Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa
Art by Steve McNiven; Mark Morales; “Morry “MO!” Hollowell; & Virtual Calligraphy’s Randy Gentile
Collection Cover Art by Steve McNiven
SUMMARY:
Released by Marvel Comics in 2004, this 168-page paperback compiles Marvel Knights 4 # 1-7 (also from 2004). The first arc is the four-part “Wolf at the Door,” as the team unexpectedly faces a financial nightmare. With their government funding revoked combined with a crooked accountant’s machinations, the Fantastic Four is imperiled by sudden bankruptcy, as well as eviction from The Baxter Building.
Struggling with a new status quo (including the need for blue-collar jobs), it’s up to level-headed Sue Richards to lead and protect her family’s fracturing unity, as even her genius husband can’t resolve this predicament fast enough. Ultimately, the Fantastic Four is forced to swallow its pride, along with multiple humility pills. i.e. how to best explain the matter to a very confused young Franklin Richards on his eighth birthday.
While his family adjusts to new jobs and moving into a cramped apartment, Reed finds himself contemplating how he can be a better Mr. Fantastic for his family’s sake. Last to take the initiative of helping his family stay afloat, 25-year old Johnny Storm takes a potentially major step towards maturity. Quick cameos include Tony Stark, She-Hulk, and Captain America.
As chronicled in the three-part “Pine Barrens,” Sue, Reed, and Ben Grimm supervise Franklin and four of his friends on a camping trip into the remote New Jersey Pine Barrens. Amidst peculiar interaction with locals and two publicity-thirsty filmmakers, the Richards/Grimm party soon encounters the horrific truth behind the local legend long dubbed ‘The Jersey Devil.’
Forced to protect Franklin and his defenseless buddies without her family, Sue alone faces a bloodthirsty alien horde. Even Reed & Ben are hard-pressed to fend off the aliens, as their last hope may be the team’s most powerful and indomitable asset.
Notes: One of Reed’s subplots poignantly concludes in Marvel Knights 4, Volume 5: The Resurrection of Nicholas Scratch. Dialogue establishes that the Fantastic Four has been established for approximately a decade. Hence, that timeline puts Sue at 29-31 now and that Johnny was only about 15-16 when he became the Human Torch.
REVIEW:
This volume’s creative team is definitely on their game. Justifying the art squad’s superb visuals, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa’s scripting ensures that every plot twist scores – even down to Johnny’s shallow love life with an equally self-absorbed supermodel.
Thought it would have made logical sense, story-wise, to depict the team seeking legal consultation from Jennifer Walters’ She-Hulk, Aguirre-Sacasa’s decision to have the Fantastic Four fending for itself comes off as very plausible. The scene of Reed politely declining Tony Stark’s offer of financial aid/housing speaks for itself.
The nightmarish camping trip arc proves another winner, though Reed’s new shape-shifting power is far too convenient, given the story’s dire circumstances. If anything, Aguirre-Sacasa’s consistent storytelling spells out why Susan Storm Richards is the team’s heart, and soul, not to mention Volume 1’s MVP. Hence, Marvel Knights 4, Volume 1: Wolf at the Door is a gem for Fantastic Four fans, as well as adults who appreciates a satisfying and well-produced graphic novel.
ADDITIONAL CONTENT:
In a full-page format, each cover precedes its story. The cover artists are: Steve McNiven (Issues # 1-2, and 6-7); and McNiven, Mark Morales, & Morry “MO!” Hollowell (Issues # 3-5). The four-page “Evolution of a Page” goes from script to Issue # 4’s fourth page.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 8½ Stars
