A different point of view.
After reading the above review I was compelled to write a contrasting review as a fan of the Fantastic Four that didn't like Millar's run or take on Marvel's first family.
After the mess that Millar's run became I found Hickman's take on the FF to be a breath of fresh air.
From the first couple of pages you got the feeling that this isn't just another super team, it's a family, and that dynamic played through out the book.
While I'm not sure what to make of Hickman's take on the Thing yet, we'll get a whole lot more next issue, but I thought that he nailed every other character spot on.
Reed's a genius, but he's been through so much in his life that he's not the closed off, antisocial, and distracted scientist he was portrayed as earlier in his comic life, he's a father, an adventurer, a hero, a leader, and he genuienly cares about his family and friends, even if that friend is a mad scientist who's bent on destroying reality.
Sue is a strong caring mother to everyone, even her own husband at times, she didn't get much in this issue, but from the little we've seen I do like the character work being done with her.
Johnny is a wise cracking smart alec who wants to have fun, but he still cares about everyone's well being, this issue he's worried about Ben's emotional state after Ben called off his wedding.
Ben seemed, quite frankly, stupid, which he is not, we didn't get much out of him in this issue, next issue promises more with him and Johnny so we'll get a better look at Hickman's take on him then.
Franklin is a typical boy, he's a trouble maker, strong willed, but in this case way too smart for his own good, and while they haven't touched on it yet, has the ability to warp reality which I'm sure Hickman will touch on later in his run.
I really enjoyed Hickman's take on Valeria and her constantly growing intelligence, her one panel with Reed sets up so many possiblities for later in this run that it's crazy.
We finally see the story line touch back on Reed's "Room of 100 Solutions" to make the world a better place,, we learn that he now has 101, and we find out why he hid the Bridge from his family at the end of Dark Reign: Fantastic Four instead of destroying it like Sue requested.
The last page made me do a double take and immediately set my mind running as to the possibilites of what this could mean for the Marvel Universe if Reed does go along with what is proposed.
As for Eaglesham's art, I for one thought it was gorgeous, yeah he did go a little overboard on the muscle for Reed, although I didn't think he looked Thor big by any means. I was able to look past it simply because I've always kept in mind Reed can essentially alter his physical appearance at will, if he feels like Rambo'ing it up a bit it's well within his powers to do so.
Overall this was the most fun I've had with a Fantastic Four book in a loooonnnnggg time, Hickman's take on the team was for the most part how I've always imagined them interacting with each other.
I thought the art was brilliant and really added to the book, although I do agree that Reed was far more muscular than I prefer, I was able to get past it and it didn't really take anything away from the issue in my eyes.
Another good jumping on point for someone looking to get back into the Fantastic Four or wanting to see what this team is all about.
Four out of five with me wanting 571 out now just so I can see what happens.
