Fantastic Four #1

They're back!!

I know it has been a few weeks since this book came out, but I needed to talk about it before I completely forgot.

I've documented many times on this here blog that I am a huge Fantastic Four fan. Well, as of two weeks ago, they are now officially back in the Marvel Universe! After a lengthy hiatus, they returned in Fantastic Four #1. The book continued the exploits of Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm, which is a thread that has been running over in Marvel 2 In One.

The reason I wanted to talk about this book is that it is rare these days that I genuinely feel something from a comic book. I've become jaded and cynical. Not much truly moves me. This issue did for a number of reasons.

At least with this first issue, writer Dan Slott has lovingly acknowledged the past of the Fantastic Four while keeping an eye on the future. In what was one of the more shocking developments, Ben Grimm proposed to Alicia Masters! How has this not happened?! All the stuff they have been through over the years and they are just now about to get married. This is one of those truly sweet relationships that you rarely find in comics. A blind sculptor who falls in love with a guy made of orange rock. Okay, it doesn't sound as sweet when I say it like THAT, but it is. Just trust me.

I've stated before how Ben Grimm is one of my favorite characters and I am glad to see him find a little bit of happiness here.

On the other side, we've been watching Johnny Storm slowly begin to unravel. In speaking of the past, we get an appearance from Wyatt Wingfoot AND She Hulk all in one issue, also acknowledging their past. I swear it's like this issue was written for me.

Not to be outdone, we also get a little bit of a view in the what Dr. Doom is doing.

What I said before is real. When I put this issue down, I was truly happy. I felt like I was back home again. It's a hard feeling to describe, but you know it when you feel it.

Surprisingly, this first issue did not feature the team getting together at all. However, you could feel their impression within the book and the anticipation for their return. The FF used to be the center of the Marvel Universe and they were the beginning of it. I hope with this new iteration, that can get pushed back there and maybe we can push the Avengers to the side a little...