Penciler — Alan Davis
Inks — Mark Farmer
Colors — Liquid Colors
Letters — Richard Starkings & Comiccraft
Editor — Mark Powers
Editor in Chief — Bob Harras
What I thought:
(Note: You may want to read my "Heroes Return" and "Captain America #1" reviews first.)
This issue's premise: The FF return to the "real" universe. (From the pocket universe to the Marvel universe, as depicted in "Heroes Return.") Unlike Captain America, the FF know they have been to an alternate reality, and are trying to find their a way of "fitting in" once again in the Marvel universe.
This features a series of short scenes with the Mole Man, the FF's new base in Antarctica, rebuilding the fantastic-car, an archaeological dig in France, and how the FF save the world — again. Lobdell's jumping from place to place is an interesting way to welcome back the FF. This story works. And not because of location jumping, but because of the interaction and love between the FF themselves. And because Franklin is now an integral member of the team for all home base activities. (Sorry — no road trips yet, young man!)
Anyway, it's the FF to the rescue in their own inimitable style — winning with a combination of knowledge, raw power, and teamwork against a foe much more powerful than they, but one which has a fatal flaw.
What I liked:
I liked the way Lobdell handled the characterization and the dialogue between the FF and Franklin. The threat to humanity was real and immediate. The art is excellent. The colors especially enhance the story line, as it goes from bright and sunny at the Antarctic Base to the dark archaeological scene of evil in France — an all-around excellent story.
What I disliked — The story was a bit contrived, partly because of the fallout from "Heroes Return" and the FF's transition into the regular universe. The five-page spread for the Mole Man in the introduction of the book was excellent artwork — but a tremendous waste of pages for a one-line joke. In my opinion, it could have been done in two pages — maximum. (Of course we would have missed those cool-looking sidearm weapons and mounts of the underground minions — anybody want to proffer a guess as to what the heck kind of weapon they are?) (Is the Mole Man getting fatter than ever? He must have an underground entrance to a pastry factory!)
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