Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Art by Valentine DeLandro; Mizuki Sakakibara; Clay Mann; Batt; Jon Sibal; Avalon’s Dave Kemp & Dan Kemp; Virtual Calligraphy’s Dave Sharpe & Joe Caramagna; Tony Harris; Gary Frank; Andy Brase; David Aja; & Clayton Crain
Book Cover Art by Gary Frank; Clayton Crain; & Chris Sotomayor
SUMMARY:
Released in 2006 by Marvel Comics, this 144-page paperback reprints Marvel Knights 4 # 25-27 and the subsequently renamed Four # 28-30 (all from 2005-2006), which effectively ends this particular series. The three-part “Resurrection of Nicholas Scratch” teams the Fantastic Four, Doctor Strange, and reluctant ally Diablo vs. the devilish Scratch, his mutant offspring: The Salem Seven, and possibly his late mother, Agatha Harkness.
Once a monstrous demon returns, more than one unholy alliance comes into play. In “Private Lives, Public Faces” (Issue # 28), Sue & Reed each contend with a friend’s personal crisis where inner heroism takes precedence over their super-powers.
In “Fallout” (Issue # 29), the team returns to The Savage Land to confirm Godseye’s recent destruction. Yet, Sue becomes suspicious of Reed’s possibly hidden motives. Finishing this series, “Open House” (set prior to Civil War # 1), the team experiences mixed emotions surrounding a public meet-and-greet at the Baxter Building. Guest stars include The Inhumans and Namor the Sub-Mariner.
Note: Though not officially billed as such, this book is Volume 5 (and last) for the Marvel Knights 4 imprint.
REVIEW:
Despite shifts due to varying artistic styles, the book’s visuals remain classy from start to finish. Case in point: the cover images are high-caliber. As to writer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s scripting, this collection is a fairly complex read rather than a thrill ride. Of the Fantastic Four itself, Sue “Invisible Woman” Richards and Ben “The Thing” Grimm come off as the most likable and down-to-earth.
The appeal of Reed “Mr. Fantastic” Richards varies – mostly due to his condescending super-genius persona. Yet, the last two stories imbue Reed with a more enigmatic flair. Johnny “Human Torch” Storm is predictably one-dimensional, as his immature antics demonstrate zero growth for his character.
Aguirre-Sacasa first devises an intriguing supernatural tale that challenges this veteran (and somewhat snooty) super-team with multiple old foes. To his credit, “Scratch” engages some well-played plot twists. As for the one-shot “Private Lives, Public Faces,” Aguirre-Sacasa smartly depicts Sue & Reed discreetly helping others, as a hint of a marital wedge is slowly brewing between them.
While this tale balances bleak realism (without resorting to graphic details) and possible hope, what Issue # 28 does best is convey Mr. and Mrs. Richards as relatable human beings rather than merely cardboard super-heroes. The last two stories are good, but the underlying melancholy don’t necessarily make them entertaining reads.
This Marvel Knights 4 finale should satisfy Fantastic Four fans, but, for casual (teens-and-up) readers, it’s more akin to a wholesome family drama than crowd-pleasing action-adventure.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
The covers are reprinted as full-page images. There’s also an interesting, two-page, black-and-white cover image development for Issue # 28 by artist David Aja.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 7 Stars
