In addition to the other rebootlaunches that have been announced so far with Marvel’s upcoming Now! initiative, Matt Fraction will be helming both “Fantastic Four” and “FF” in two new directions as current writer Hickman leaves for the Avengers ship. And boy, is Fraction going to bring some new things to the table with his collaborators.
Let’s start with the easy one first: “Fantastic Four.” Featuring redesigned costumes by Mark Bagley, the book will feature the team on a “journey through time and space,” according to a report from USA Today. The basic premise is that Reed builds a ship to take his family on a epic journey through history a la Doctor Who, apparently inspired by former governor of Maine Angus King’s similar adventure with his own family. The main team will be gone for an entire year (or, as Fraction mentions, “four minutes in regular Earth time”) with every issue following a single focal point in the 12-month long history lesson.
Now, here’s where things get a little bit different with “FF.” In the same article from USA Today, it is revealed that Fraction and Mike Allred will be writing a brand new team starring — are you ready? — Ant-Man (Scott Lang), She-Hulk, Medusa and Miss Thing (a “Lohan-esque celebutante blonde” that Johnny signs up for the role after spending the night with her). The book operates tangentially to “Fantastic Four” as a reaction, and the new team is created to guard while the Fantastic Four is gone. But apparently, a one-eyed, one-legged, half-insane bearded Johnny Storm stumbles out of the gateway and shuts it behind him, and the new “FF” are left to take the place of the old one (temporarily, assumedly, as that’s usually how these things go).
“FF” will also see Scott Lang seeking retribution for the death of his daughter in “Children’s Crusade,” bringing back the classic tension between the Fantastic Four and Doctor Doom
Suffice it to say, it’s an interesting concept. Fraction compares to “Fantastic Four” to a Pixar film that everyone can enjoy (i.e The Incredibles), and Allred is sure to bring the funky in a book with main characters like Medusa and Miss Thing. It’ll be very interesting to see the two books run tangential to one another come November.
Updated: Now with the full press releases from Marvel.
Marvel Press Release
This November, Marvel’s First Family embarks on a adventure unlike any before in Fantastic Four #1, kicking off the all-new ongoing series from the blockbuster creative team of Eisner Award Winning writer Matt Fraction and legendary artist Mark Bagley! As part of Marvel NOW!, Fantastic Four joins a number of titles that will take the Marvel Universe in an exciting all-new direction, as the industry’s top creators join the top Super Heroes to deliver all-new ongoing series, great for new and veteran readers alike!
Four adults. Two kids. One FantastiCar. NOW! Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben — along with Franklin and Valeria — begin their epic journey through all of infinite time and space!
“Matt and Mark are taking the world’s greatest family of science-adventurers on a road trip through every conceivable corner of the Marvel Universe,” said Axel Alonoso, Editor In Chief, Marvel Entertainment. “It’s a long and winding road, filled with friends and foes, both old and new, and challenges unlike anything they’ve ever faced. What doesn’t break the Richards family will only make it stronger.”
Marvel NOW! is the culmination of Marvel ReEvolution, the groundbreaking new initiative to evolve the comic book experience through innovation. With Fantastic Four,Marvel NOW! ensures fans will discover an entirely new perspective on Marvel’s First Family.
“The Fantastic Four is the cornerstone of the Marvel Universe. It’s an honor and privilege to carry on playing in such a fertile field. Some of Marvel’s brightest and best did some of their most amazing work with the Richards family and I’m thrilled to get my crack at Marvel’s first family,” explained Fraction. “We’re going to new places, seeing new things, and having all new adventures — aside from Reed, Sue, and the rest, EVERYTHING else will be brand new.”
Each issue of Fantastic Four features special augmented reality content available exclusive through the Marvel AR app — including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost.
Continued below“Not only does every book with the Marvel NOW! logo feature a new superstar creative team and blockbuster story, but they also come with all-new incentives for our retailer partners,” explained David Gabriel, Senior Vice-President of Sales, Marvel Entertainment.. “We want to make sure every comic shop nationwide is fully stocked to meet the high demand we’re already seeing for Marvel NOW! And want to make sure their voices are heard throughout this exciting time. Stay tuned for more news on how Marvel will be working directly with retailers to make sure our programs address their needs.”
An all-new direction! All-new adventures! This is the Fantastic Four NOW!
This November, Matt Fraction and Mark Bagley redefine what it means to be fantastic in Fantastic Four #1!
For more on Marvel NOW!, please visit now.marvel.comand join the conversation on Twitter using #MarvelNOW
*Retailers should keep an eye on the Marvel Mailer and Diamond daily for special announcements concerning Marvel NOW
FANTASTIC FOUR #1
Written by MATT FRACTION
Art & Cover by MARK BAGLEY
ON SALE THIS NOVEMBER!
Marvel Press Release
This November, the fight for the future takes shape in FF #1, kicking off the all-new ongoing series from the blockbuster creative team of Eisner Award winning creators Matt Fraction and Michael Allred! As part of Marvel NOW!, FF joins a number of titles that will take the Marvel Universe in an exciting all-new direction, as the industry’s top creators join the top Super Heroes to deliver all-new ongoing series, great for new and lapsed readers alike!
With the Fantastic Four embarking on an epic journey, an all-new substitute Four, handpicked by original members — Ant-Man, She-Hulk, Medusa, and Miss Thing — stand ready to guard and protect Earth and the Future Foundation for four minutes! What could possibly go wrong?
“The FF is a chance to radically remix and reinvent the familiar aspects of the Fantastic Four and the Future Foundation into something all new and wild,” explains Fraction. “Standing on its own but interlinked with Fantastic Four, the all-new FF will be doing things the Fantastic Four could only dream of before.”
Marvel NOW! is the culmination of Marvel ReEvolution, the groundbreaking new initiative to evolve the comic book experience through innovation. With FF, Marvel NOW! ensures fans will discover all-new perspectives .
“What – you didn’t actually think Reed would leave the Baxter Building unprotected during the Richards’ family’s epic road trip, did you?” said Axel Alonso, Editor In Chief, Marvel Entertainment. “Someone’s got to guard the fort, and Reed’s handpicked replacement team – courtesy of Matt and Mike’s unique creative synergy — is truly fantastic in its own right. Facing a relentless siege of villains with bones to pick, this team quickly realizes that the best defense against certain, uhm, Doom, is a good offense.”
Each issue of FF features special augmented reality content available exclusive through the Marvel AR app — including cover recaps, behind the scenes features and more that add value to your reading experience at no additional cost.
“Not only does every book with the Marvel NOW! logo feature a new superstar creative team and blockbuster story, but they also come with all-new incentives for our retailer partners,” explained David Gabriel, Senior Vice-President of Sales, Marvel Entertainment.. “We want to make sure every comic shop nationwide is fully stocked to meet the high demand we’re already seeing for Marvel NOW! And want to make sure their voices are heard throughout this exciting time. Stay tuned for more news on how Marvel will be working directly with retailers to make sure our programs address their needs.”
An all-new direction! All-new threats! An all-new team! This is FF NOW!
This November, Matt Fraction and Michael Allred redefine the future in FF #1!
For more on Marvel NOW!, please visit now.marvel.com and join the conversation on Twitter using #MarvelNOW
*Retailers should keep an eye on the Marvel Mailer and Diamond daily for special announcements concerning Marvel NOW!
FF #1
Written by MATT FRACTION
Art & Cover by MICHAEL ALLRED
ON SALE THIS NOVEMBER!
