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Ultimate
Fantastic Four
7/AUG/2004
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Writer: Warren Ellis
Pencils: Stuart Immonen
Inks: Wade Von Grawbadger
Colors: Dave Stewart
Letters: Chris Eliopoulos
Price: $2.25 US/R24.50 SA
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The initial story arc consisting of the first six issues is done
and dusted. The all-star duo of Brian Michael Bendis
[Ultimate Spider-Man] and Mark Millar
[Wanted] have moved on and now it’s up to
the team of Warren Ellis [Global Frequency,
Transmetropolitan] and Stuart Immonen
[Superman: Secret Identity] to take on the Ultimate
Fantastic Four [UFF].
Victor Van Damme is still missing after the accident that transformed
The Four into their fantastic new forms. Reed Richards feels
the weight of responsibility for what has happened to his
friends lives and works tirelessly to correct his mistakes. Sue
Storm is more anxious about Reeds lack of concern for his own health
and convinces him to get tested for his newfound condition. The
results are somewhat astounding and most certainly bizarre.
Much has been said about the almighty partnership of Bendis
and Millar on this books first arc. It’s true that
they did a nice job and created an interesting new origin for the
‘Ultimatized’ version of The Four, but this book has
taken off with the second arc under Ellis’ penmanship.
I had been happy with the first story but not entirely convinced
and as blown away as I had been on Bendis’ Ultimate Spider-Man
and Millars’ Ultimates series. Although a strong comic I didn’t
feel that UFF had drawn the best out of both creators and was happy
to hear that a new writer/artist team was going to give it a shot.
After reading this issue I couldn’t be happier about Marvel’s
choice for this new lineup. Ellis brings a heart and scientific
edge that I felt was missing from the series, as well as some great
dialogue and storytelling moments and Stuart Immonen brings us some
tremendous artwork to seal the deal.
Ellis’ manages to give life to Reed and Sue’s blossoming
relationship via his use of some great dialogue and by showing each
character’s distinct personalities. Sue’s struggle with
Reed’s lack of concern for himself and Reeds struggle with
his sense of responsibility for the accident shine out in a brilliant
scene between the two parties. You learn so much about the personalities
and drive behind Reed, Sue and Victor that you’ll be amazed
so much was said in just one issue. Ellis also impresses with his
ability to mix in some much needed science and thought into his
stories. The Fantastic Four are based around a tradition of science-fiction
and Ellis’ brings this to the fore with some great reasoning
behind Reed’s estranged physical condition.
If the writing will keep you glued to the page then the art by Stuart
Immonen will surely throw you over the edge. Immonen manages to
take over the reigns from Adam Kubert [Uncanny
X-Men, Ultimate X-Men] and make this book
even better than it was, which is a hard task considering the quality
of Kubert’s work on the book over the last few months
Immonen brings a slightly more mature and defined style to this
series. His well-formed background scenes are some of the best I’ve
seen in a long while and his grasp of drawing technology is second
to none. Each little detail on every computer console, lab and scientific
creation is attended to and so the ‘sci-fi’ world of
Ellis’ writing and that of the UFF is wonderfully brought
to life through his art.
Immonen doesn’t stop there however as his grasp of the human
and superhuman form is also awfully impressive. His trademark stylized
linework, accentuated by some great inking by Wade Von Grawbadger,
bring an edge and sophistication to this books overall appearance.
The colors by Dave Stewart keep the visual tone
of the previous arc thus helping to keep the book firmly rooted
in its original visual approach.
If you’ve been sleeping on this series, now is the time to
wake up. Ellis and Immonen have breathed new life into this run
and have brought it from decent to fantastic [sorry couldn’t
help myself]. Superheroes with realistic personalities and issues
who live in a science fiction based form of reality.
Score 9/10
Reviewed By:Iain Duncan
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