Punisher War Journal: Civil War Review

Writer: Matt Fraction
Artists: Ariel Olivetti & Mike Deodato, Jr.

I read the crossover story Civil War, and planned on reading, and reviewing the tie-in novels that I had, and although I read them I never got round to reviewing them. I am however hoping to do that now, and am continuing with this Punisher tie-in volume, with this being my first review from the Punisher War Journal series.

Plot

After killing Stilt-Man, Punisher looks for the person supplying villains with high teach weapons, finding a new ally in Stuart Clarke. Punisher the joins Captain America's Secret Avengers after saving Spider-Man.

Review

This was a very good book, and a great opening story for the series. Matt Fraction does a great job of starting this series, using the Civil War event to it's best advantage. I also liked that despite it being a Civil War tie-in that it managed to divert from that story, as with Punisher featuring briefly in the event I was worrying that this may just be a direct copy from Punisher's perspective, but it turned out to be so much more. Faction also added plenty of drama, and suspense in this story, also giving some exciting action sequences. Fraction also got Punisher's characteristics right, and I loved both the dialogue, and the thought boxes that Fraction wrote, as he really seems to understand the character well, as some writers haven't grasped his characteristics in the past, so it was nice that Fraction was able to do this, as although this wasn't the best Punisher story that I've ever read, it helped with the overall quality.

The art in this book was mainly done by Ariel Olivetti, with Mike Deodato, Jr. doing the last issue in the book. Now both artist did an amazing, job, and although I prefer Deodato Jr.'s art over Olivetti's, Ollivetti's suited the Punisher much more, as Deodato Jr.'s art had too much going in it, and felt a little too dark. It also didn't help that the Punisher didn't appear much, but even when he did, he didn't look as rugged, and rough as he did in Olivetti's art. The detail in both artists art was amazing, with very few imperfections. I loved the layout of Olivetti's art, as it was so dynamic, and dramatic, giving a lot of tone to the story. I also loved how Olivetti handled the action as it was very explosive, and exciting, as well as entertaining. The colouring in this book was also brilliant, with both Dean White, and Rain Beredo doing a geat job, though I did feel that White's gave a much better tone that Beredo's.

This story would start with the Punisher killing Stilt-Man. Now I've enjoyed reading stories with Stilt-Man in them before, but he isn't one of my favourite villains, so to be honest I wasn't upset about him getting killed. I did however find this to be a great way of starting the story, as it felt like the start of a Punisher story, rather than an attempt to throw him into an event. I also loved the interaction between Punisher, and Stilt-Man, and how that despite him now being a hero, he was still a killer in Punisher's eyes, which is how the Punisher should react, as he doesn't see heroes, and villains, just good guys, and criminals.

Punisher would then go onto try and find the person supplying the villains with upgrades, eventually finding Stuart Clarke, who used to go under the name of Rampage. Now I found the interaction between these two characters to be very entertaining, and the way Clarke's hatred for Iron Man was utilised was brilliant, as with Iron Man leading the pro-registration side of the Civil War it's nice to have things connect like that. I also enjoyed that despite getting off on the wrong foot how they managed to form an unusual alliance, with Clarke becoming his new Microchip.

During this story Punisher would be pursued by G.W. Bridge, who decided to hunt down the Punisher after he killed Stilt-Man. Now I'm not overly familiar with Bridge, only knowing the basics, and that he was an ally of Cable's at one point as a member Six Pack. I did however enjoy seeing him in this story, as I love seeing powerful characters in Punisher stories, but especially when they're relatively ordinary. I also liked the fact that he really disliked Punisher, and that he would go to any lengths to stop him, something that we haven't seen too much over the last few years.

Finally Punisher joins up with Captain America's Secret Avengers, by brining a near dead Spider-Man to their base. Now I loved Punisher's involvement in the main Civil War story, and it was nice to see his perspective of the events, as although I was glad that this wasn't a carbon copy, I was also happy to see some similarities, as it wouldn't be a good tie-in otherwise. I also loved seeing Punisher interact with Cap during this time, and how all the heroes questioned whether it was the right decision to have Punisher with them. I did however find it slightly disappointing how the Secret Avengers base was a lot planer in this version, as although it suited this story more than the one from the Civil War series itself, I'd have preferred a bit of continuity, even if they were only a little more similar.

Final Verdict

This was a great tie-in story, as well as a brilliant start to this series. It may not have been the best Punisher story ever written, but it had all the elements that a Punisher story should have, feeling very gritty, and realistic. It also had plenty of drama, and suspense, as well as tremendous action. It also had some great developments for the future of this series, also having some great additional characters. Due to all this I'd recommend this story, as it was a great tie-in, and a brilliant Punisher story.

Rating: 8/10

The next Punisher book I'll be reviewing will be Punisher War Journal: Goin' Out West.

Fantastic Four #3 Review

Writer: Matt Fraction

Artist: Mark Bagley

This has been a very interesting series so far, and I'm happy that it's finally hit a higher gear. Although the last two issues weren't bad they didn't really progress the story much, and could have been squeezed into one issue, so I'm happy that we finally get to see the Fantastic Four's adventures.

Plot

This issue sees the Fantastic Four finally start their adventures, but they find more than they'd bargained for in this one.

Review

This was a brilliant issue, and the best in the series so far. Matt Fraction has really done a tremendous job on this series, and is starting to make me like the Fantastic Four more than ever. I have never really been a huge Fantastic Four fan, but I jumped on Jonathan Hickman's run during the storyline which would feature the death of a Fantastic Four member, and also got some of his work prior to that, and after. Although there were some good stories, the others were average, or bellow, and I almost gave up on them. Fraction has however made Fantastic Four fun again, and I am happy he has finally started telling their adventures, as I was starting to get bored by the end of the previous issue (due to the long build up). I've also loved that Fraction has been able to write the Fantastic Four as a family really well, but I'll talk more about that further on in my review.

I've really enjoyed Mark Bagley artwork over the series so far, and his style of art really suits this series. I've always loved Bagley's art, ever since seeing it in Ultimate Spider-Man, and although I've not bought anything since the combination of his art and Fraction's writing is what made my final decision to at least try this series, and I'm glad I did. I also think that this is the best art he's done so far in the series, as the last couple had the odd panel lack of detail, whereas this issue has little to none, with the few having them in the distance. This issue also showed the amazing, and eccentric looking things that Bagley can draw. I also loved the way Bagley drew the interaction of the Fantastic Four family, as it really expanded on the brilliant writing that Fraction already provided showing that although they're going on adventures that this is still a family, with is probably shown more now than it's ever been.

As I've said a couple of times already I really enjoyed that this issue has shown the Fantastic Four as a family. Although Hickman used Franklin, and Val in his run it showed more of their education, and didn't really show enough of them as kids. It also didn't show enough of them with their parents, and that's what I love about this series, you're reminded that they are still children, and that they add to the family. It was nice seeing them interact with their parents, and that how they fought over who should land on the new planet first. It was also nice to see Reed (Mr. Fantastic) have a bit of fun, as he's been worrying about his Unstable Molecules decaying, and whether the rest of the team have a similar problem.

Who's Going First

I felt really sorry for Ben (Thing) in this issue as he's the only person who has to sit out this adventure (at least most of it). It's bad enough that he's the least human looking out of them, but the fact he can't join in on their fun is another blow to his confidence. He did however get a moment to shine later on in the issue which kind of made up for this, which was nice for the big lump of rock.

WARNING: POSSIBLY SMALL SPOILERS!

This issue could have also been considered a slow issue if it wasn't for the reaction the planet had to the Fantastic Four's presence. The planet appears to have sentinel thoughts, as it attacks the Fantastic Four. This was a terrific sequence, and it gave a brilliant opportunity for Bagley to show of his amazing skill as an artist. It also gave a chance for Ben to get involved in the action, and feel part of the family which was also nice to see. My favourite part was however a line from Sue (Invisible Woman) saying that she expected this journey to be, "less action, more adventure," which really put Reed in his place. I also liked how Reed had to warn Johnny (Human Torch) about flaming on, due to there being no oxygen.

It's a Trap

Final Verdict

This was a great issue, and a really fun, showing ton's of promise for the future of this series. I would highly recommend both this issue, and the other two issues in this series, and am really looking forward to the next issue.

Rating: 4.5/5

Hawkeye #6 Review

Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: David Aja

I have really been enjoying this series, and it has been one of the best series Marvel has produced over the last year. Although Spider-Man, and Wolverine are in my top three favourite characters (along with Batman), Hawkeye has always been my favourite Avenger, so it's very nice to see him in a solid solo series. Matt Fraction has really done a splendid job of making this series brilliant, and showing more of Clint Barton, rather than all Hawkeye.

Plot

This issue sees six days of Hawkeye's life. The story jumps about the place, over these days starting with him getting help from Tony Stark with setting up his TV, DVR, and other stuff. The story then jumps back to the first day in the sequence where Hawkeye decides to have a break from being a superhero after taking down a group A.I.M. goons, with Wolverine and Spider-Man. It's not long before Hawkeye gets more trouble, as the Tracksuit Mafia aren't happy with him.

Review

This was a brilliant issue, and one of my favourite's out of these one-shot stories. I liked that it was a fun Christmas set story. What I especially loved about this was that it wasn't your usual Christmas set story, and just when Hawkey's wanting to have a break, trouble comes to his door. Fraction yet again did a fantastic job, and he's really dot the knack for writing great Hawkeye stories, even if they're only one-shot stories. I was however wasn't entirely sure how I felt about the issue near the start, as the jumping back and forward put me off a bit. I did however get used to it, and although I had to go back a few pages from time to time, overall I felt it was good. The reason I think this was an overall good choice was that there are some sequences that have questions which are answered in actions from the previous day, so it's better to flashback to that moment. I also liked that Fraction was able to involve the Tracksuit Mafia in this issue, as I've really enjoyed them in this series, but I'll talk more about that later in my review.

The art in this issue was excellent, and I'm happy David Aja was doing it. Although I didn't mind Javier Pulido's art in the last couple of issues Aja's is much better, and overall suits this story much more. Although Aja's art isn't the most detailed artwork out there it is still brilliant, which surprised me when I first saw it, as I don't usually like art unless it's detailed. Aja does however make up for this by having brilliant facial expressions, and emotions throughout his art, as you can really feel what mood the characters are in, whether confused, agitated, or smug. I hope Aja can continue doing the artwork on this series as much as he can as it's simply marvellous.

Technical Problem's

The main story in this issue is Hawkeye trying to relax over the festive season, and make time to watch the episodes of "Dog Watch" that he's got recorded on his DVR. He initially gets help from Tony Stark in trying to untangle his DVR cables, and eventually cuts them thinking that that would solve the problem. Tony then offers to replace all his stuff, but Hawkeye refuses. I thought this was a brilliant idea, and the fact that Hawkeye is constantly being disturbed during this makes it even better. I also loved that at the start of the issue it looked like Tony, and Hawkeye were dismantling a bomb, whereas Hawkeye was just cutting a cable on his DVR. The way Tony and Hawkeye interacted was also interesting, as both characters are very different. It was nice to see Fraction writing Tony again as I loved his The Invincible Iron Man series.

Stupid Bro

The Tracksuit Mafia also made an appearance in this issue threatening to kill everyone in Hawkey's building if he doesn't leave. I've loved the introduction of these characters in this series, as they've given something different, and manageable for Hawkeye to face. These villains haven't only been a good source of action for this comic, but it's also given more comic relief to the series, with them always using the word, "bro." I liked them in this issue because they went all out, and wanted to make a bold statement, as Hawkeye has stuck his nose in too much of their business. I hope that this group continues to make appearances in this series as they are funny, and due to their large numbers they prove to be a decent challenge to Hawkeye if he's on his own, or with Kate Bishop. Speaking about Kate, it was nice to see her make a small appearance in this issue, and that she talked some sense into Hawkeye, as I've been enjoying her appearances, making the series a multi-Hawkeye series.

Hawkguy?

There was also a funny moment in this issue where someone repeatedly calls Hawkeye, Hawkguy, thinking that that's his name. This is funny because Fraction affectionately calls Hawkeye, Hawkguy, because that's what his kid calls him, so it was a nice touch to see thin incorporated into an issue. I also liked that no matter how hard Hawkeye tried to correct him, the guy persisted in calling him Hawkguy. Overall this was a very funny sequence, and I was happy Fraction added it in, as besides the reference to Fraction calling Hawkeye, Hawkguy, it would have still been a funny scene, the reference just made it funnier.

Final Verdict

This was a fantastic issue, and one of the best the series has produced so far. It's a fun Hawkeye issue, as well as being a good Christmas story. I would highly recommend this issue as well as the entire series, as it's been mind-blowingly brilliant, and a really fun series.

Rating: 5/5

Fantastic Four #2 Review

Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Mark Bagley

This series had a very good start and I'm starting to really like the Fantastic Four again (as I wasn't a fan on Jonathan Hickman's run). This series looks like it will be a lot of fun but unfortunately this issue is still setting things up.

Plot

This issue sees the Fantastic Four recruit the team that will replace them in case they are gone for more than four minutes.

Review

This was a very good issue but I would have preferred to see the Fantastic Four in action. I appreciate that this issue shows the grouping of the team that will replace them in case something goes wrong, as I don't plan on getting FF, but I'd still rather see them on their adventures. Matt Fraction has however done a tremendous job of writing this issue, and it looks like he's wanting to link his two series perfectly. He also really knows how to write these characters, as he has them all down to a t, whether it's the competitive Thing, or the forgetful Johnny Storm.

The art in this issue was also very good and Mark Bagley has once again done a tremendous job. His artwork is simly amazing, and really suits this series. Bagley also has a brilliant ability of knowing when to make a panel look fun or serious, and I love how you can feel the atmosphere throughout the characters through his art. I also like how he puts ton's of detail in his art, and whether it's drawing the group gathered round, Johnny and Darla facing Dinosaurs, or Ant-Man (Scott Lang) examining Reed Richards' arm, it's always beautiful.

The way that each member of the team was able to choice their replacement was also very nice, and I liked how they got to hang out with their respected replacements also. The funniest one was Thing and She-Hulk, as both characters are very competitive, and whilst lifting weights (in the ton's) they both keep upping the ante. It was also fun to see how She-Hulk reacted when Thing called her a dummy. Thing shouldn't be calling any one a dummy, and especially She-Hulk, as she's a very smart person, being a lawyer. I also thought it was nice seeing She-Hulk in a Fantastic Four comic again as it's not the first time she's been a member of the Fantastic Four, but it has been some time.

Reed Richards' choice of Ant-Man to replace him was also a very smart decision, as they are both very smart characters, and the replacement team needs someone like Ant-Man to lead them. I also liked how Ant-Man was shocked with what he found whilst examining Mr. Fantastic, and how to him it looked, "evil,". I was also happy that it was the Scott Land, Ant-Man that Reed chose as he's not been in much recently and Eric O'Grady, and Hank Pym have had a lot more notice.

Sue Storm's choice of Medusa as her replacement was also very interesting, and I liked how Madusa was perplexed when the children didn't bow to her. It was also nice seeing Madusa back in a Fantastic Four issue as an ally, as she's been around the Fantastic Four with the Inhumans for years, and was actually introduced in the first Fantastic Four ongoing series.

Johnny's choice for his replacement was probably the most interesting overall, as he asked Darla, who he was on a date with last issue to take his place. This was a weird choice cause as far as I'm aware she as no superpowers. This also shows how lazy Johnny is at picking a replacement, and due to him believing that they will be back in four minutes he doesn't see why he should go out of his way. I'm sure FF will give more information on the Darla character, and from what I've read I know she gets a Thing suit, and goes under the name Ms. Thing, but seriously Johnny should have thought of someone better to replace him.

Final Verdict

This was a good issue but I would have preferred to have seen the Fantastic Four on their adventures. I would still recommend this issue, as it was good, and once it kicks into a higher gear I expect this series to be brilliant.

Rating: 4/5

Hawkeye #5 Review

Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Javier Pulido

This has been one of the best series Marvel has brought out in the last year, and I've been loving all the different Hawkeye tales. At one point I was considering not getting this series due to budget reasons but I'm very happy I did has it's been much better than I'd ever expected, and Matt Fraction has done some marvellous work on this series.

Plot

This issue sees the continuation of the last where Hawkeye has to retrieve a tape that has him killing a terrorist on it. Hawkeye is now captured, and is attacked by ninjas whilst Kate Bishop is posing as Madame Masque, who she's got tied up in the bathroom.

Review

This is another amazing issue but not quite as good as the previous issues. I've been loving what Fraction has been doing with the series but there were a few minor imperfections that lowered the overall rating. I've also liked how Fraction has been able to add ton's on humour to this series whilst making it fun and action packed. The way this series has been more focused on Clint rather than Hawkeye has also been very nice, and I've also enjoyed seen Kate have a big role in this series, giving it multi-Hawkeye feel similar to the multiple Iron Fists in The Immortal Iron Fist. I't's also been interesting that this series hasn't used any proper villains until this story, and how even though they don't play a interfering role there have been quite a few well known villains featured in this story.

The art in this series has also been good and Javier Pulido's art has been good over the last few issues. I am however looking forward to seeing David Aja return as artist next issue as his art is much better and suits this series a lot more. As I said Pulido has however done a good job in Aja's place and his artwork over the last couple of issues, although unique has been very similar to Aja's. Pulido's art hasn't necessarily been the best I've seen and artwork with lack of detail is usually a down side for me but that doesn't affect this series too much and helps show the fun feel of the series even more. I've also liked how Pulido's added drama at certain points during this issue, giving more suspense to it, but there have also been a few points I've not liked. There is a page that has Kingpin and a HYDRA agent talking to Madame Masque, and in the second panel their faces and hands/arms are blacked out where the other panels they're not. Okay you can argue that this adds tone to the book, and it also adds an unique feel but I think it's not quite right and should have been left out. Other than that Matt Hollingsworth has once again added tremendous colours to this issue making the small differences between Aja and Pulido's art less noticeable.

This issue starts with Clint throwing himself out of a window to escape ninjas. Although he was stuck between a rock and a hard place when it came to choices I still think it was stupid to decide to jump through a window of a multi-story building whilst tied to a chair. An army of ninjas isn't an easy feat especially when you're tied to a chair, but unless he knew that someone was going to be there to save him it's the worse decision of the two, and he probably would have stood a fair chance against the ninjas, having all that S.H.I.E.L.D. training.

Clint however was saved by Maria Hill, who just happened to be flying by, I assume they were monitoring Hawkeye's mission. Seeing one of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s fancy flying scooters was nice as you don't see that sort of tech from S.H.I.E.L.D. any more and appart from the Helicarrier the hover car was one of the best things to come out of S.H.I.E.L.D., so it was nice to see something similar. I also like the acknowledgement between Clint and Hill as it shows that they can have a laugh whilst being formal.

Kate seeing the tape was also a nice addition to this issue, and I liked how we get to see her doubt if Clint tells her the truth all the time like he said he would. I've been enjoying seeing Kate in this series and although I don't know much about the character besides what I've read in this series, and the few Young Avengers comics I've read she's been a good addition, and I like how you see these different age groups in herself and Clint play of each other.

When Kate got caught by Madame Masque's henchmen it was very interesting seeing how her and Madame Masque interacted. It was also interesting to see the difference in emotions throughout the conversation being calm one minute and nervous the next. I also enjoyed seeing her and Clint fighting besides each other nearer the end of the issue, and how they had time to interact with friendly chat, whilst she asked him if he's ever lied to her.

Final Verdict

A great issue to what has been a tremendous series. Although the start to this two parter was better than the finish there isn't much between them, and if it wasn't for the minor imperfections in story and art they'd be equal. I would still highly recommend this issue and the series as it's one of the best Marvel is producing so far.

Rating: 4.5/5

Hawkeye #4

Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Javier Pulido

I have been enjoying this series so far as it's been amazing. I've been loving what Matt Fraction has been doing with this series and although I've loved all his one-shot Hawkeye tales so far I am happy that he's doing a story that lasts more than an issue, even if it's only two.

Plot

This issue sees Hawkeye get brought in by S.H.I.E.L.D. who tell him that a tape of him killing a terrorist has been put up for auction in Madripoor and that he needs to retrieve it. Hawkeye however isn't the only one after the tape, ton's of criminals are after the tape includinh Madame Masque.

Review

This was another brilliant issue of Hawkeye and I haven't been disappointed with one issue so far. Fraction has been doing a brilliant job with the characters in this series and I've been happy to see that the series is of a similar style to The Immortal Iron Fist (which he also worked on with Aja) by adding multiple Hawkeye's to the series, with both Clint and Kate Bishop. I do however like how this issue especially that Kate's role has been lessened as Clint is the main character in the series and it needs to show. I also like that although Fraction lessened her role in the issue he also found a brilliant way to involve her at the start. The main thing I liked was that Fraction made this more than a one parter. Don't get me wrong I've loved all the other issues and if I was given the option of ton's of brilliant one-shot stories or multiple issue stories that are mediocre, I'd take the one-shots easily, it's just that it's nice to see Hawkeye in a good multi issue story and I hope Fraction does an even longer story further down the line.

Although I miss seeing David Aja's art Javier Pulido's art is still very good and of a similar style to Aja's. Although Pulido's art isn't the most stunning to look at or have much detail, it is a very fun style art which suits this series perfectly. I usually dislike art that doesn't have detail in it but I can enjoy this as I love the way he treats the series making you feel all the silliness that's going on. I also loved how he drew the facial expresions in the characters espcialy whin Clint was either feeling joy earlier in the issue or discomfort when Madame Masque was searching him. Matt Hollingsworth continues to add brilliant colours to this series, and the monotone, retro fell in the colours makes this series feel more fun and stylish. Although I liked Pulido's artwork in this issue I can't wait till Aja returns as his art is simply stunning. Also got to give Aja thanks for his work on the cover. I don't know how he manages to do something that is that simple but so brilliant, whilst doing this for each issue.

The story itself was brilliant and I'm happy that S.H.I.E.L.D.'s work using black ops superheroes like Hawkeye have came back to haunt them. I also liked that Captain America was involved in this as with him being heavily involved in S.H.I.E.L.D. as well as being against terrorism it's nice to see him have a say. Although I think it makes for a great Hawkeye story I do have to question if it's fair to send Hawkeye to get this tape as it was their mess and it's him that the tape will affect the worst.

The way Clint got picked up of the street by the Helicarrier was hilarious. I also found it funny that before getting picked up he was arguing with an old guy that he wasn't an Avenger and how his argument was lost when the Hellicarier arrived. The expression on his face whilst getting taken out of the blue was also priceless, and very funny. The only thing that I thought was a bit odd though, why didn't they just call him in instead of going to all the trouble of making a big scene in the middle of a public place. I know it makes for a more dramatic scene which I'm grateful for, but the part of me that nitpicks at things questions the necessity of it.

I've always liked the Madame Masque character so it was nice and interesting to see her involvement of in this story. I usually prefer seeing the character in an Iron Man story but it was nice to see her in a Hawkeye story for a change. It was also nice to see other villains like Kingpin and and villainous groups like HYDRA and the Maggia were after this same tape showing that nothing is a secret in S.H.I.E.L.D.'s line of work and that everyone's willing to pay out their skin to have something to tarnish S.H.I.E.L.D.'s name.

Final Verdict

Although David Aja wasn't doing arts on this issue it was still good and one of the best series' Marvel is producing the now. I would highly recommend getting this issue and the series so far and am looking forward to seeing how this story concludes next issue.

Rating: 5/5

Fantastic Four #1

Writer: Matt Fraction
Artist: Mark Bagley

I have always liked the Fantastic Four but have never been a huge fan. This is probably due to poor stories and films and although there has been some Fantastic Four stories I liked (Mark Millar and J. Michael Straczynski's runs and a couple of Jonathan Hickman's stories) but there have always been some poor stories in between. I was actually not planing on getting this series as besides a couple of stories I didn't like Hickman's run but being a fan of Matt Fraction's work decided to give F4 one more try.

Plot

This issue sees the Fantastic Four return from a trip in time (2.6 Million years ago) and Reed has injured his arm and discovers the Unstable Molecules that cause his powers are breaking apart, and him along with it. As Reed is trying to solve his problem Johnny is on a date with Darla, Thing has a run in with the Yancy Street Gang and Sue is making sure the children are in bed.

Review

This wasn't a bad first issue and although this issue was a bit slow, due to being more of an introduction issue it was, and not Fraction's best start to a series a good start for this series. Fraction does however seem to understand the Fantastic Four characters and their individual characteristics. I also liked that Fraction kept most of the side cast from FF in this series and although a few are missing (Spider-Man most noticeably) he's kept the more important ones.

I have been a fan of Mark Bagley work since he worked on Ultimate Spider-Man and was happy to see he was doing this series. I think Bagley's did a great job on this issue and due to the series fun and silly nature think that his art work suited it perfectly. The detail throughout the issue was brilliant whether it be space, Reed's injured arm or even just Franklin scared in bed and although there was the odd panel which wasn't perfect overall it was still very beautiful work. Paul Mounts colours throughout this issue were also amazing and made Bagley's art look even better than it already was.

Reed's problem with the Unstable Molecules looks like it might be interesting and has potential for a great story line whether that during the current story or later. I would have preferred to have learned more about it this issue as we only really learn about Reed discovering that his are breaking apart in this issue. It will also be interesting to see if any of the other members have similar problems or not and if so how they will react when they find out that Reed already knew.

Johnny's date with Darla in the Negative Zone was very entertaining and very funny. I wont go into detail about the date to avoid spoiling it but thought I'd mention that I though it was the most entertaining out of the (apparently) irrelevant sequence.

I thought the "fight" (not a proper fight) between the Yancy Street Gang and Thing was fun but a bit too silly and more of a filler as I don't think we will see any progression to this any time soon. I also thought that the Yancy Street Gan took Thing down to easily and even though Thing wasn't prepared for a fight and that a lot of the members rushed him that it would have still taken more to knock him down.

I felt really sorry for Franklin this issue as he's a child who's parents go on all these crazy adventures and has only robots and a Dragon for a nanny to comfort him when he has a bad dream. This shows that even though the Fantastic Four are a superhero team going of to save the world most of the time that they still need to think of their children and although both Reed and Sue love their children lots which is shown later in this issue and during the previous series that sometimes whilst they're away that one of their children might need them to make them feel better.

Final Verdict

A good start to the new Fantastic Four series and it looks like this series might be fun. I would recommend buying this issue and am looking forward to reading the next.

Rating: 4/5