Review: ‘X-Men + Fantastic Four’ #2 Sets A Collision Course With DOOM!
by Tony Thornley
Franklin Richards has long been one of the Marvel Universe’s greatest focal points. Now, his rash actions are about to start a war between the X-Men and Fantastic Four that may sweep through the entire universe. A war that involves none other than Doom!
Chip Zdarsky, Terry Dodson, Rachel Dodson, Ransom Getty, Karl Story, Laura Martin and Joe Caramagna bring Doom into the conflict between the X-Men and the Four in X-Men + Fantastic Four #2.
The Marauders are captives of Doom on the hidden island where Latveria has given their mutant citizens refuge. Doom has an offer for Franklin Richards. However, the X-Men and the Fantastic Four have learned the location of the island, and it’s a race to find them before Doom’s plans come to fruition.
After the nuanced and difficult questions raised by the first issue of the series, Zdarsky shifts into more of an adventure mode in this issue. The nuance is still there but it’s rightfully put on the backburner by the characters. The actual conflict between the heroes in this issue gets its proper page time, but the highlight of the issue by far is Doom.
Zdarsky wrote the more noble and heroic Doom in his last F4 series, and here he gets to write traditional Doom. It’s, pardon the pun, fantastic. The villain is in full monologuing Lee and Kirby mode, and it pushes what could just be standard superhero fare into a really fun place.
Dodson’s line work is stronger in this issue. His designs for Doom and his facilities are a modern take on classic Kirby designs. The characters are extremely expressive and the action is energetic and fun. Best of all, the art team delivers a fantastic final page twist that lands perfectly thanks to their work.
The X-Men and Four may have one of their greatest challenges yet ahead of them. I can’t wait to read more.
X-Men/ Fantastic Four #2 is available now from Marvel Comics.
