By Chris Eliopoulos (Writer), Ronan Cliquet (Pencils), Amilton Santos (Inks), and Guillem Mari (Colors)
Including this, I’ve only ever read three issues of anything under the “Marvel Adventures” imprint. With the knowledge that this is supposed to be the “kids magazine,” I read this out of curiosity and because I love the Fantastic Four. That said, I actually found it pretty entertaining.
The prologue begins during the 1950’s atomic bomb testing showing a cockroach that survived the detonation. Years later, this has causes the evolution of a “Roach Collective,” which must inhabit a human host to survive – not the most original storyline, but well done enough to get my attention. After obtaining a new human host, the Collective sees a television program about the Fantastic Four. Because their possession quickly causes the death of its host, the Collective decides it needs to acquire a vessel with the strength and resistance to hold them permanently. And through the television program, they learn of The Thing! After a fun scene of Ben and Johnny humor, Ben finally meets the Collective and the inevitable fight ensues.
The art throughout, especially during the fight scene, is surprisingly well done. Being a children’s comic, I expected everything to look cartoony (which always annoys me when done in comics), but Ronan Cliquet’s art was not only lifelike, on more than one instance it was just plain excellent. Heck, I’d love to see him do a run on the mainstream Fantastic Four book sometime! Even if the story sucked (which it didn’t), his art would make this issue worth reading.
Chris Eliopoulos’ script isn’t too bad either. While maybe not the most exciting story, it kept me entertained. I especially enjoyed the reference for regular Fantastic Four fans when Johnny says “The Fantastic Four have only begun to fight!” (which is his line on the cover of Fantastic Four #1 from 1961, for those not in the know). If there is any complaint, it seems that he ends the story too quickly, but since this needs to be a standalone comic, I can see how that would present a problem.
In summary: Amazing art, and a story that isn’t spectacular, but at least fun. Now the big question: Is it worth buying? Well, if you need an extra Fantastic Four fix and want to see some great art, (and a rather humorous “Mini-Marvels” strip, almost forgot that!), sure go ahead. But if not, you’re not missing out on too much. (Grade: C+)
-M. Staples
Filed under: Marvel Comics, Reviews Tagged: | Amilton Santos, Chris Eliopoulos, Comic Book Reviews, comic books, Fantastic Four, Guillem Mari, Marvel, Marvel Adventures, Marvel Adventures Fantastic Four, Marvel Adventures Fantastic Four #37, Marvel Comics, Ronan Cliquet
