Marvel’s first family have been no strangers to handling the impossible. Whenever there is an Earth shattering event, Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben are on speed dial. It is a true challenge for any villain to overcome the Fantastic Four.
What happened when aliens try stopping the Earth from spinning? Who is lurking in the shadows to take advantage of this moment? What is up with Johnny’s mustache?
FANTASTIC FOUR #6 by Ryan North, Humberto Ramos, Victor Olazaba, Edgar Delgado & Joe Caramagna looks to answer most of those questions and more!
Let’s take a look at what transpires now.
FANTASTIC FOUR #6 by Ryan North, Humberto Ramos, Victor Olazaba, Edgar Delgado & Joe Caramagna (MARVEL COMICS)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
North has embraced the quirkiness and extreme obstacles with this team flawlessly. The opening challenge is a more traditional hero story. Readers watch as the writing sends the team into action. Once the response is laid out, the conflict is ended in a surprise manner. It is one that is vintage FF, which is never a bad thing. What follows next is a true show stealer.
Maria Hill’s involvement shakes up plans. The dialogue is crystal clear in expectation. It is a proposal that carries many possibilities. The deal also has huge consequences if it goes wrong. This is a storyline to keep an eye on moving forward.
The final challenge throws back to the classic era of FF stories. It upgrades one rogue beyond anything we’ve seen before. Readers watch as the deciding factor is unexpected but opens more doors for stories. This leads into the closing arc. Once here, Reed’s “Big Brain” persona goes into overdrive. It ends with a HUGE exclamation point as business just skyrocketed into space for the legendary team.
Ramos and the art team present a very classic superhero story. A full opening page teases the trouble that has arrived. The entrance of the Thing kicks off a small bit of action. Another member of the team takes the spotlight with a showcase of powers. The panels set up the conflict end with a great build. This moves events into a more grounded realm with an offer made.
Hill’s moment is brief but impactful. Ramos locks in on her determination with her offer. It doesn’t take long to head back into superhero business. The other rogue makes a unique entrance facing away from the readers. Unless you’re versed in FF lore, this might be confusing for a small time. This conflict is fast moving and sets up the grand finale nicely. The closing pages build up Reed’s curiosity with his wide range of reactions. The full page close is simple but drops the mic on a larger tale that feels like an event. Can’t go wrong with that finish.
FINAL GRADE: 8.6
The FF deals with a few varying conflicts for this chapter. North balances out the drama with a few stronger key parts mixed in. Ramos and the art team present classic imagery fitting for the First Family. Big stakes. Family Bonding. impossible situations. This is what Fantastic Four stories are all about.
Let me know your thoughts on Fantatsic Four #6 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!