Summary:
See- Fantastic Four Vol.1 #5
Comments:
A classic tale retold for a younger modern audience. I have not read
any of the other Marvel Age titles; however this issue succeeds in its goal.
The comic
is true enough to its original counterpart, yet hip enough for new readers.
Lee and Kirby deserve kudos as always for having been able to craft an essentially
timeless story. The secret is in its simplicity I suppose. Thumbs up to writer
Sumerak for injecting the right amount modern references and his careful restaging
of some scenes. For example, Sue’s separation from the team is not as
ostentatious. However I really think that Doom’s threat to make Sue is
slave forever is a little…odd? I can just picture Doom forcing Sue to
iron his cape, shine his armor, and all those other odd and ends that need
a woman’s touch around the castle. Speaking of which, I’m surprised
they maintained the ambiguity of where Doom’s castle is located. The
Pirates of the Caribbean reference is neat is as well, again, playing up to
the new readers. Thing’s spotlight moment is also cleverly reinterpreted,
with both Reed and Johnny emphasizing his place on the team and in the family.
Sue’s role in the story is still weak. She just stands there and does
nothing until Doom threatens to kill the team. Human Torch’s wanton destruction
of Doom’s castle seems a little much. Also, I miss Doom’s jetpack,
here replaced by a ship. Still, that’s more of a minor gripe by the Thunderball
fan in me. I suppose the jetpack is kind of dated. Of special note, I find
of the utmost brilliance is the opening pages of the story. The classic scene
with Johnny Storm reading the first issue of the Hulk is replaced with him
watching the film on DVD. That is just cool. It reaffirms the old adage, the
more things change, the more they stay the same. That pretty much sums up my
feelings about this issue. I actually recommend it to older fans that may enjoy
reading a fresh take on an old story. If Ultimate Doom wasn’t your cup
of tea, go ahead check this out.
Bottom Line: Read It