Fantastic Four Masterworks Vol. 1

So, I'm finally here. After previously hinting (well, not hinting as downright admitting) that this was the way I was going to go, and after over a year since having received it as a birthday gift from my mother (and that's not the last birthday, but the one before), I have turned my attention to possibly one of the most prized comic trades in my collection.

I read Fantastic Four Masterworks Volume 1!!

I'll admit, I've had quite a tumultuous relationship with this comic. While I'm a tremendous fan (if this happens to be your first time reading here) of the Fantastic Four, I only started at issue 551 before going back to the Heroes Return issue 1. As such I've never read the original Lee/Kirby run.

Therefore, in 2016, I decided that I would invest in this first Masterworks volume. This was something made easier when I was let go from my job at the time and I gained a £30 Amazon voucher. However, that voucher was needed elsewhere and it took another 18 months before my ever reliable mother and Step-father stepped up and supplied me it for my 34th birthday.

Now, I'm not going to spend long recounting this book as there isn't much to tell. This first volume of Masterworks provides the first 10 issues of the World's greatest comic magazine, not only introducing us to the First Family of Marvel Comics but also a number of their big name villains and beyond. In essence, it's ten one-shots giving us a different story about the (Very) early adventures of these, my favourite heroes.



My copy of Fantastic Four Masterworks
Vol. 1, one of the jewels in my collection!!

I have to be honest, I wasn't sure what I'd be expecting as I started this book. The Lee/Kirby run is considered one of the, if not the most, all time great runs on this series. However, with recent reads of first issues from 90's series like Darkhawk and Sleepwalker (which, being nineties comics, might not be the best barometer) not having impressed me about pre-2000 comics, I was concerned that my assumption that older comics wouldn't appeal to me would be correct. That said, when all was said and done, I did realise that it was more about the experience and to see where the characters came from rather than the quality.

Therefore, I dove right in.

For me, Masterworks was something of a struggle as I got started. The biggest issue for me was the characters, as they all feel like they were radically different to what I know and love today. Maybe this was down to the fact that I'm a whole generation (or two?) from those who first read this and, therefore, the world is (obviously) a vastly different place now, but I felt that all four characters were incredibly 'old fashioned'.

The thing which bothered me most was the relationship between Mr Fantastic and the Thing who, instead of being best friends, felt more like enemies stuck together by circumstance. Meanwhile, Sue seemed so 'Damsel in distress' at times, a far cry from the all-powerful Invisible Woman of present day. The only thing about the four which seemed to have stuck over 60 plus years was the petty squabbling of the Thing and the Human Torch.

However, almost like a new suit, I found myself easing into this book as I continued to read on. The entire 10 issue run had this real Batman '66 sensibility to it thanks to the narration boxes accompanying the story. In fact, as I read it, I could actually hear William Dozier's (the Narrator on that show) voice speaking the words in my head. As a result, I found myself enjoying Lee's quirky, over the top ideas a lot more as I continued, finding them an enjoyable bout of fresh air to some of the current day's darker, more serious tones.

This enjoyment really kicked in once the Sub-Mariner arrived, with the early issues 'differences' of what I know making way for characters feeling more heroic, although there continued to be some questionable characteristics. Nonetheless, by issue 10, I was totally in a groove enjoying this series, with the read feeling a lot more fluid, entertaining and quick in the latter issues compared to the earlier ones. I think a thing which helped this was, without a doubt, Doctor Doom who felt like the villain he later becomes, even at this early start.

I haven't said much about the art and I'm not sure what to say. Kirby's art is Kirby's art. Much like my opinion of Watchman as a story (something I should maybe talk about another time), the art in this series I'm not sure compares in my opinion compared to some of the talents around today. However, it does possess this elegant beauty to it and the ideas are as wacky as any I've seen anywhere. Of course, I'm no artist and so I'm aware that my opinion isn't really something to be treated as gospel given that I'm woefully underqualified to critique anyone's art, let alone the King's.

Still, regardless, of the problems I had with this series, I'm happy to say that I actually really enjoyed this first Masterworks volume. I'm not quite sure if I want to pick up the next one yet (although I am tempted) but I'm glad that I took the time to read the origins of my favourite Superhero comic and get to know their origins as well as better appreciate who they are now.

Marvel 2-in-1 Vol. 2: Next of Kin

I'm stocking up on my thoughts and rambles of late as I seem to be burning through comics at break-neck pace recently. Therefore, this post is probably been published a good few weeks since I actually wrote it. However, I'm pretty confident that my thoughts then will still be the same for a long while to come.

Last week (which at the time of writing was the end of January), I popped into my LCS to pick up my copy of Star Trek 20/20. As I got there and started scanning the shelves in an effort to torture myself further due to all the comics I can't buy I found myself both shocked and elated to see the second volume of Marvel 2-in-1.

Now, the reason I was shocked was because I hadn't expected the second (and final) trade of this series to arrive for another two weeks. However, rather than stand on ceremony, I immediately picked up a copy along with two second hand trades of Avengers A.I. and the aforementioned Star Trek.

(Disclaimer: Yes, I said I had no money, but both the Star Trek and 2-in-1 were previously budgeted for, while the entire Avengers run cost me a fiver in the end. So quite a bargain).

Marvel 2-in-1 Vol.2: Next of Kin.
The (sadly) final instalment, though this
is a gorgeous cover!!! Image from
Comixology.

Marvel 2-in-1's second volume picks up where the first left off, with the Human Torch and the Thing continuing to adventure across the Multiverse in the hope of finding the rest of the first family. Accompanied by Dr Doom and new character Rachna Koui, the pair find themselves in trouble when they are seemingly abandoned by their travelling companions in a world that's a cross between Mad Max and the time Cable first escaped on with baby Hope (a nice bit of homework to see if you're paying attention ;-) ). To make matter worse, their powers are about ready to give out, meaning they are powerless and unable to go home. And the bad news begins.

At this point I would assume if you know me that you know where I'm going to go with this post. However, in case you still haven't trigged it, here you go! I absolutely LOVED this book!!!

'Insert GIF of Quicksilver from Avengers: Age of Ultron saying "You didn't see that coming?" here.'

In truth, Marvel 2-in-1 volume 2 was a fantastic (pun unintended) read, exceeding the first instalment in my eyes which I didn't think was possible. Again, Zdarsky has infused the entire book with the same sense of 'Fantastic Fourness' that the first trade felt it had, imbuing the story with that Waid/Wieringo feel that I think best shows the FF as they should be (though I should soon know if even that exceeds the Lee/Kirby original as Masterworks is the next read). However, what made this half of the series better than the first, in my opinion, were the tremendous character moments had by the main players. If volume one focused on the Adventure, then I would say volume two focused on the family dynamic.

You see, this arc, beyond the action and the incredible and unusual worlds, is very much about the sense of family and their connection to each other. While I've always loved the FF and every member of that team, my favourite character has always been Reed. However, I felt that Zdarsky, while maintaining the two leads overall personalities, showed me some real hidden depths of both the Human Torch and the Thing (though definitely the former). As a result, this gave me a renewed appreciation and understanding of them both. This is best summed up in the fight between the two which felt so raw and like a true family fight (and I've had a few), that I couldn't help but feel concerned for the future (despite knowing all would be fine).

The same can be said of Dr Doom, whose primary focus of in the 2-in-1 annual continued to show him to me as more and more an intricate character. The final issue too made me wonder about who he is as a person and, in all honesty, made me honestly believe he could easily (and convincingly) transition back from the hero in Invincible Iron Man to the villain in Slott's new Fantastic Four.

Meanwhile, I loved Ramon K. Perez's art, which was really out there compared the first volume but still fit the series and the world well. In fact, the moment where the Fantastic Two's powers returned in all their glory was a real highlight for me (and that's not a spoiler because we all knew they'd return).

I'm not sure what else I can say about this trade by now. I could witter on and do a panel by panel analysis of why I loved this book so much but I really don't have enough lunch left to do that. However, the re-emergence of the Thinker (and some subsequent thoughts that gave me about the character) as well as the full circle, Chekov's Gun-esque return of Rachna's glove from the first volume were further highlights for me.

At this point I'm a little sad and despondent. Not because I read this series or even that I finished writing about. What makes me a little depressed is that it is now over. This was an amazing series (you could say 'Fantastic' but I feel I've used that word enough) and it's kind of heart-breaking to not only see it end, but know that Zdarsky is done writing these characters (for now).

In my opinion, Chip Zdarsky wrote the Fantastic Four right and I do hope that, one day, he gets to do it again.

However, in the meantime, I've still got both trades of this series to look back on in future and I intend to take advantage of that many a time.

But, for now I have new Fantastic Four to read and next up: Fantastic Four Masterworks Vol. 1!!!

Avengers Forever

As I come to write this post, I find myself in two minds about what exactly I'm going to say.

Avengers Forever has, for quite a while, been one of those comic book series which I continuously hear about when it comes to 'titles you should read before you die' type lists going around the internet. Because of this, and because Kurt Busiek's name is attached to it, I added the title to my wish list early last year (or maybe even the year before).

Well, fortunately for me, Avengers Forever became another title to be picked up in the Birthday/Christmas 2018 gift list and so I could finally see if the hype was true.

And so, I finally got to reading it a few weeks ago (posts to go up are still rather backlogged) and I've got to admit, the hype is certainly true, although up to a point.

In case you (like me up until recently) haven't read it, the cliff notes. Rick Jones, long time friend of the Avengers, is in danger. Immortus, the time travelling future self of Kang the Conqueror, means to kill Jones due to the power inside him. However, Kang and the villain Libra from the Zodiac don't want this and, using Jones' power, bring together a time displaced team of Avengers from all across the team's great history in order to thwart Immortus and save the World (as usual).

Avengers Forever, where the cover
pretty much shows just how packed the
story is. Image from Comixology.

Now, hopefully, I've kept the description to a minimum to avoid spoilers (sorry if there are some) but it was a difficult process as I wasn't sure what to say without spoiling the story. And it's this which I found to be the sticking point with Avengers Forever: it's kind of indescribable.

The main trouble I had with AF was that I struggled to keep up with what exactly was going on. I struggled to figure out the reasons for everything going on up until the end of the fourth issue. Had I have been reading this as single I may have even dropped the series at that point. The thing is, after reading the introduction by Busiek, I understood that he and Roger Stern were doing a sort of 'fly by the set of their pants' thing with the story and just winging it and so maybe I'm just spoiled by more detailed planning in comics today. I feel this is confirmed by the art and just how crowded it feels throughout the book, which infers to me that I would never have gotten on with 90's comics in general.

Of course, I've just focused on the negative points and would seem to be saying that I wasn't a fan of this series. However, surprisingly, nothing could be further from the truth. This is because, for reasons I can't really quantify, I absolutely loved Avengers Forever!!! It's really weird to say that because I am struggling to put into words what it is about it that I loved. However, if I could best summarise my feelings, it's that Avengers Forever, feels unashamedly retro.

I think what I love about this is most definitely Carlos Pacheco's art which, despite my earlier admission that it looks crowded, just looks absolutely. I especially enjoyed the characters, particularly Yellowjacket and Songbird whose stance and look (respectively) just look tremendous. Speaking of the characters, I adored the cast brought together for this series, and really liked how they all played off of each other. I also really loved being able to see an aspect of other Avengers era's that I've never had the privilege before. However, what really got me on board with Avengers Forever wasn't the art or the plot or the characters but how, when mixed all together, regardless of whether I thought any one part was good or bad, this series just felt so incredibly epic. It had to have been the most epic story I've ever read.

So, is it as good as what I felt was implied around the net? Maybe not but am I glad that I got a copy (and a print copy at that) to read? Abso-bloody-lutely!! Thinking back I do wonder if how I read it (on the bus to and from work) was an influence on my criticisms towards the series and if a second read through would be worth my time and opinion.

Fortunately, it made enough of an impact on me that I'm more than happy to do that.

However, not just yet. I have some other comics to read first.

Super Sons of Tomorrow

A bit of backstory: For me, Super Sons has always been a series with which I've had a rather tumultuous relationship. Back when DC Rebirth began, this series had not been one which had piqued my interest. However, once I started hearing good things about the series (as well as the fact I'd always heard Tomasi and Gleason were a knockout creative team), I found myself tempted to check it out.

However, as I've mentioned previously, the last few years have seen my mindset change to not want to encourage certain people's 'negative' actions by picking up their books. In Super Sons' case, this was to do with the editor at the time, whose tales of inappropriateness (to put it mildly) didn't sit well with me. Therefore, I chose to give the title a wide berth (which annoyed me because all the others involved didn't deserve to be tarred with the same brush).

But that was then and this is now and said individual is no more (as in fired, not dead (well, I don't think)).

So, on (or was it around?) Black Friday last November, with £20 in my pocket, I took advantage of my LCS's money off promotion and picked up three comic books. The first two were both volumes of Avengers Undercover (2nd hand but in good nick so got them for the price of one) while, with the third, I decided to finally plunge in and check out the Super Sons series with Super Sons of Tomorrow. Now, although it's taken a couple of months to get around to, I have to say I'm glad I finally picked up a copy.

Super Sons of Tomorrow. Really makes
me want to get all other related comics.
Image from Comixology.

Super Sons of Tomorrow sees the offspring of the World's Finest on the run when an old ally from the future (who apparently appeared in Detective Comics) returns to destroy a force destined to kill millions in his present: Superboy. Now, Jon Kent and the Robin, Damien Wayne, must attempt to keep Jon safe and defeat this nemesis without the help of their fathers or allies.

Now, I've probably missed out a lot of stuff here and simplified it quite considerably. However, I think if I said anymore then I would end up spoiling things for people wanting to read this, and you should ALL want to read it!!!

Supersons of Tomorrow was such a lot of fun to read, feeling light and adventurous even though it's rather a dark story all things considered. What I loved about it was, without a doubt, the lead characters as Tomasi and Gleason wrote a terrifically enthralling and enjoyable Superboy and Robin. This I found to be especially shocking as, for years, I've never had a high opinion of Damien Wayne (I've always said I'd kill him if I wrote for DC). However, this series and the way he interacted with Superboy and they bounced off of each other, made me actually enjoy reading his exploits.

Of course, all the other characters; Superman, Batman, the many Titans were all equally welcome. None of this characters felt either dislikeable (as some Dark Knights are prone to do for me) and I didn't think they showed up the true stars, enhancing the story when needed but rarely drawing focus.

In fact, if there is any complaint, it is the use of the villain, which kind of got to me a bit. However, their rationale was totally justified and made sense here and so I can't really complain.

As for the art, I absolutely loved Jorge Jimenez's work here (what else is new), as I thought it's softness and vibrancy helped to make this as fun as it was. However, all the other artists who worked on this; Kirkham, Benes and many others (I just can't remember their names. Sorry) produced equally stellar work which matched Jimenez and didn't jar in the transitions. This was, without a doubt a gorgeous book through and through.

In the end, I think that it's fair to say that I loved this series. It might not have been an epic but it was a fun, light-hearted read which looked awesome. After reading this (and knowing that my reasons for avoiding prior runs is no longer a reason), I am seriously tempted to pick up all of the others.

God Country

At the beginning of 2018, I took it upon myself to make up a substantial wishlist of comic books I wanted/needed to read.

Using the youtube channel of Professor Thorgi, in particular his top 100 comics of the year for 2015, 2016 and 2017, as a starting point and moving on from there, I now have a wishlist of 270 comics strong and still going.

God Country was one of these titles. First being heard in the top 100 of 2017, as I heard the premise and was a title which intrigued me greatly, pushing its way to be a high priority of mine. Well, I did pick it up in the when, as I was picking up Marvel 2-in-1, I found this sitting on my LCS' shelf and thought I'd kill two birds with one shopping trip.

God Country. Just look at this cover!!
Image from Comixology.

God Country tells the story of Emmett, an old man in semi-rural Texas who is suffering at the onslaught of Dementia. Despite the best efforts of his Son, Roy and the strain of his own family ties, Emmett continues to degrade further. However, this all changes when a freak storm hits the nearby town, destroying all in its path. When this storm finally settles, it ends with an unusual, giant sword in Emmett's hands and Emmett having regained his mind as a result. However, Emmett's return to form is not without a price as giving up the Sword will return to as he was, and the previous wielder of the sword will stop at nothing to make that happen and get back what is his.

I think I may have ramped up the 'epicness' of my description of the plot but, in fairness, this could well be justified. I thought God Country was an really enjoyable read as it was deep, epic and fairly poignant throughout. I think this, poignancy that I think I enjoyed the most as, in the end, the story seems more about Fathers and Sons and the thing they tend to do for each other as well as their struggle with their failings.

Now that I think about it, it does make me think of the way things are with my own father and how I'll be with my sons (although that's a story for another time).

Meanwhile, I love the art in God Country. It's different in a sense, although I must confess not in a standout way, but some of the incredible displays of power like the Storm and the Gods home and the battles, are truly breathtaking, as is the 'flashback' of all of Emmett's memories towards the end. Meanwhile, I don't know if it's just me but Emmett (post shave) looks so much like actor Sam Elliott that if they make a film of this, he'd be the obvious choice.

Sadly, it didn't impact as much as some of the other comics I've read recently and nor did it speak to me as much as I was anticipating it to. Maybe I misunderstood what was sold to me and so expected too much of it. I'd want to say that a re-read would make it a better title but after two reads, this is still where my heads at.

That said, it was still a really good book (far better than a lot of other books out there in the world) and I'm glad I gave it the opportunity.