Review: Fantastic Four #30

Just when you thought the King in Black tie-ins could not get more dull, they find a way with this issue. Dan Slott takes a break from being a genuinely interesting writer to give us this ‘Blackest Night’ retread.

Characters are being taken over by ‘goo’ (their word not mine) and then spouting out their most hurtful words at others while attacking them. It’s meant to be character building to see them reveal their deepest thoughts, but none of it is actually true to these characters so it just comes off as petty.

Ze Carlos does an admirable job with the art, showcasing massive venomized character designs, battles between heroes and some fighting with venomized dragons. There are some strong moments, Alicia has some great characterization struggling with motherhood and her desire for simple adventure rather than massive battles in New York. Spider-Man makes a too quick guest appearance reminding us crossovers are supposed to have heroes crossing over into other books rather than just the villains. Bentley from the Future Foundation is always great to see even if he has little to do here.

The book has potential but it is crushed under the drama as the symbiotes take over the Thing, Human Torch and eventually Valeria. Each of them just feel as threatening as Oscar the Grouch as they pepper their loved ones with words rather than allowing us to focus on how their abilities truly match up.

An opportunity to see heroes face off is ruined when for some reason Venomized Johnny Storm thinks he can lecture Sue on her parenting skills and Venomized Ben raves at Reed for being a scientist. It is also a bit jarring to see a fast forward to the aftermath of the crossover at the issue’s end where we just spend more time worrying about relationships. This issue just lays on the melodrama like it’s Nutella and it’s exhausting without being enjoyable.

Writing: 2 of 5 stars
Art: 3.4 of 5 stars
Colors: 3.6 of 5 stars

Overall: 3 of 5 stars

Writer: Dan Slott
Art: Ze Carlos
Colors: Jesus Aburtov

Author Profile

M.R. Jafri

M.R. Jafri was born and raised in Niagara Falls New York and now lives with his family in Detroit Michigan. He's a talkative introvert and argumentative geek. His loves include Star Wars, Star Trek, Superheroes, Ninja Turtles, Power Rangers, Transformers, GI Joe, Films, Comics, TV Shows, Action Figures and Twizzlers.