It’s a few weeks late for Valentine’s Day, but love is in the air in “FF” #4. That is, unless Bentley 23 and the Moloids (what a great band name!) have a say in the matter.
Written by Matt Fraction
Illustrated by Mike Allred• It’s Valentine’s Day at the Baxter Building! So why does that spell trouble for She-Hulk?
Matt Fraction dropped a major bomb at the end of last month’s “FF” #3, with Scott Lang (Ant-Man and current leader of the FF) vowing to “end Doom.” “FF” #4 begins to flesh out what this war on the classic villain entails, though the rest of the Future Foundation doesn’t quite see eye to eye with their new leader. Alex Powers and Scott nearly come to blows over the philosophical underpinnings of this bold directive. Scott makes a strong case against Doom based on his numerous crimes, while Alex rightly points out Scott’s emotional bias. The exchange has fascinating implications for the future of this title, but it’s sadly cut short as Fraction moves the story in another direction entirely.
The major plot of this issue centers on a date between She-Hulk and Wyatt Wingfoot. While this has nothing to do with the book’s more pressing matters, (Scott’s vendetta against Dr. Doom and the time-displaced Johnny Storm) it’s still a fantastically fun diversion. It seems that the Moloids’ hero worship of “The Ben” has shifted to his replacement, “The Jen.” Not content to let Jen “pitch her woo” to anyone other than themselves, the Moloids enlist the help of evil mastermind in training, Bentley 23, to sabotage the date. As you can imagine, hilarious antics ensue.
The one segment of this book that reads a little less than perfect is a two page scene featuring the FF team and old Johnny Storm. Medusa makes a claim that doesn’t sit well with Johnny, leading to a conflict between the team. Medusa’s actions, and justification for those actions, don’t quite make sense. Medusa may have some sinister intentions hidden away, which seems like a leap for the seemingly goodhearted queen.
Enough praise cannot be heaped upon the art team of Mike and Laura Allred, who make “FF” one of the best looking books out there. The two have an incredible synergy that makes their work pop off the page. Every good thing about Fraction’s script, the character’s emotions, actions, and words, is amplified exponentially. This issue is filled with brilliant pages, such as the dance scene between Jen and Wyatt framed with diagrammed dance moves. The outdoor segments, blanketed in sheets of snow, are a sight to behold. Everything is neon and over the top, yet still believable and heartfelt. At the risk of falling into hyperbole, this is perhaps the best marriage of writing and art in mainstream comics, rivaled only by the team of Fraction and David Aja on “Hawkeye.” It is a bit unfair that Fraction gets to work with so many fantastic artists, isn’t it?
This issue showcases Fraction’s ability to balance the heavy and serious with the light and fun. Strong characterization abounds from every character in this book, and it’s a testament to Fraction’s ability as a writer to make such a bizarre cast work so well together. The Moloid’s dialogue alone sells this issue, but the small moments with Jen and Wyatt, as well as the powerful opening sequence make this an extremely well rounded issue.
Verdict: 8.8 – Buy. This is an extremely fun detour that sets the stage for future conflicts.
