FF #1

The death of the Human Torch changed things for the Fantastic Four. Now that they're looking towards tomorrow, what will they do differently? 
 

The Good 

From the beginning you get a sense of the grand scope of where Hickman and Epting want to take the series. When I first heard that the Fantastic Four series was ending and leading into the Future Foundation, I had my obvious doubts. Reading this issue, this is the only way I can see the series going. With what they're out to accomplish, it almost feels too big even for the Fantastic Four. Throw in the other members of the Future Foundation and the fact that Reed's dad, Nathanial is back, the future is indeed wide open. And let's not forget the appearance of a certain individual at the end and how that will drastically change things for the group. 
 
Hickman throws a lot at us. The new direction and costumes are set up. The reason for certain members being around is explained. The issue nicely sets everything up and is accessible to new and old readers. There's action, family interaction and even little bits of humor, despite the still lingering mourning over the death of Johnny. There are also threads from Hickman's run on Fantastic Four carrying over so past readers can rest assured that Hickman will not abandon them. 
  
What about the art? I'm a huge fan of Steve Epting. Him being on the book adds to the grand feel of the book. I would've hated to see this book with another artist. 

The Bad 

While I'm excited about what we can expect, it almost feels like too much. I've loved the adventures that the Fantastic Four have gone on but now they're really upping their game. With Nathanal having some knowledge from the future, that can change what the teams does. This is clearly not the Fantastic Four anymore and I just need to accept that. 
 

The Verdict 

Say goodbye to the Fantastic Four and hello to the future of the team. Jonathan Hickman and Steve Epting return in the aftermath of the death of the Human Torch. Their world has change as so has their mission. The Future Foundation has big plans to take on big problems. How long this will last remains to be seen. This clearly isn't the Fantastic Four any longer. The debut issue contains action, family interaction, humor and teases of things to come as well as plots carrying over from Hickman's Fantastic Four run. Readers of that series as well as new readers can dive right in the fun. There are big things coming and the first issue does not hold back in teasing us with what's to come.