Ultimate Fantastic Four #1

Marvel Comics
Ultimate Fantastic Four #1
By Kevin Scott
January 5, 2004 - 16:04

Marvel Comics
Writer(s): Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Millar
Penciller(s): Adam Kubert
Inker(s): Danny Miki
Cover Artist(s): Brian Hitch

The Ultimate Universe is at last going to say hello to the Ultimate Family! Witness the birth of The Four - Reed Richards, Johnny Storm, Susan Storm & Ben Grimm. Don't expect costumes off the bat though. We're going right to the very beginning of the epic story. It's a series about science, high adventure and above all else FAMILY, set in the most dynamic and unpredictable Universe in the comic book world!

"The Fantastic" is the perfect name for this story as it truly was a fantastic read. Bendis and Miller have fused together a story that calls to you on so many levels. In one hand you have the search enlightenment, which would be Reed and his experiments. Then you have the bond of friendship, which is encapsulated with Reed & Ben (the whole dynamic makes for so great reading). And then there is the realisation of acceptance. When Reed finds other like minds, you can tell he is truly at home, instead of having to fear the dreaded bog wash. And in the mixing pot with all of this are little bits that Fantastic Four fans can look upon and smile. I can't wait for issue #2.

Adam Kubret just highlights why he should never be allowed to put down a pencil, with this issue. Everything is done with so much finesse. The subtle expression changes, fluctuations in body posture. It's wonderful just watching how he translates what Bendis & Miller have put down in words. Another aspect of this book that I really liked was the colour pallet. The tone of the colours really helped imbue a sense of warmth into the book. So hats off to Dave Stewart. And the whole layout of the panels, with the black borders, just great touches, which all help set the feel, which is that this book happens before the other Ultimate titles.

Report Card A

Rating: A/10