Books : Ultimate Fantastic Four, Vol. 4

In association with Amazon.com

Rating:

- Agony and Ecstasy
This collection includes 'God War', 'Devils', an annual and a cross-over with the X-Men.

I had just about given up on this title after the last story arc ('Frightful') proved so exasperatingly bad, but finding a discounted copy is always a good omen!

'God War' was surprisingly good. Carey had the chutzpah to be the first writer to approach Thanos in the Ultimate universe and does a very good job of it. My sole complaint would be that his completely re-imagined approach - other than Thanos and Ronan (of a sort) - completely ignores the existing Marvel mythos in his retelling. Ferry's futuristic art was a good fit, giving the story a science-fiction feel.

'Devils' was atrocious - a conventional time-hopping story with art too dull to be called traditional. Time travel is a hard topic with which to do something new or interesting, and it feels like Carey gave up very early on.

The Annual deserves brief mention - goofy Immonen art and an equally silly storyline. The X-Men crossover is unremarkable in every way.

Rating:

- Amazing
I've never been a huge fan of the Fantastic Four, but I've been getting more and more into them recently. This collection features stories by Mike Carey, who is an absolute visionary. The stories are compelling and pure fantasy/science fiction at its very best. The artwork is incredible. Pascual Ferry is amazing when he's on his game, and he's at his very best here. The animated style of Stuart Immonen, featured occasionally in this volume, is exciting, dynamic, and a joy to stare at. Buy this book!

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