How ironic that anything with an "F" was not the aspiration anyone wanted in school, because Marvel has hit one out of the playground with
FF #1.
In this issue, the stage is set for an evolution of a team as the
Fantastic Four becomes the
Future Foundation in this new title featuring Marvel's first family. Finding their place in the Marvel Universe after the death of the Human Torch, the cast of the Fantastic Four are making some pretty dramatic changes in the wake of Johnny's passing...one of which is the introduction of Spider-Man to the team (
a request made in a holographic message by Johnny Storm himself upon his death).
I wasn't sure how Spider-Man would fit into this dynamic, however, I have to say in one issue, Spidey slides into this title like he was meant to be here. In fact, Jonathan Hickman's strong yet subtle writing and character dialogue in FF makes me question what in the heck Spider-Man is doing as an Avenger. THIS "family" dynamic, (emphasized by a charming family dinner scene and prayer to pretty much every religious deity you can think of) will help make this title a must read on my list.
Reimagining the Fantastic Four and their rich history is NOT an easy task, and out of every incarnation, Rebirth and Ultimate relaunch, THIS is the one I think has the most legs. It's a reboot that grows on established mythology instead of a story that could easily be watered down and thrown aside in "
JR Ewing" like fashion. (For those of you who get that reference, give yourself 5 points.)
Downside? Lots of variants for the completist collector. According to ComicCollectorLive.com,
EIGHT if you don't count any Dynamic Forces signed/remarked or otherwise certified editions that haven't made it to the catalog yet. Plus, let's give Spider-Man a little less of an "Anti-Venom" look. Thankfully, 3rd generation Unstable Molecules can address that problem when Pete just alters his look a little.
Solid read from start to finish, and a beginning that has me waiting to buy #2. But YOU can grab your copy of FF #1 in multiple flavors at your local comic shop OR on ComicCollectorLive.com. Just go to the site, hit library search, type "FF" and Wyatt Wingfoot can't keep you away from finding this awesome comic.