Reviewer: Tim Stevens
Story Title: Fourtitude: Part 2
Written by: Mark Waid
Pencilled by: Mike Wieringo
Inked by: Karl Kesel
Colored by: Paul Mounts
Lettered by: Virtual Calligraphy’s Randy Gentile
Editor: Tom Brevoort
Publisher: Marvel Comics
You know how some arcs can come along with a title you are really enjoying and just take you completely out of it? In just a few short issues, a storyline makes you forget all about why you are picking the book up and it just drifts to the bottom of your pile? That was the last arc of Fantastic Four for me. The Frightful Four storyline just failed to keep my attention in everyway and when the end rolled in, I found that familiar malaise had set in. But, I decided to give it one more arc. After all, Waid’s run besides had been exemplary, so one measly arc shouldn’t change that.
Two issues in to Waid’s Galactus arc (that will culiminate in one of the FF becoming a herald for at least an issue. HERBIE perhaps? Oooh, or Wyatt Wingfoot!) and I am liking FF again. But I still feel the drift.
Allow me to explain.
Storywise, this is very strong. Waid takes us on a bit of a detour, revealing that which threatens the planet at the moment is not actually Galactus or his herald. This threat is connected to him, but not in a manner you would initially expect. The Four infiltrate the ship/fortress of this alien danger to rewire its machinery and thus save Manhattan, but quickly find themselves in over their heads. To make matters worse, the quandary posed to one member by the hostiles is not entirely without merit.
In service of this scenario, we have compelling visuals from Wieringo, who it is great to have back on the title just in time to render all favorite of space creature. The interactions between the Four, especially the Johnny-Ben dynamic, are strong and ring very true. The pseudo-science is well executed with some great high concept ideas. The sense of danger is real as is the weight of the decision Sue makes in the closing pages of the book.
All the elements of a great story are here and yet…it just never clicked with me. To use a romantic cliché there was no spark. I’m interested, sure, and I can read the entire issue without being bored (unlike the previous arc), but I don’t have the excitement for the title I once did. I cannot tell if it is just because of the aforementioned loss of love or if this issue is really just okay. Either way…well, it just doesn’t look good for me and the FF.
The Final Word: I want to give this issue a higher rating, I really do. I just can’t.
