Jonathan Hickman's Fantastic Four

[Luke Blanchard]

We were talking about the current "3" storyline in Fantastic Four recently. If anyone would like to sample the work of current writer Jonathan Hickman on the series, two of his issues (##570-571) are currently among the online free digital comic selections at Marvel's website (run your mouse over "COMICS" for the "Digital Comics" link).

[Rob Staeger (Grodd Mod)]

Those are good issues; I enjoyed 'em quite a bit.

[DneColt]

The last great run on FF was Waid and Weiringo (that run was up there with Lee/Kirby, Byrne and Simonson). I started picking it up again with the Strazawikipedia issues, mostly out of curiosity, but was underwhelmed. I was planning on dropping it again at the end of that run, but I was convinced to hang on by the strength of Dale Eaglesham's art (which I thought was rock-solid). Hickman's work so far has also been pretty solid -- not at the level of Lee/Byrne/Waid, but better than a most of the others who’ve worked on the book over the last 20 years (including the WAY over-hyped Millar/Hitch run).

I do, though, find myself wondering with they even bother with these "One Will Die!" storylines when we all pretty much know they won't ACTUALLY kill anyone permanently. I mean, for god's sake, they've brought back Bucky (who was one of the holy trinity of never-to-be-resurrected characters along with Uncle Ben and the Waynes), and Gwen Stacy (more or less).

Off the top of my head, the only member of the FF (or their supporting cast) who HASN'T been "killed" at one point is the Human Torch (and bear in mind I quit reading the book for most of the 90's, and only sporadically since then, so he had plenty of time for a quick dirt nap.)

[Jeff of Earth-J]

DneColt said:

I mean, for god's sake, they've brought back Bucky (who was one of the holy trinity of never-to-be-resurrected characters...)

At one point I would have identified the "holy trinity" as Bucky Barnes, Jason Todd and Jean Gray.

[Philip Portelli]

I just wish that every writer would give up "The-Cure-For-Ben", "Franklin's Powers-Are-Uncontrollable" and especially the "Sue-Is-Still-Hot-For-Namor" storylines that happen on such a regular basis that I wouldn't be surprised if they actually scheduled annually!

[Captain Comics]

I missed a few issues of Subby's last title, Namor, and recently ordered them online. ($1.10 each at mycomicshop.com!) To my amazement, Namor #50 or so implies quite strongly that Namor and Sue hooked up for a couple of weeks at a time when Reed was believed dead. That kinda grosses me out, but I'd be OK with it if -- like Philip and I both want -- it would scratch the "will they or won't they" itch writers have and let it go. Since, you know, they did. Move on, please.

I'm also with Philip on Franklin's powers. They were way too deus-ex-machina in the past, which I didn't like. But when he was thought powerless, that didn't feel right either -- especially now, with a super-genius sister, where he'd feel inferior. I'd prefer they just acknowledge that he WILL develop powers at some point (adolescence, for example), and drop the storyline. Because, after all, he's never going to make it to adolescence!

Also, recent PR from Marvel refers to issue #587 as "the penultimate issue." Apparently they're going to cancel Fantastic Four for a while. Anyone else heard this?

[Rob Staeger (Grodd Mod)]

Jeff of Earth-J said:

At one point I would have identified the "holy trinity" as Bucky Barnes, Jason Todd and Jean Gray.

Strangely enough, there was never any point in time when all three were dead together. Jean was resurrected for the launch of X-Factor in 1986, and Jason bought the farm in 1988.

[Luke Blanchard]

Viz "the penultimate issue: I hadn't until I read your post, Captain. According to the figures at Comichron, the most recent issues have sold in the forty something thousands, and for much of the year the title was selling in the thirty something thousands. My guess is Marvel's going to change the title's name (to Fantastic Three or whatever) and maybe restart the numbering.

Bear in mind I didn't believe Marvel was going to dissolve the Parker marriage.

[Newsboy]

Here's the press release: Marvel announces no overprint on polybagged 'Fantastic Four' #587

[Jeff of Earth-J]

Captain Comics said:

Also, recent PR from Marvel refers to issue #587 as "the penultimate issue."

You’re assuming that someone at Marvel knows what the word “ultimate” means.

Captain Comics said:

Apparently they're going to cancel Fantastic Four for a while.

…and bring it back with a New Number One!

Rob Staeger said:

Strangely enough, there was never any point in time when all three were dead together.

Not a point in time, a point in my own mind. :P

[Philip Portelli]

Sounds like Superman #75 all over again! Black armbands, anyone?

Newsboy said:

Here's the press release: Marvel announces no overprint on polybagged 'Fantastic Four' #587