Rating:  -
First, the earlier reviews here are for the PAPERBACK vol 2 of Fantastic Four. The HARDCOVER contains different issues. The hardcovers contain several more issues of the single issues than do the paperbacks.
That said, the "Authoritative Action" storyline is simply excellent. It's an emotional, political and character-driven story that digs deep into team dynamic of the FF as well as pushing each of the individual team members (especially Reed Richards). It's beautifully drawn and smartly written.
The second storyline, "Hereafter", devolves into sentimentality, simple-minded Christian mythology, and lazy plot devices (involving and easy resolution to a fascinating Reed Richards dilemma). It's such a shame that the excellent first arc is followed and capped by this thin, simplistic look at the afterlife. A smart, science-fiction book should avoid this kind of cheapness. Fortunately, it ends with two shorter, and more personal, stories focussing on the relationship between Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman and the uneasy friendship between the Human Torch and Spider-Man.
The art by Howard Porter, Mike Wieringo and Paul Smith is all beautiful and bring warmth and add excitement to the stories and characters.
Rating:  -
Arguably the best storyarc to hit the Fantastic Four in years, Unthinkable solidifies Mark Waid (Flash, Kingdom Come) as one of the best comic writers in the business today. Doctor Doom returns to face the Fantastic Four, but unlike every other time he fought them this time he is using magic as opposed to his scientific prowess. He starts off by sending Reed and Sue's son Franklin to Hell to be tortured, while giving similar punishment to the rest of the FF. All this while Reed "Mr. Fantastic" Richards tries to find a way to stop him and save his family. Waid's characterizations of the FF and Doom respectively are nothing short of brilliant; Reed isn't just the super genious as he is known for as we see him blaming himself for the events because he thinks he's too idiotic to work magic. Waid's characterization of Doom is great as well as we see how hell bent for vengeance against the FF he is, and the shocker of an ending is brilliant as well. The art by Mike Wieringo is great as well, even if it looks a little cartoony. All in all, Unthinkable is one of the best storyarcs to hit the FF in years.
Rating: -
Well, where to begin?
I went into 'Unthinkable' thinking that Mark Waid, wahtever he had planned, was going to do this one just right.
I used to think Wieringo's art was too cartoonish, much like Ed McGunness, but then I wised up.
'Unthinkable' was by and far, one of the most wonderfully crafted Marvel books I've yet read. Ive only recently jumped on the Marvel bandwagon bgecause I realized that DC still writes stories that are ordained and meant fro children--despite the greats like Green Arrow's ward's drug addiction, the brutality of the Joker on killing Jason Todd and others. But Marvel's dogma is simply more adult.
Example: How many DC villains would voluntarily (much less inhernetly know how to) banish thier nemesis' son to Hell?
But all comparisons and contrasts aside, Unthinkable gave the reader a wonderful insight into the mechanics of Reed Richards mind--his disdain for magic, his analytical nature, his utter disgust at Doom. Waid himself said that 'Unthinkable' is one monumental character flaw--Reed Richards-wise.
Doom was, as always, impeccably well-written and drawn. Hard to believe his newest armor is made from his dead lover's skin!
The new spins on Susan, Ben, and especially Johnny were great. It's so nice to see Johnny and Ben just horsing around instead of actually fighting and ruining the good ol' Baxter Building. Plus, Ringo has a certain way of making Johnny look more...educated, yet adolescent...welcome additions all around.
Stephen Strange's presence was nice, and the segway by Grimm when the FF are on their way to Latveria is a good thing to establish character.
All in all, the arc that effectively puts Doom on the shelf for the forseeable future is a well-crafted piece of comic art. Mark Waid has done it again.
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