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View Full Version : Fantastic Four: Authoritative Action (tpb)


Strike
04-14-2004, 12:45 PM
Writer: Mark Waid
Pencils: Howard Porter
Score: A

This story continues from where the last trade - Unthinkable - left off. Dr. Doom is trapped in Hell, and the Fantastic Four decide to take the opportunity to free Latveria from his tyranny. However, Reed Richards has been left deeply scarred, both physically and mentally, from his battle with Doom, and his behaviour becomes increasingly erratic.

The story is extremely well-written. It moves along at a cracking pace, beginning with the occupation of Latveria and moving from there. Waid's characterisation is excellent, particularly when it comes to Mr Fantastic, as the reader observes the gradual breakdown of a brilliant mind. Yet Waid doesn't allow him to sink into full insanity, which will keep long-time fanboys happy.

With all due respect to Mike Weiringo, I personally consider Howard Porter's artwork to be even better. His action scenes are very well laid out, and it is always clear from the expressions on a character's face, just what they are feeling.
And let me just mention my favourite part in the final chapter, when The Thing, who has always been intimidating, becomes absolutely terrifying!

This is probably the best book yet in Mark Waid's excellent run on the Fantastic Four. I recommend it highly.

Christian Otte
04-14-2004, 01:31 PM
I was really surprised with this arc, but after having read a few issues, I couldn't wait for more - a fantastic story (pun intended) !

Woody
04-14-2004, 02:03 PM
I read this as it came out ina monthly form, I was ready to drop it from my pull list because it felt like the story was moving too slowly until I got to the scene:

SPOILERS

where the doombots busted in on Ben and Johnny and I was totally hooked for the rest and it was a great ride.

I give it an A as well. Waid really paced this well, if there hadnt been the lull of action before the shit hit the fan it wouldnt of had near the amount of impact that was generated with the scene I described above.

Christian Otte
04-14-2004, 02:05 PM
Originally posted by Woody
I read this as it came out ina monthly form, I was ready to drop it from my pull list because it felt like the story was moving too slowly until I got to the scene:

SPOILERS

where the doombots busted in on Ben and Johnny and I was totally hooked for the rest and it was a great ride.

I give it an A as well. Waid really paced this well, if there hadnt been the lull of action before the shit hit the fan it wouldnt of had near the amount of impact that was generated with the scene I described above. Dude, that was how I felt, too! Weeeeeird...

:)

Woody
04-14-2004, 02:23 PM
Originally posted by Christian Otte
Dude, that was how I felt, too! Weeeeeird...

:)

Weeeeird indeed

Woody
04-15-2004, 05:31 PM
Originally posted by Woody
Weeeeird indeed don't you hate it when it feels like you killed a thread?

Godfather
04-15-2004, 05:39 PM
Originally posted by Woody
don't you hate it when it feels like you killed a thread?

Half my posts are probably threads I killed :)

And I liked this story, but not as much as Unthinkable.

Woody
04-15-2004, 05:42 PM
Originally posted by Godfather
And I liked this story, but not as much as Unthinkable. Yeah, as good as this story was... it was DooDoo compared to Unthinkable


... yeah you dont wanna get me started talkin about how much I liked Unthinkable

Godfather
04-15-2004, 05:47 PM
Originally posted by Woody
Yeah, as good as this story was... it was DooDoo compared to Unthinkable


... yeah you dont wanna get me started talkin about how much I liked Unthinkable

Sure I do, in fact, do a review, thats what this board is here for :)

Woody
04-15-2004, 05:54 PM
Originally posted by Godfather
Sure I do, in fact, do a review, thats what this board is here for :) that takes effort though,

see, I'm a lazy bastard who only wants to reply to other people's reviews.

I'll look into posting one when I get some free time though

Strike
04-15-2004, 06:47 PM
Like I said, I thought this one was slightly better.

Firstly, watching Reed's mental breakdown was fascinating.
Secondly, because of the conclusion. The final climactic battle with Doom was an epic. Turning the Four against each other was simply brilliant.

flutegirlrockz
04-19-2004, 11:09 AM
I give this an A Unthinkable deserves an A+.