I understand why Marvel released this one-shot -- it's for the same reason the publisher has a Spider-Man/Human Torch limited series underway right now. The goal is clear: to have some Fantastic Four comics out there featuring the more reocgnizable and popular wall-crawler in time for the release of this summer's FF flick. What's puzzling is why the publisher opted to use this material to capitalize on the other-media spinoff. This story was clearly crafted as promotional material. The heavy-handed environment message here makes it clear that it was designed as an Earth Day story for younger readers. That younger audience probably won't mind, but adult readers who shell out cash for this simplistic and preachy story probably won't be all that pleased.
The Mole Man discovers that the Western world's pollutants are encroaching on his dark domain and are threatening his beloved monsters. He opts to launch a retaliatory offensive, and he chooses to do so at the United Nations during an environmental conference. What he doesn't know is that his old enemies, the Fantastic Four, will also be attending the event. Meanwhile, Spider-Man finds himself covered head to toe in toxic gunk as a result of his pursuit of a crook. Of course, it's not long before the New York-lovin' super-hero catches wind of trouble on the south end of Manhattan.
Davis's pencils look a bit rushed at times, but at others, there's a nice intensity to be found in the characters, especially the Mole Man. The backgrounds are far too sparse here, and that's really what makes the art look unfinished. Once again, though, on the other hand, Davis's design for the three giant monsters in the climactic scene are striking, novel and full of detail. I'm confused as to why he uses the designs for the Ultimate incarnations of the Fantastic Four here when the script would seem to indicate it's the regular-continuity versions of the characters.
What I like about this script is that the villain's outrage is justified. The Mole Man isn't really the bad guy here; he just deals with injustice improperly. The corporate baddie's dealings with the FF was an unusual form of conflict, and a welcome one for such a basic super-hero story. The environmental message here is a solid one for younger readers as well.
I wish that people would realize that stories aimed at younger readers don't need to be so heavy-handed and repetitive. Yes, things need to be taken down a notch, but I'm not sure that something this simple is necessary either. The completely generic nature of the book is irksome as well. This reads like something that's been sitting in a drawer for a while, and I feel as though this is being published (a) to clear it out, and (b) to use as a marketing item. Entertainment and storytelling just don't feel like priorities here. This one-shot feels like business, not pleasure. 4/10
