Wrapped Up Like a Blog

This is the first in a new series of semi-regular comic reviews. I am going to tinker with the format as I go, so if you have any feedback about the comics I review, or the way I do it, I am happy to hear all input!

Since this challenge started with a call-to-arms from Tom Brevoort, I thought I'd start with one of his books. Plus, Fantastic Four was my favorite title as a youth (the Byrne era of the comic made me a fan of the medium for life) and, as the first title of The Marvel Age, it seems like a good candidate for the first book of the WULACR Age. So, here I kick things off with a review of Fantastic Four #607.

The ratings for this title will be based on a scale of FF replacement heroes: 1: HERBIE 2: Ant-Man 3: Crystal 4: Spider-Man 5: She-Hulk

(note: I have decided that, after each review, I'll rant a little about my thoughts on the context of the issue and its place in comics history. Call it my Cranky Old Man Rant).

ART: I am a sucker for Karl Kesel. I have loved his work for decades, and whenever he has a hand in an issue's art, I am predisposed to like it. Here he works with Giuseppe Camuncoli, whose work I don't know nearly as well. There are some nice touches in the art, such as on page 2 when Reed is getting off the plane and he stretches his neck slightly. Perhaps he had a small kink in it from the flight, or he was subconsciously trying to see more of his surroundings. I also like on page 19 as Reed stretches his arm up with a light stick. Again, a nice character moment as he is showing his curiosity as he and T'Challa walk through the archaeological site. Reed is a good litmus test for artists, as they can go overboard with his stretchiness (or his likeness to The Professor on Gilligan's Island). I also like the portrayal of T'Challa himself, who looks strong and regal and proud. Kudos, too for the likeness he bears to his ancestor, as depicted on 11. There are some issues I have with the art, however. The children in the Foundation are hard to tell apart, especially with their matching uniforms (when I can't tell Alex Power from Franklin, that is a problem). And, in the flashback sequences, the added Egyptian symbology in the gutters is distracting (and the layout in these sequences is an issue). Finally, the last splash page falls short. It seems like the art is supposed to convey a great revelation or cliffhanger, but it does nothing to whet my appetite. All in all, the art is acceptable but not spectacular, just like CRYSTAL (3/5).


STORY: I love me some Black Panther. When handled well, he is a very interesting character, with his combination of ancient tradition and modern technology, his mix of intelligence and strength. He is well handled here. Exploring the history of the Panther legacy is interesting, and I like the connection between the heart-shaped herb and Egyptian mythology. Also, T'Challa's explanation of why his country is not in financial distress (and the way he cavalierly explains that to a Reed, cutting through the American's assumptions is well done, too). But there are some issues with the plot as well. Bringing the kids to Wakanda, while a nice excuse for a field trip, seems unnecessary. Reed didn't even seem to have a good idea as to why he was headed there, so it seems odd that he would bring children with him. And they ended up fighting... undead creatures?.. which put the kids in jeopardy. This sequence struck me as odd as well, as it seemed like an excuse for a little action and was, at this point, unexplained. Finally, the issue felt like a set up, and a poor one at that. I am not even clear as to what the mission is for the distaff members of the crew, so that is dissatisfying. The story today is a let down, like the Scott Lang Ant-Man (2/5).


OLD MAN RANT: I have some issues with Wakanda now. First, the marriage of Black Panther and Storm. Just because they are the only two prominent African heroes in the Marvel pantheon does not mean they need to be together. That match always bothered me. And the vibranium plot seems silly, as I fully believe it will be back in the equation quite soon. I also prefer my FF without the litany of kids (don't get me started on the existence of Val. Sue's miscarriage in the 80s was such a good story, and Val's very existence rubs me the wrong way). Also, the Panther is involved in a storyline with the Defenders this month, so those issues always bother me, since the stories don't seem to match up at all.

That;s it for my first review. How do you rate me? Do I at least get a Medusa, or maybe a Power Man?