REVIEW: ‘Fantastic Four’ Issue 1

Fantastic Four Issue 1 is published by Marvel Comics. Written by Ryan North, with art by Humberto Ramos, colors by Victor Olazaba and letters by Travis Lanham.

In this first issue, the Fantastic Four are scattered across time, separated from each other by Doctor Doom. But they all decide that to survive, they must reach the Forever Stone.  Fantastic Four Issue 1 has a complicated relationship with ongoing events, but the story itself is easy to follow and engage with. The opening brawl with Doctor Doom, now the emperor of the entire world, ends with the team being dispatched, and chapters of the same plot begin.

Each character has their own personal struggle, millions of years away from one another. The structure that North creates is fantastic. It gradually moves forward in time, ending each member’s individual story instead of bouncing between them. It gives Fantastic Four Issue 1 a linear feel, even with the time travel, making the comic easier to digest.

Each time period comes with its own set of challenges and problems, forcing the heroes to use their powers in inventive ways. There’s one key element to all the points in time: the Forever Stone. It’s a landmark rock on Earth that has survived and stayed intact throughout its entire history, connecting the Fantastic Four even when they are so far apart. But that can create both hope and panic in the latter stages of Fantastic Four Issue 1, for multiple reasons.

Fantastic Four Issue 1 splits the family about as far apart as possible, really focusing on the individuals. With the heroes so alone, they are lost in their thoughts. Each character gets their own narration, which appears either as dialogue or in caption boxes. We learn a great deal about each of them and all of them at the same time. Reed Richards is the extreme intellect of the four, but they all are very clever and experienced in their own right.

Human Torch, sometimes labelled as nothing more than a braggadocio, shows off his brains, too. He can diagnose medical issues and figure out chemistry all whilst trying not to die. Invisible Woman does something similar, but with physics. And the Thing tussles with T-Rexes. After so many years, creators are still able to find ways for the Fantastic Four to use their iconic powers.

However, there is also a recognition of the contingency plans the Four have made due to their numerous adventures. They had already considered being separated across time, so they created a method by which they could still communicate across the eons.

The art enhances the isolation. After a busy few pages at the beginning of Fantastic Four Issue 1, there are these huge expanses with just one human in them. Some of the locations are so early in time that humans weren’t around yet, so the heroes are totally, utterly alone. Their powers are tested to extremes, and Ramos toys with them.

Both Human Torch and Invisible Woman have to use their abilities to survive, and how they are illustrated is exceptional. Mr Fantastic has to turn into various shapes to transport himself across a medieval world, whilst Thing gets turned into a dinosaur‘s chew toy. It’s here that even his invulnerability is tested with a dramatic injury.

The colors are incredible, with the atmosphere changing for each chapter. Johnny and Reed are in darker landscapes, showcasing the lack of artificial light and hostility. Ben and Sue are in brighter places, but they are by no means safer. The lettering features color-coded caption boxes for almost all members. Invisible Woman, who bookends the start and end of Fantastic Four Issue 1, has text that is very faint, which may be difficult to read for some readers.

Fantastic Four Issue 1 forces the family apart. This may be perhaps the best idea for the story, as it highlights what each member is capable of. The attachment to ongoing stories is minimal, making it comfortable to step into. The Fantastic Four are famous for who they are as a family, with a fierce togetherness that has been their core strength for decades. But on their own, in high-pressure situations, they are all incredibly powerful and capable superheroes.

Fantastic Four Issue 1 is available where comics are sold.