Reviewer: Chris Delloiacono
Story Title: Authoritative Action: Part 2 of 6
Written by: Mark Waid
Penciled by: Howard Porter
Inked by: Norm Rapmund
Colored by: Avalon’s Matt Milla
Lettered by: Virtual Calligraphy’s Rus Wooton
Assistant Editors: Marc Sumerak & Andy Schmidt
Editor: Tom Brevoort
The Ultimate Authority: Stan Lee & Jack Kirby
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Talk about Murphy’s Law at its finest!
Who’d have thought, I was sitting at school, in between classes, so I figured I’d give FF a read and get my review done. I came up with a nice piece, I think, with only a small amount of whining, bitching, and or moaning about the injustice of Mark Waid’s firing. So, what happens when I stop at home before work? You guessed it; Mark Waid’s back on the book and so is Mike Wieringo. Less than three hours later, and the “brilliant†review I had written is now lost to the ages. Nothing like Marvel to take a wonderful announcement and somehow irk me with it. I’m just kidding, let’s rejoice for the best move Marvel’s made in nearly half a century.
Still dealing with Doom
Since Dr. Doom returned to make the lives of the FF miserable in issue 67, or is it 496, oh, who the hell cares, the group after defeating the Latervian ruler, has faced the ever mounting consequences of that battle. Reed Richards has dealt with the physical scars of this latest encounter with the FF’s greatest villain, and the group as a whole has had to deal with the emotional scars of Franklin, Reed and Sue’s forever-youthful child.
Doom was banished to hell in issue 500 (71), leaving Latervia without a ruler, and, of course, Reed Richards steps in to fill the void. Johnny Storm mirrors my confusion at Reed’s career change, “…Reed has never, ever expressed an interest in ruling a country, or I have been missing a lot of e-mail.” While a solid reason behind Reed’s actions is lacking for most of the issue, in the end things make a lot more sense, and the somewhat ludicrous nature of the plotline is lost.
Galactus, Mole Man, Silver Surfer, oh my!
During the course of the latest FF odyssey, Mark Waid brings the foursome on a tour of Latervia. Waid makes clear the feelings of the people of this nation, especially why they support Doom, and want the four fantastic ones out. While the story is well written, engrossing, and even mirrors real life, I think that’s where it falls short. This isn’t escapist entertainment, it reminds me too much of the real world, missing some of the best elements that Waid has brought to FF.
In past reviews, I’ve touted Mr. Waid’s run as one of the best in FF history. While I still agree with my past sentiments, the length of time devoted to the fallout of the Doom situation is now becoming cumbersome. This is where the review gets dicey. Originally I talked about how with Waid’s abrupt firing the run was going to lack some of the most famous supporting characters in FF history, which might hamper the longevity of calling it one of the best. With the return of Mark and Mike, actually Mark will never have left; hopefully this small qualm will be satisfied.
Big News for Flash fans(?)
It’s just been announced that current FF penciller Howard Porter, will be taking over as regular penciller on DC’s Flash. Why do I mention this? Well, Mark Waid wrote the finest Flashstories ever. Porter is an extraordinary talent, and his work with Waid, rang with extra brilliance as I remembered Flash stories past, and thought about Flash stories to come. Yeah, I know this is a FF comic review…so what?
Lots of happiness in these pages this month
Man, who’d have thought it, Mark Waid’s staying on the book, and Howard Porter’s next gig is Flash, and after Mr. Porter leaves Mike Wieringo comes back. That’s a damn fine turn of events. Even I can’t complain…oh right, I’m still annoyed that I had to rewrite this blasted review.
