Review: Fantastic Four #42

Fantastic Four 42 is a huge feast that spends a bit too much time on the appetizers. Dan Slott knows how to tell an epic story and here he piles in some massive stakes and great characters. The Reckoning War involves the massively powerful Reckoning invaders teaming with a Badoon invasion. She Hulk and Jack of Hearts are on hand and witnessing the devastation the Reckoning are leaving behind with Watcher tech. Uatu failed to convince the Watchers to help but the original Nick Fury is trying to help free him. Johnny Storm is gathering reinforcements including the Guardians of the Galaxy, Starjammers and the army from Spyre.

Much of the focus of this issue is on Reed and Ben. Reed has taken all of Uatu’s wisdom endangering his life. In spite of all that is going on Reed takes some time here to try and convince Ben Grimm that he needs to stop freezing in battle out of concern for his new family. He fools Ben into thinking that his family has been been killed in the destruction of the Forever Gate. Ben is angered and lashes out with an attack on his dying friend. After a massive fight Reed reveals that he was tricking Ben and his family is fine. He simply wanted Ben to understand the stakes of failure if he held back in battle. This is all a massive, unneeded distraction from the already busy story. It is also a typical Reed Richards. The absence of Sue is felt here as he is making a good point but being a manipulative jerk.

There is just so much action and so many great character moments throughout this issue. The Badoon and Reckoning attack earth, with Alicia and the kids fending for themselves. She Hulk and Jack of Hearts take Reed and Ben to Obscura Minor where She Hulk realizes she had an accidental hand in helping the Reckoning. She Hulk mourns the dead and fights Wraith of the Reckoning. Nick Fury spies on the Watchers and realizes something is not right with Emnu. Human Torch arrives in Kree/Skrull space with his massive backup force.

Finally the issue ends with Doom entering the fray. There is so much going on here that the super powered Galactus waiting in the wings is not even mentioned. The art keeps up with the massive scope, great action sequences and fantastic color work. Ben Grimm’s face looks wrong and some of the pages lack some detail but otherwise it’s a steller issue artistically by Rachel Stott. Dan Slott is having so much fun on this book and the story shines on every page. The individual moments here can feel a bit heavy handed but the overall momentum and energy shines through.

Writing: 4.2 of 5 stars
Art: 3.9 of 5 stars
Colors: 4.1 of 5 stars

Overall: 4.1 of 5 stars

Writer: Dan Slott
Artist: Rachel Stott
Colors: Jesus Aburtov and Erick Arciniega
Publisher: Marvel Comics

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.