The disappointment over Mark Waid's upcoming exit from this title is compounded with every new issue that hits the stands. The writer keeps
topping his previous scripts on the book, and that holds true this month as well. "Unthinkable" was an enjoyable story arc, but it really served to set up the really powerful, character-driven storytelling here. This is one of the most down-to-earth and darkest Fantastic Four stories I've had the pleasure of reading, and it's brought to life by some strong fill-in artwork by Casey Jones.
The first family of the Marvel Universe struggles to move on with their lives in the wake of the horror that Dr. Doom rained down on them. Franklin Richards, eldest child of Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman, has retreated within himself, apparently unable to communicate with the world around him. His father, Reed, seems to have chosen a similar path, uninterested in his research or rebuilding the team's Manhattan headquarters. Other members of the family decide to try and get the pair to emerge from their fears and depression, albeit in radically different manners.
Jones boasts a light, cartoony style, and that's what makes his effort here all the more surprising and impressive. He maintains that lightness while still capturing the dark and sorrowful mood that looms over the entire issue. Reed's paralyzing despair is even uglier and more shocking than the scars he now bears, and the emptiness that Franklin exhibits really makes an impression. I love Jones's portrayal of Ben Grimm, and Mounts does an excellent job of adding "special effects" to the Invisible Woman/Thing scene. There's one panel in the book that I found a little confusing, but once I realized that the word balloon was pointing to an invisible hero in the foreground rather than an amusement park car in the background, the story's flow and strength resumed.
What if you could go back and fix any moment in your past? Some kind of embarassment? Mistake? Trauma? Well, the FF actually has that capability, and Waid explores it here. In that scene, it allows the writer to explore a different side of Johnny Storm. The Torch has come off as something of a reckless youth in this series thus far, and this subplot has allowed Waid to delve into the character's mature and experienced facets.
What really sets this book apart is the ultimate contrast between the wondrous, innocent world of the Fantastic Four and a darker, harsh feel. That shocking moment is to be found on the final page and a splash page that exudes emotion. Waid has built up to that moment perfectly... not just in this issue, but with the entire "Unthinkable" arc.
