2007-07-26 Nicely done for a re-imagining

I used to read the Fantastic Four a lot when I was a kid. Now, many, many years later, I gave the Ultimate Fantastic Four a chance as I've already been introduced to Mark Millar's The Ultimates series. It still smacks a little of something produced for kids, but that's mainly because the FF of this universe gain their powers when they are still in their teens. However, the story has some powerful moments - not least those moments just after the experiment-gone-wrong which turns these innocents into four of the most powerful beings the world has known (and, check out the woe displayed by Sue and Johnny's dad who feels he has just lost both his kids, a very adult moment that wouldn't be out of place in a more mature offering), and it also has some wonderfully snappy and amusing dialogue (I loved Ben Grimm's view that he'd probably gone mad, something which allowed him to be more devil-may-care about proceedings).

The villain of the Piece, the Mole Man, isn't necessarily the grandest of foes, but he's drawn quite well (reminding me of Danny Devito's take of the Penguin in Tim Burton's Batman films) and he has a nice line in twisted genius dialogue. However, I look forward to latter issues and seeing the Four confront the likes of Doctor Doom and Prince Namor (the former of which has been scripted by Warren Ellis, so that will be an interesting read).

So, all in all, a good effort and a fair beginning and one to while away some time in the bath having a good read (engaging enough for the water to go cold without you even noticing).