Fantastic Four #1 (2018)

Hey look everybody Fantastic Four #1! This is the 6th time Marvel has produced a Fantastic Four #1, so forgive me if the gimmick has worn a little thin on me. We also have a spoiler alert but if you haven't figured out that Reed and Sue are alive yet, you have bigger issues than spoilers. What Dan Slott and Sara Pichelli have penned here is a wonderful recap of our lost foursome without having to rehash 80% of continuity horrors that come from a title with 6 #1 issues. It is a caring look at a FAMILY of adventurers. And frankly after the bleak outlook of the Marvel Two In One series, it was quite refreshing. Starting on a low note of a prank done in poor taste that has the whole world sitting on the edge of it's seat only to have the prank revealed and the hope drain from the masses. To the joy of Ben Grimm finally popping the question and then to the tragic realization of Johnny Storm that his family isn't coming back, this tale is a real roller coaster ride. But no one can deny the cheer that must have erupted in the Marvel Universe when the signal was received telling the world that the Fantastic Four was indeed alive. With a Dr. Doom back up feature, all the major players are here. Well, except Reed, Sue, and the kids. But my aggravation is quickly diffused by the one page entry by Slott and Skottie Young as the Impossible Man speaks the words coming out of my brain. Funny, heartbreaking, inspirational, and irritating, this one has it all. And reminds us on the classic tales when Reed didn't notice Sue's new dress or Johnny gave Ben a hot foot.