Issue-52
Title-Shadows of Doom
Writer-Rafael Marin, Carlos Pacheco, Karl Kesel
Art-Mark Bagley
Issue-52
Title-Shadows of Doom
Writer-Rafael Marin, Carlos Pacheco, Karl Kesel
Art-Mark Bagley
Summary:
After an attack on the InHumans breaks out nearby the United Nations, a wave of xenophobia sweeps the world. World leaders begin to demand stricter security measures against extraterrestrial presence on Earth. While Ben attempts to traces the attackers, Johnny deals with the trails of acting in a theatrical movie. Elsewhere, Susan tries to convince the media that the InHumans are neither aliens nor villains. At the same time Reed attempts to win the favor of UN leaders in order to not proceed with the anti-alien plans they have termed “phase 2.” Just as the UN assembly breaks into an uproar accusing Reed of being a traitor, Doom enters the chamber and offers the InHumans asylum in Latveria.
Comments:
Doom just shows up at the end in a surprise cliffhanger. It’s a nice
entrance, however if you are not a Doom completionist, you can probably pick
up this arc starting with the next issue. Bottom Line:
Skip It
Issue-53
Title-The Fire This Time
Writer-Rafael Marin, Carlos Pacheco, Karl Kesel
Art-Mark Bagley
Summary:
Doom addresses the UN assembly and expresses his belief that dangerous aliens should be dealt with, however the InHumans are not aliens and are not dangerous. He once more offers them refuge in his homeland. Rather than help matters, Doom’s offer seems make things worse and public opinion continues to grow out of proportion. Suddenly, the power in the Baxter building gives out and the skyscraper comes under attack by both Guardsmen and the angry protesting mob. Sue, Johnny, and the InHumans attempt to repel the attack while Reed and Ben are held captive in an underground bunker. At Baxter building, the Guardsmen intensify their attacks and Sue suddenly goes into labor. Negative energy begins to erupt from body and once again, her pregnancy is placing her and the baby’s life in danger. With Reed nowhere to be found Johnny storms away in search of help.
Comments:
Doom gets a great moment here as he addresses the UN. It makes me wish that he had his own title so we could see this more often. It also begs the question, I wonder how Doom votes? The central plot between The Hidden Ones trying to eliminate the InHumans is well done, and the ties to WWII are a nice touch. Although I must admit, I don’t recall the original Human Torch burning Hitler’s body. I must cross reference that with the Invaders….Doom’s role in this arc is merely that of a guest star, however he will play a pivotal role in the next issue. Bottom Line: Read It
Issue-54
Title-A Choice of Dooms
Writer-Rafael Marin, Carlos Pacheco, Karl Kesel
Art-Mark Bagley
Summary:
Battle continues to rage in the Baxter building and Johnny does the unthinkable
and asks Doom to save Sue and her baby. Back at the bunker, Reed secretly
records one of the Hidden Ones as she confesses to the truth about turning
public opinion against the FF and the Inhumans. However, with the threat
of being revealed to the world, the Hidden Ones scatter in order to escape.
Finally, with the Hidden Ones revealed, Reed races to his wife's side only
to find that Doom has already delivered the baby. Failing to get any sort
of gratitude or acknowledgement from the FF, Doom takes his measure of satisfaction
by naming the baby girl, Valeria
Comments:
"Dooma"....That would have been funny. As an FF story, I think it
is okay. As far as Doom's contribution, which although brief, is very significant.
I
like the whole concept of Doom delivering the baby, however I think it would
have been better if we could see him do his magic. I mean that literally of
course. We do get so few occasions where we see Doom use magic. Doom's characterization
is passable. It's not over the top "ha ha in your face Mr. FANTASTIC!" But
I would have preferred a well written moment alone between Doom and Reed. A thank
you would have been appropriate. Reed can sometimes be caught calling
Doom "old friend." Well? That aside, I think I should try remembering its an
FF comic and not a Doom comic. The writers were obviously playing up the emotion
of Reed feeling overwhelmed that a) he's a daddy again b) its really an FF
family moment. Let me also comment on the art. The pencils are very good, although
Doom's armor has reverted to its traditional scheme instead of the recent Claremont/Larocca
version. The colors are unusually bright in some cases, especially Doom's green
cloak. It makes it seem sort of cartoonish.
Bottom Line: Read It
Speaking of cartoonish, below is the combined covers of issues 52-54 drawn by future FF artist Mike Wieringo. Issue 51 is not included because I don't own it and I don't own it because Doom isn't in it.
