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Marvel 1602
Marvel 1602: Fantastick Four
Doom returns! The Four from the Fantastik's greatest enemy has an insidious plan that takes them to the ends of the Earth! Peter David (Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, X-Factor) takes the reins with superstar artist-to-be Pascal Alixe (Superman, The Legion) for the eagerly awaited spin-off from Neil Gaiman's 1602. What does Doom want? Why doesn't Invisible Woman want to fight him? And what does Shakespeare have to do with it? Collects Marvel 1602: Fantastick Four #1-5.
120 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2007
15 people are currently reading
426 people want to read
About the author
Peter David
3,567 books1,362 followersaka David Peters
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
Peter Allen David, often abbreviated PAD, was an American writer of comic books, novels, television, films, and video games. His notable comic book work includes an award-winning 12-year run on The Incredible Hulk, as well as runs on Aquaman, Young Justice, SpyBoy, Supergirl, Fallen Angel, Spider-Man, Spider-Man 2099, Captain Marvel, and X-Factor.
His Star Trek work included comic books and novels such as the New Frontier book series. His other novels included film adaptations, media tie-ins, and original works, such as the Apropos of Nothing and Knight Life series. His television work includes series such as Babylon 5, Young Justice, Ben 10: Alien Force and Nickelodeon's Space Cases, which he co-created with Bill Mumy.
David often jokingly described his occupation as "Writer of Stuff", and he was noted for his prolific writing, characterized by its mingling of real-world issues with humor and references to popular culture, as well as elements of metafiction and self-reference.
David earned multiple awards for his work, including a 1992 Eisner Award, a 1993 Wizard Fan Award, a 1996 Haxtur Award, a 2007 Julie Award and a 2011 GLAAD Media Award.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 3, 2022
This is a fun read with alternate versions of familiar characters set during the days of William Shakespeare, who plays an important role within the story. However, it's more of a throwback to the early 1960's adventures of the Fantastic Four than it is something brand new and fresh like the original work by Neil Gaiman was. The FF act exactly like the FF of old, with Doctor Doom, the Frightful Four, Sandman, and Namor also reprising their roles albeit in period-looking costume. The only significant difference is with Medusa, who now has the ability to turn folks to stone with her gaze (like the original figure of Greek mythology).
The story has a few twists to keep things interesting and include some subtle comments on the more selfish impulses of humanity. However, it pales in comparison to the original Marvel Knights MARVEL 1602 eight-issue 2003-2004 maxi-series from Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert.
That work was fresh and magical, and presented familiar Marvel characters in an entirely different light. MARVEL 1602: FANTASTICK FOUR reads more like an alternate/what if FF story. While I did enjoy it, I couldn't help making those comparisons and wishing this to be more like the original.
I believe the old adage "too much of a good thing . . ." applies here. MARVEL 1602 was spun off into six mini-series. I suspect the others may be like this one, entertaining reads but lacking the magic.
The story has a few twists to keep things interesting and include some subtle comments on the more selfish impulses of humanity. However, it pales in comparison to the original Marvel Knights MARVEL 1602 eight-issue 2003-2004 maxi-series from Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert.
That work was fresh and magical, and presented familiar Marvel characters in an entirely different light. MARVEL 1602: FANTASTICK FOUR reads more like an alternate/what if FF story. While I did enjoy it, I couldn't help making those comparisons and wishing this to be more like the original.
I believe the old adage "too much of a good thing . . ." applies here. MARVEL 1602 was spun off into six mini-series. I suspect the others may be like this one, entertaining reads but lacking the magic.
January 2, 2025
Fantastick Four delivers a solid and entertaining continuation of the Fantastic Four's adventures in the 1602 universe. Picking up right after their escape from Doom's castle in Neil Gaiman’s original series, this storyline sees Doom making a dramatic comeback after his supposed "death."
The story takes us to the open seas, with the Fantastic Four facing new challenges. Johnny kidnaps a woman, Susan joins the adventure despite Reed’s concerns for her safety, and Ben remains his endearing self throughout. The character dynamics are engaging and stay true to their classic personalities while adapting well to the historical setting.
"I never do, unless it is to instill fear in others." - Doom
The artwork is fantastic, with some refreshing designs for the team—especially Reed and the Human Torch. Susan’s frequent invisibility was a clever visual choice that added depth to her character. The coloring was superb, bringing vibrancy and life to the 1602 world, though some characters' eyes were occasionally drawn oddly—it’s a minor flaw that didn’t detract from the overall experience.
Even the lettering stood out, with unique touches for each character’s dialogue that enhanced the storytelling. And all the secondary characters were a nice touch to, from Medusa to Sandman everyone had a nice thing going on to add to the story set in the 1600s.
This miniseries wraps up with a satisfying ending that ties back into the overarching 1602 narrative while leaving room for more. I’d gladly pick up another installment in this pocket universe.
So the bosun he ups and he says to Sir Reed
My crew they are shaking with fear
So we'll take to the boats and we'll wave you goodbye
For we're leaving the four of you here, you here
We'll leave every one of you here
The story takes us to the open seas, with the Fantastic Four facing new challenges. Johnny kidnaps a woman, Susan joins the adventure despite Reed’s concerns for her safety, and Ben remains his endearing self throughout. The character dynamics are engaging and stay true to their classic personalities while adapting well to the historical setting.
"I never do, unless it is to instill fear in others." - Doom
The artwork is fantastic, with some refreshing designs for the team—especially Reed and the Human Torch. Susan’s frequent invisibility was a clever visual choice that added depth to her character. The coloring was superb, bringing vibrancy and life to the 1602 world, though some characters' eyes were occasionally drawn oddly—it’s a minor flaw that didn’t detract from the overall experience.
Even the lettering stood out, with unique touches for each character’s dialogue that enhanced the storytelling. And all the secondary characters were a nice touch to, from Medusa to Sandman everyone had a nice thing going on to add to the story set in the 1600s.
This miniseries wraps up with a satisfying ending that ties back into the overarching 1602 narrative while leaving room for more. I’d gladly pick up another installment in this pocket universe.
So the bosun he ups and he says to Sir Reed
My crew they are shaking with fear
So we'll take to the boats and we'll wave you goodbye
For we're leaving the four of you here, you here
We'll leave every one of you here
March 30, 2022
(3,6 of 5 for classic stories of present Marvel heroes in a weird setting)
This is very different from Gaiman's 1602. This is pretty much Marvel Superheroes" comics, with all the heroes much-less same as the "original" ones, the plot is quite classic and the only things different are name twists and a weird boat sailing setting. So this is nothing overlapping from the classic superhero genre, this is just light reskin. But it is fun, I admit that.
This is very different from Gaiman's 1602. This is pretty much Marvel Superheroes" comics, with all the heroes much-less same as the "original" ones, the plot is quite classic and the only things different are name twists and a weird boat sailing setting. So this is nothing overlapping from the classic superhero genre, this is just light reskin. But it is fun, I admit that.
September 7, 2018
If only the art had the same quality as the cover
May 25, 2018
This volume focuses on the "Fantastick Four" of the 1602 Universe. It's not a bad read but at this point it feels like the novelty has worn off. The art seems a little more like something from the 90s as well as it seems more unrefined than you'd expect from Marvel.
We see the 1602 FF, Doom, Frightful Four, and even Namor shows up. If you're a huge FF fan you may enjoy it just as a What If type story, but it really doesn't have much going for it beyond that. The ending is also depressing and didn't really fit into the scheme of things, unless it was meant to be addressed later.
This feels more like a cash grab rather than a story of the 1602 Universe that "needed to be told", although Peter David still remains one of my favorite writers.
We see the 1602 FF, Doom, Frightful Four, and even Namor shows up. If you're a huge FF fan you may enjoy it just as a What If type story, but it really doesn't have much going for it beyond that. The ending is also depressing and didn't really fit into the scheme of things, unless it was meant to be addressed later.
This feels more like a cash grab rather than a story of the 1602 Universe that "needed to be told", although Peter David still remains one of my favorite writers.
April 24, 2020
Maybe at some point the idea of flopping the Marver U to year 1602 was funny and original, but the novelty wore off pretty soon.
This Peter David penned part of it has some nice pictures, but the story is boring, wordy and stupid.
This Peter David penned part of it has some nice pictures, but the story is boring, wordy and stupid.
December 29, 2023
7/10:
Another story that takes place on Marvel’s Earth-311 during 1602, but following the first superhero family. This variation of the Fantastic Four is pretty solid with Doctor Doom being a powerful adversary. The way that a Watcher is incorporated into the ending of this story makes this even more intriguing and I’m curious to see if they’ll return in these Marvel 1602 comics.
Another story that takes place on Marvel’s Earth-311 during 1602, but following the first superhero family. This variation of the Fantastic Four is pretty solid with Doctor Doom being a powerful adversary. The way that a Watcher is incorporated into the ending of this story makes this even more intriguing and I’m curious to see if they’ll return in these Marvel 1602 comics.
December 11, 2008
I apparently enjoy Marvel characters much more in their 1602 context. Having concluded that a comic book or graphic novel is only as good as its writer, I assumed the two spin-off volumes to Neil Gaiman's version of 1602 would be gimmicky and lack in actual historical knowledge. But guess what. They don't suck. Page one of Peter David's Fantastick Four TPB starts off rough, and I held my breath in hopes that it would evolve beyond a mockery of Gaiman's way with mythology.
In fact, several of Gaiman's favourite ideas - that belief gives things, gods, and ideas power; that the worlds of science and the supernatural must recognise one another and coexist; and that men have a long history of crowning ourselves with titles and power, admiring our ability to confront problems and reason through them, while women often carry a more lucid perception of the true heart of the matter, only to have that very perception swept aside - are covered very well in the book's dialogues.
It is a well-told adventure story with conversations about and instances of humankind's best and worst tendencies. The cover art on several of the issues was among the best Marvel paintings I've seen. Each is worth beholding for at least a minute.
In fact, several of Gaiman's favourite ideas - that belief gives things, gods, and ideas power; that the worlds of science and the supernatural must recognise one another and coexist; and that men have a long history of crowning ourselves with titles and power, admiring our ability to confront problems and reason through them, while women often carry a more lucid perception of the true heart of the matter, only to have that very perception swept aside - are covered very well in the book's dialogues.
It is a well-told adventure story with conversations about and instances of humankind's best and worst tendencies. The cover art on several of the issues was among the best Marvel paintings I've seen. Each is worth beholding for at least a minute.
October 22, 2022
I'd worried that this series would miss the mark like THE NEW WORLD and while some of my approval might be coming from how disappointing the preceding series was, I found FANTASTICK FOUR to be a much stronger use of the 1602 theme/universe.
Please Note: While I will not be getting into spoilers for FANTASTIC FOUR, I will have to mention a couple of details about the original 1602 series that would be considered spoilers.
CHARACTERS/STORY
As the title might imply, this spinoff series follows the 1602 interpretations of the Fantastic Four. That said, the cast is actually a lot more interesting than that and the scope of the story felt much more in line with Gaiman's original 1602 narrative than the NEW WORLD follow up was. Right off the bat there is a rival team introduced that seem to be under the employ of Doom. I wasn't super familiar with Wizard or Sandman and I didn't know if Medusa was the same Medusa as the Inhumans character or not, but they were fun additions all the same. There is a major marvel character that shows up later in the series that I won't spoil, but I enjoyed his inclusion a lot. The Fantastic Four themselves have never really been my favorite members of the Marvel Universe although they are one of the oldest and most iconic teams. The 1602 interpretations of them were enjoyable enough though and I found the dynamic between Reed and Sue to be an interesting one. Doom's machinations brings everyone together on a quest to reach the end of the world and I loved the nautical adventure element of this combined with the more mythological aspects. There are some surprising and rather violent twists toward the end that did throw me off a little and I didn't love one character's cliffhanger, that I assume will never be resolved. I was also a bit confused by when this story took place in relation to the events of NEW WORLD since there is a historical figure that I'd presumed would be dead by the end of that series who seems perfectly fine in this one.
THE ART
While the quality can vary greatly from panel to panel, this is overall a much stronger visual presentation from NEW WORLD, though it does not match the quality or uniqueness of the original 1602. Overall, I'd say it was perfectly serviceable, but not really noteworthy in any way.
CONCLUSION
Serving as much stronger follow up to the 1602 series, this one is for those who enjoyed this new take on the Fantastic Four and want to see more of them in this time period.
(+) Fantastic Four characters worked well enough for me even though I'm not their biggest fan.
(+) Art style remains consistent
(+) Non-Fantastic-Four characters were great
(-) Weird cliffhanger that likely won't be resolved
(-) Art fidelity can vary greatly from one panel to the next
(-) Confusing continuity with the rest of the 1602 line
Please Note: While I will not be getting into spoilers for FANTASTIC FOUR, I will have to mention a couple of details about the original 1602 series that would be considered spoilers.
CHARACTERS/STORY
As the title might imply, this spinoff series follows the 1602 interpretations of the Fantastic Four. That said, the cast is actually a lot more interesting than that and the scope of the story felt much more in line with Gaiman's original 1602 narrative than the NEW WORLD follow up was. Right off the bat there is a rival team introduced that seem to be under the employ of Doom. I wasn't super familiar with Wizard or Sandman and I didn't know if Medusa was the same Medusa as the Inhumans character or not, but they were fun additions all the same. There is a major marvel character that shows up later in the series that I won't spoil, but I enjoyed his inclusion a lot. The Fantastic Four themselves have never really been my favorite members of the Marvel Universe although they are one of the oldest and most iconic teams. The 1602 interpretations of them were enjoyable enough though and I found the dynamic between Reed and Sue to be an interesting one. Doom's machinations brings everyone together on a quest to reach the end of the world and I loved the nautical adventure element of this combined with the more mythological aspects. There are some surprising and rather violent twists toward the end that did throw me off a little and I didn't love one character's cliffhanger, that I assume will never be resolved. I was also a bit confused by when this story took place in relation to the events of NEW WORLD since there is a historical figure that I'd presumed would be dead by the end of that series who seems perfectly fine in this one.
THE ART
While the quality can vary greatly from panel to panel, this is overall a much stronger visual presentation from NEW WORLD, though it does not match the quality or uniqueness of the original 1602. Overall, I'd say it was perfectly serviceable, but not really noteworthy in any way.
CONCLUSION
Serving as much stronger follow up to the 1602 series, this one is for those who enjoyed this new take on the Fantastic Four and want to see more of them in this time period.
(+) Fantastic Four characters worked well enough for me even though I'm not their biggest fan.
(+) Art style remains consistent
(+) Non-Fantastic-Four characters were great
(-) Weird cliffhanger that likely won't be resolved
(-) Art fidelity can vary greatly from one panel to the next
(-) Confusing continuity with the rest of the 1602 line
August 2, 2025
Recientemente fallecido Peter David ha sido uno de los mejores guionistas de cómics de las últimas décadas. En esta obra sigue la continuidad de la historia creada por el inglés Neil Gaiman (creador de Sandman). La idea de llevar a los superhéroes de Marvel al año de la Inglaterra de 1602 es muy interesante pero es verdad que siendo la premisa sugerente creo que el resultado es un tanto "coitus interruptus".
Creo que hay una especie de miedo de ter,minar de desarrollar la época y las posibilidades que ofrece, dicho miedo es razonable porque no es seguro que los jóvenes vayan a leer con ganas cómics de Marvel donde aparece Shakespeare o se habla de "Macbeth".
Hay que valorar muy positivamente que los cómics de superhéroes, que suelen caer en un bucle de repetición de situaciones y argumentos casi en bucle, apuesten por híbridos donde introduzcan nuevas temáticas culturales en las viñetas. Pero como decía antes, hay que arriesgarse de verdad y no a medias.
El dibujo de Pascal Alixe está bien, pero abusa de los primeros planos, y realmente no es tan bueno en el detalle que eso requiere.
Estas rarezas siempre son de agradecer aunque no vayan a crear época ni continuidad.
Nota: 6/10
Creo que hay una especie de miedo de ter,minar de desarrollar la época y las posibilidades que ofrece, dicho miedo es razonable porque no es seguro que los jóvenes vayan a leer con ganas cómics de Marvel donde aparece Shakespeare o se habla de "Macbeth".
Hay que valorar muy positivamente que los cómics de superhéroes, que suelen caer en un bucle de repetición de situaciones y argumentos casi en bucle, apuesten por híbridos donde introduzcan nuevas temáticas culturales en las viñetas. Pero como decía antes, hay que arriesgarse de verdad y no a medias.
El dibujo de Pascal Alixe está bien, pero abusa de los primeros planos, y realmente no es tan bueno en el detalle que eso requiere.
Estas rarezas siempre son de agradecer aunque no vayan a crear época ni continuidad.
Nota: 6/10
December 4, 2021
In the early 17th century, England of the Elizabethan era is under attack by a mysterious force and after Queen Elizabeth's death, the superheroes will have to assemble and fight for a reason.
What propelled me to pick this limited series? A few things attracted me. One is some quality staff was involved in publishing this series. Neil Gaiman wrote, Andy Kubert penciled, and Joe Quesada was editor-in-chief. Then, the plot was super-interesting; the idea of imagining Marvel's biggest superheroes 400 years back in England and the New World.
It was a carefully written story with major characters redefined in a different scenario. And then the continuity of 1602 in three different sequels helped the characters get to develop to understand the aftermath of the original source. My favorite character in the story was Doctor Strange and Peter Parker had the best character development.
The reader has to read Marvel 1602 with its three sequels. The first sequel is New World focusing on Hulk and Ironman; the second is Fantastick Four, and the last one is Spider-Man. In total there are 23 issues, each has at least 24 pages.
What propelled me to pick this limited series? A few things attracted me. One is some quality staff was involved in publishing this series. Neil Gaiman wrote, Andy Kubert penciled, and Joe Quesada was editor-in-chief. Then, the plot was super-interesting; the idea of imagining Marvel's biggest superheroes 400 years back in England and the New World.
It was a carefully written story with major characters redefined in a different scenario. And then the continuity of 1602 in three different sequels helped the characters get to develop to understand the aftermath of the original source. My favorite character in the story was Doctor Strange and Peter Parker had the best character development.
The reader has to read Marvel 1602 with its three sequels. The first sequel is New World focusing on Hulk and Ironman; the second is Fantastick Four, and the last one is Spider-Man. In total there are 23 issues, each has at least 24 pages.
January 24, 2019
My favorite thing about Fantastick Four 1602 is how even though it’s so distinctly different from 616 Fantastic Four, it’s also so true to the original.
This is a story straight out of a 1965 FF comic. It has everything... Reed being a tone deaf genius, Torch being a manwhore, Grimm being salty, and Sue being witty and desirable. It also has Namor and Doom being prickly assholes.
I liked it alot. Maybe not as much as 1602, 1602: New World, and 1602: Spider Man... but I still really liked it.
Definitely a welcome addition that I strongly recommend.
This is a story straight out of a 1965 FF comic. It has everything... Reed being a tone deaf genius, Torch being a manwhore, Grimm being salty, and Sue being witty and desirable. It also has Namor and Doom being prickly assholes.
I liked it alot. Maybe not as much as 1602, 1602: New World, and 1602: Spider Man... but I still really liked it.
Definitely a welcome addition that I strongly recommend.
December 16, 2021
I’ve never found the Fantastic Four to be especially interesting, and this story doesn’t do much to change that for me. Peter David struggles to live up to Neil Gaiman’s interpretation of modern Marvel characters overlayed in a bygone age. That’s only made worse by the fact that David seems to revel in reminding us at every opportunity that women were looked down upon and treated poorly in this era at every opportunity. Top it off with one of the most disgusting visual interpretations of Reed Richards stretching powers I have seen, and you have yourself a pretty disappointing comic.
October 13, 2017
Graphic Novel Book Club:
Sadly, while I was really excited to read the 1602 series/universe all as one, I was not very impressed by the actual use of the characters, plotlines, and especially side series. A lot of it felt like really big shoutouts being tenuously connected so that old fans would understand but the new reader wouldn't understand what was going on at all.
Sadly, while I was really excited to read the 1602 series/universe all as one, I was not very impressed by the actual use of the characters, plotlines, and especially side series. A lot of it felt like really big shoutouts being tenuously connected so that old fans would understand but the new reader wouldn't understand what was going on at all.
April 4, 2023
Not the sharp, clever take on Marvel that Gaiman's 1602 was - feels more like a cash grab after the original got popular.
This is, to all intents and purposes, a Fantastic Four vs. Doctor Doom story, complete with cringe dialogue, nonsense science and lots and lots and lots of fighting.
The artwork was passable.
This is, to all intents and purposes, a Fantastic Four vs. Doctor Doom story, complete with cringe dialogue, nonsense science and lots and lots and lots of fighting.
The artwork was passable.
July 3, 2017
It's decent enough fun for what it is, but mostly this is a throwaway book. There isn't a ton of original stuff here, only an adequate execution of a necessary tie-in book. A lot of the story is lazy, but there are a couple decent moments.
November 27, 2018
I wonder if I don't read enough Fantastic Four to get really excited about this expansion of Neil Gaiman's 1602. I love the concept of this "Earth", but this one fell a little short for me. The inclusion of Shakespeare and his unwitting ghostwriter was enjoyable, but ending with Namor felt abrupt.
April 8, 2023
Aquí ya rascamos el fondo del barril con las aventuras de los cuatro Fantásticos del siglo XVII que no van a ningún lado. Tortas y barcos voladores con chistes a costa de Shakespeare no sustituyen un argumento.
October 15, 2024
2.5⭐. Better then a 'A New World', but it just seemed like an excuse to shove a bunch of characters into a time period, with the plot on the backburner. Like they just wanted readers to go "ooooo, I know that person, except their costume looks a little lolder". I also think Reed looks weird lol
April 16, 2019
A great continuation of the epic 1602 book by Neil Gaiman. This one follows the Fantastic Four running up against Dr. Doom. A great read.
December 25, 2019
NICE BOOK.
December 27, 2019
Doom searches for a cure for his face and revenge against the Fantastick Four which brings them to Namor
December 2, 2021
Gobbley Gook.. and Blah, Blah, blah… that went here and there and everywhere.
Fantastic concept. See how I did that? Yeah. Bad pun.
Not well done.
Neither was the book.
Fantastic concept. See how I did that? Yeah. Bad pun.
Not well done.
Neither was the book.
April 17, 2022
Interesting read, but I'm still on these for completion now really. Pieces we've already seen, rearranged in a new order, with Shakespeare jokes. Like I say though, an interesting read.
June 26, 2022
Not as good as the original, but a vast improvement over New World.
August 23, 2024
La neta la idea me atraía pero el resultado fue decepcionante
October 15, 2024
Much less of a lived in space for the story and becomes a "well they're supplanted here" which is a damn shame.
November 28, 2024
Another step up in the 1602 saga.
June 11, 2025
I was about to give this 5 stars. I had a giant blast with this book. The 4 having sea adventures was something I didn't know I needed. And then the last two pages of the book happened and it got...really dark. Soo much so that I don't really know how to feel about it. And was a bit...cruel?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews