Highly Recommended (9/10)

Marvel Comics Writer: Mark Waid Pencils: Mike Wieringo Inks: Karl Kesel Colors: Paul Mounts Letters: Comicraft Editor: Tom Brevoort Price: $2.25 US/$3.75 CAN

Fantastic Four has, in short order, become one of the Marvel comics I look forward to each month, which is all the more impressive when you consider that, like Thor, the Fantastic Four aren't really characters I generally find interesting. However, Waid has hit a great balance of traditional super-heroics along with a unique approach that fits these characters, and Wieringo, Kesel and Mounts are complimenting his scripts with phenomenal artwork. If you'd told me that Fantastic Four would be one of my favorite titles a little while ago, I'd have said you were crazy; especially if you had told me it would be because of a story based on algebraic functions.

The central focus of this story arc is indeed based on math, or more specifically a sentient math function brought to life through tampering with one of Reed's high-tech gizmos. It's just weird enough to be fascinating, without being so weird as to put off those who look for more straightforward villainy in their Fantastic Four. The concepts at the heart of the villain, and the methods that the team must use to confront it, are abstract and unusual, but the application of math to the real world takes the form of super-powers, in a nasty and interesting way.

Wieringo, Kesel and Mounts should be credited with making Modulus, the villain of the piece, so frightening. The effects of his transformations on the Fantastic Four are creepy to look at, whether it's Sue's mangled hands or the after-effects of its interaction with the Human Torch. And the scope of his abilities is demonstrated not only in the inhuman and logical captions that Waid gives to allow it to describe what it's doing, but in the visual effects that hit after those descriptions.

While I love the main story, I have to say that what really intrigues me is the characterization and subplots that Waid has going on as well. The story of Franklin Richards and his sibling rivalry plays out well in this issue, and Reed's realization of what he has done to his son is a fantastic moment. Equally interesting, though played more for laughs, is Johnny Storm's acclimation to his new role in the FF business, as Waid has turned a character who has largely been defined by his powers and his kid brother persona into someone much more interesting even outside of his costumed activities. And speaking of humor, I love the way Waid writes the Thing, especially with his sarcastic take on Reed's inability to give a straight answer.

Combining the elements of family with the elements of super-heroics doesn't sound hard, but hitting that balance without getting either trite, boring or just plain stupid is a balancing act that many have struggled with. Happily, the new creative team of Fantastic Four has hit the ground running, and each issue provides a pure pop hit of super-hero goodness, enough to win over even cranky non-fans of the characters like myself. Real fans of the Fantastic Four must be in heaven.