It’s been a while since I read Jonathan Hickman’s run on Fantastic Four. I read the Dark Reign mini, and the first official trade a long time ago. But it seems like this new, and important arc of ‘Three’ makes you feel like that’s all you need to read. Cause I had a fun time reading this and in no way did I lose the plot. Heck, the way Hickman wrote this issue; ikt could’ve been 100+ since I read another FF and I would still get this issue.

Someone needs to tell Marvel that he needs to do a Valeria Richards mini because she was so well written here. She acts like the typical child (getting into trouble, or going somewhere she doesn’t belong) but because she is a genius; she seems to know what to do more then anyone else. The Fantastic Four itself seems to be in the background for this issue as it focuses on Valeria and also Dr. Doom. Oh I was so waiting for Hickman to do Dr. Doom properly and my god does he do a great job with him. He makes him menacing by not from what he says; but by his tone. When he starts talking to Valeria it feels like he is trying to be both a menacing figure but also an Uncle. Which was a great way to paint him for this issue. The stuff with the Four was great, don’t get me wrong, but it’s the stuff with those two characters that make this issue.

I never really would’ve thought Steve Epting was a perfect fit for Fantastic Four. I’m so used to him on Captain America I just couldn’t see it. Oh but he is so amazing in this issue my friends. Everything about this book looks gorgeous; from the character designs to the backgrounds. When Valeria finds the hallroom of Reed Richards, to Doom’s Castle, or The Four fighting in the city; it all looks amazing. There are also some good taste of Hickman’s style in this as well. You’ll see it trust me, but when Hickman’s ‘graphics’ come into play then I was just so giddy to see them.

This issue completely sold me. From the great writing by Hickman and the truly gorgeous artwork by Epting. I am sold on the premise and just what Hickman has in store for the Richard’s daughter and her ‘team up’ with Uncle Doom. Count me on board for this series for the long haul.