Review of
Fantastic Four (1961) #1
Published:
November 1961
Reviewer Rating:
Avg User Rating:
(3.67)
This is iconic, this is fun, this is interesting, this is a must-read. However, it's just not a great book.
I would have cut a lot out, and focused on the origin as quickly and as much as possible. Susan calling Ben a coward could potentially be a very emotionally powerful inciting moment if you plot things right (a hint that he's into her should have come much earlier than the brief Thing Vs. Mr. Fantastic scuffle). I would also have Ben be more resistant to the agreement to be a superhero team. If I was Ben I would have been way more hostile for way longer.
If it focused on the aspects I'm pointing, the story would inevitably have a lot more soul and cohesiveness.
But I can't really complain, because on this started a fantastic run, and they figured it out as they went along. Along the way, they created some good stories, some amazing characters, and the foundations of a fascinating universe in the process.
I would have cut a lot out, and focused on the origin as quickly and as much as possible. Susan calling Ben a coward could potentially be a very emotionally powerful inciting moment if you plot things right (a hint that he's into her should have come much earlier than the brief Thing Vs. Mr. Fantastic scuffle). I would also have Ben be more resistant to the agreement to be a superhero team. If I was Ben I would have been way more hostile for way longer.
If it focused on the aspects I'm pointing, the story would inevitably have a lot more soul and cohesiveness.
But I can't really complain, because on this started a fantastic run, and they figured it out as they went along. Along the way, they created some good stories, some amazing characters, and the foundations of a fascinating universe in the process.
