‘Fantastic Four: Life Story’ #6 Review – Doom Strikes And The Ageing Heroes Unite

And so, with Galactus defeated it is to Doom we turn, arguably the Fantastic Four’s greatest villain. A dictator who has planned for decades – and throughout this series – for world domination. We are now dangerously close to our own present day, but the Fantastic Four have one last danger to overcome. But, with Reed left in a vegetative state and Sue Storm, along with Captain America et. al., all aged, can they really pull off one last fantastic feat? Well, what do you think? 

While Mark Russell may have made his mark in comicdom as a sharp satirical writer, on this series he proves he is an all-round writer, worthy of his growing status within the industry as one of the more talented writers around. Superhero comics aren’t known for their satire or their comedy. And, indeed, this series, while humorous at times is a very different kind of beast. Many have cherry picked through the mighty, legendary legacy of Stan and Jack, but not all have pulled it off. Russell is one who has, taking the familiar and iconic and blending them together to create a story fitting for what was the 60th anniversary year of Marvel’s favourite family. And it is within this context that the sentimentality of Fantastic Four: Life Story #6 isn’t mawkish, or overdone. In this reality Reed and Sue have long been separated, and I’m sure I’m not the only reader that hoped for a happy ending for the two. 

Over the course of the series, while the reader has been preoccupied with the coming of Galactus, Russell skilfully, and right under our noses, sewed the seeds of Doom’s master plan. A plan that brings forth a new generation of superheroes to replace the ageing legends. Miles Morales, Lionheart and Captain Marvel all lead the charge, with Sean Izaakse sharing art duties with Ze Carlos and Angel Unzueta. All of whom, I am happy to report, are similar enough to keep the reader firmly planted with both feet in the unfolding story.

From start to finish this has been a most enjoyable, entertaining and enthralling series, with just as many surprises as there were nostalgic call backs, which you would expect from a series ostensibly celebrating the Fantastic Four. A series celebrating the comic’s cosmic scale adventures while remaining focussed on the domestic dramas and the emotional rollercoaster rides, that, when done correctly, makes this first family of the 616 so engaging. And out now from Marvel Comics.