAHAHAH
@tazz – I thought the kids going over how to decode the system and the probablities was awesome. All parts of thsi book were awesome. Reed and Galactus was fun too! Galactus has lost it!! He doesnt even consume anymore. It’s as if he is not destroying planets out of necessity, but rather anger!
My pick of the week was Thunderbolts, just cause it was so much fun, but this issue was amazing.
By the way, wether or not Johnny is dead is irrelavent. This issue meant that he grew up and is not immature anymore. When he comes back he’ll have more of a mature role and the kids will get incorporated into the storyline much much more.
BUMP.
@AmirCat Agreed with you “irrelavent” comments. It was a great scene and it’s probably going to be awesome watching how the rest of the family react to what happened.
If people feel like they got ripped off because it wasn’t a “true” death, then they missed the point. Who gives a fuck about the marketing? The story is what’s going to still be around 20 years from now
did anyone else get a hickman signed copy?
@humanyoyo Were those randomly in the bags?
@humanyoyo can’t tell as I instantly slabbed and sold mine on Ebay for $100 bucks! jk-=[
Look I’m going to be honest I only read issues from time to time. Im pretty much a trade waiter but I was waiting for an appointment and had time to spend and I got the issue. It was Tuesday I had time. I read it while waiting (it’s a real boring job) for the appointment AND freaking Loved it. The story was awesome and I cant wai to get what leads up to it. I hope the arc and series has been good up til this. I got the first FF Hickman arc and kinda stopped. I can’t wait for the trade.
I agree with you Ron, about the title of the arc being more about the three differnet plot lines. I would like to think that the original intent, before all the “One of These Characters Will DIE!” hype, was for us, the readers, to believe that up until Torch “dies”. Very nice.
Human Torch DEAD?
Since when? Did you see it youself? It’s one of the oldest tricks in the book to have something like this happen “offstage”. All I saw was a big wave of creatures bundle Jonny.
In terms of storytelling, this is certainly 5. Hickman is the reason I’ve now been picking up FF on a monthly basis. But Epting’s art was awful BIG TIME. I’m not even sure that that WAS Jonny Storm as it looked more like his vague stunt double standing in for him. Art gets a 2 tops. There’s no doubt flameboy will be back… Any bets on him returning in a year or two as a villain from the Negative Zone before being resurrected?
Is Pick of The Week becoming more “What We Wished was the Best Comic of the Week” rather than “Best Comic of the Week”?
Wasn’t that how Bruce Willis died in Armageddon?
I’m fairly proud of myself for not having it spoiled even though I got my copy late.
Great pick!
@MountNJ Wrong.
@mountnj I think its been picked at least 3 times since JH started
@MountNJ Previous Fantastic Four Picks of the Week:
Fantastic Four #584
Fantastic Four #571
Fantastic Four #555
And that’s just in the last two-ish years.
I thought that this issue was really solid, and the storytelling was so strong in this issue. I loved every page of it. As you noted in your review Ron, those last few pages were so emotionally amazing, and perfectly captured the feel for what was going on.
That said, I’m a bit disappointed by the lack of “commitment” to the death. We technically don’t see him die, and it’s almost too easy to bring him back at this point. I think it would have resonated even more with me had we seen something more shocking or an actual on panel kill. That would definitely make it mean more to me as a reader.
Still, it was a great issue.
It was a really good story, needed more Art on Johnny fighting before the final splash. My pick was X-Force…that was a damn good story and the only X book Im still reading.
This was a very good ending to a solid story. What got to me was when Johnny was making his last stand and said “Flame on!” for the last time. I didn’t think it would hit me as hard as it did.
The current enthusiasm for FF is an odd duck, for me, because it’s a title I’ve read non stop without fail for 30 years and have gone back and read the entirety of FF from issue #1 to boot. It’s a group of characters and a comic I strongly associate with, and have endured good/great/average and terrible runs all the same. Yet it seems that a lot of people aren’t as beholden to the FF and come and go sporadically. It’s those people who seem to be loving Hickman’s run, and I’m happy to see so many people seemingly discovering or re-discovering, the book.
On top of that, Hickman is a guy I consider to have the potential for greatness. While I don’t think all of his works have been great, I’ve come away massively impressed with The Nightly News and Pax Romana, as well as SHIELD and Secret Warriors.
So it puzzles me that, for whatever reason, this run isn’t working for me. Just feels flat to me (save for the first arc with Eaglesham penciling, which I loved). And this issue, in particular, seemed to be more about what Hickman SAID was happening versus what we’re shown or made to FEEL on the page. Ultimately I guess what I’m getting at is that Epting just hasn’t felt right to me on this book (even though he’s a big step up from Neil Edwards).
@Wood Though I’m one of the sporadic FF readers, I mirror a lot of your thoughts. I loved that first arc, but I agree that the storytelling is flat, even if its ideas are inspired ones. I’ve also lost a lot of enthusiasm for the titles since Eaglesham left, and even before then, whenever he had a fill-on artist take his place for an issue or two.
This was a damn terrific week for comics. So much so, in fact, that this was actually close to the bottom of my stack. It was a solid enough issue but there is something about the writing in this series that has left me very underwhelmed – once you get past the first arc, at least. I agree with those that say that the ideas may be brilliant but the storytelling itself is less than wonderful.
Sorry but with stuff like Detective Comics, Action Comics, American Vampire and, my pick of the week, Fables, it simply doesn’t make the cut.
Three- Is the magic number
Being from the same southern town that Johnathon Hickman hails from , I thought I should support his work and I am damn glad I did . He has brought back everything that was great about the FANTASTIC FOUR . All the big cosmic stuff and the family feeling that is the heart of the book . That being said I refuse to buy this issue because killing Johnny smacks of an editorial stunt to sell books . I think they should have hyped the book and let people know that an amazing writer was on it and not theat they were going to kill a charecter , that will be brought back next month anyway .