REVIEW: ‘Fantastic Four,’ Issue #48

Fantastic Four #48 is written by David Pepose, illustrated by Juann Cabal, colored by Jesus Aburtov, and lettered by VC’s Joe Caramagna. It’s published by Marvel Comics. “The Taking of Baxter 1-2-3-4” continues as Sue Storm battles Oubliette Midas and her wide array of scientific horrors. While Sue fights to survive, the other members of the Fantastic Four deal with their issues. Johnny Storm is trapped outside due to the Baxter Building’s forcefield. Ben Grimm is buried under massive amounts of rubble. And Reed Richards struggles to find a way to stop the Progenitor’s final judgment of Earth.

In my review of Fantastic Four #47 that the trick to crafting a tie-in to a blockbuster comic event is finding a story that ties into that event while still staying true to the comics. This issue continues to thread that needle with impressive grace as the Four find ways to pass their various trials. Ben prays to God in one of the most stirring sequences of the issue, asking for his wife and adoptive children to be spared. Johnny also manages to get help from the least expected of sources. Trust me; you’ll have to read it to believe it.

But the most emotional moments belong to Sue and Reed. Despite being outclassed by Oubliette’s soldiers and technology, Sue presses on. And even though Oubliette is trying to kill her, Sue still attempts to find reason with her. Reed’s narration is a driving force behind the issue, as he professes his love for his family while listing out why they’re strong enough to survive the Progenitor’s judgment. Pepose has a strong handle on what makes the Four tick; too often, I’ve seen Reed reduced to a cold, emotional engine of logic or Sue reduced to a deus ex machina by fans & creators alike. But he gets that the Four’s family bonds are what gets them through their various adventures.

Cabal’s artwork continues to be the perfect fit for the Four’s science-fiction-based adventures. He draws everything from a souped-up flying car penetrating a forcefield to a disturbing twist on Marvel Boy called “Space Boy.” “Space Boy” looks like he was left to rot in space, possessing sickly green skin and weaponry that literally unfolds from his body. Caramagna also gives him a sibilant hiss of a voice that adds to the horror factor. But the most significant moment comes when Sue is trapped in a Kree battle dimension. The combination of Cabal’s sleek artwork with Aburtov’s bright pink colors produces a psychedelic effect that’ll linger with the reader long after they close the pages. It also reinforces Cabal as one of the most underrated artists working in comics.

Fantastic Four #48 isn’t just a great Judgment Day tie-in but also a great Fantastic Four story, thanks to its creative team. Pepose is definitely proving that he’s a perfect fit for the Marvel Universe, especially when paired with the right artists. And don’t worry, Fantastic Four fans: Ryan North and Iban Coello are taking over the First Family’s adventures with a new series later this year.

Fantastic Four #48 is available now wherever comics are sold.