| Comic Review | Paul Milligan |
Fantastic Four #536
Writer: J. Michael Straczynski
Penciler: Mike McKone
Inkers: Andy Lanning, Kev Walker, Cam Smith and Kris Justice
Colorist: Paul Mounts
Six months ago a strange object plummeted to earth and crash
landing in Oklahoma. In the present day, after returning
from an ominous meeting with some of the most powerful men
in the Marvel Universe, Reed Richards is called, along with
the rest of the Fantastic Four, to Oklahoma to assist the
military against an attack by Doombots. The Doombots are
after the mysterious object that crash landed and is now
being contained in a dome-like installation.
It’s true that the regular Fantastic Four comic
usually holds little interest for me. Straczynski injects
some great humor into the title, McKone’s art is as good as
ever and together they’re a very capable team who has
crafted a very solid book. But the few issues of their run
that I have read haven’t done much to change my opinion of
the title itself. That having been said, if you’re a Marvel
fan, regardless of your feelings towards the Fantastic Four,
this is one comic you’re definitely not going to want to
miss.
Looking at the cover of this issue, it’s no surprise what
the “mysterious object” that crashes in Oklahoma is. That’s
right it’s Thor’s hammer, the mighty Mjolnir. Considering
that the hammer isn’t actually revealed until the end of
this issue I think it might have been a smarter move to not
ruin the surprise on the cover. But hey, I guess it’s a
little late for that. Regardless of the spoiler it’s been a
while since I’ve read a Marvel comic that I’d consider
worthy of being called a “milestone” issue. This issue
certainly qualifies.
Though Thor and the rest of the Asgardian gods perished
during Ragnarok well over a year ago it was a foregone
conclusion that the character would return sooner or later.
And it looks like that time is coming soon. Tying Thor’s
imminent in return with the looming Civil War event
and you’ve likely got one of the most important Marvel
Comics to be published in some time.
Special thanks go out to Jeremy Shorr, owner of
Titan Comics for allowing us to use his advance
preview books for review purposes.
