Fantastic Four by Waid & Wieringo: Ultimate Collection, Book 1

Fantastic Four by Waid & Wieringo: Ultimate Collection

by Mark Waid, Mike Wieringo (Illustrator), Mark Buckingham (Artist)

Collects Fantastic Four (1997) #60-66, Avengers (1963) #400. Mark Waid and Mike Wieringo take the reins of Fantastic Four and deliver some of the most daring and humorous adventures these heroes have ever seen! Giant bugs! Living equations! Johnny Storm, CEO! Exploding unstable molecules! The secret behind the Yancy Street Gang! And witness the antics between the Thing and the Human Torch heat up like never before! Prepare to laugh and cheer at once!

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Graphic Novels, Superheroes, Fiction, Graphic Novels Comics, Fantasy

195 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 29, 2011

About the author

Mark Waid (born March 21, 1962 in Hueytown, Alabama) is an American comic book writer. He is best known for his eight-year run as writer of the DC Comics' title The Flash, as well as his scripting of the limited series Kingdom Come and Superman: Birthright, and his work on Marvel Comics' Captain America.

Reviews

[William Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a 'Fantastic Four Manifesto' editorial piece as an addendum at the end of this book. In it, Mark Waid lays out his FF proposal in a way that sounds passive-aggressive and apologetic at the same time. And I agreed with most of what he said. Modern writers haven't really been able to handle Marvel's first family in any kind of satisfactory style. And, well, as for Waid's handling, it's pretty much a mixed bag.

Mark Waid may have injected new life into this book, but he brought quite a few anachronistic tropes with him. I'll applaud the fact that the book is 'family-friendly' and all-ages, but in certain places, it takes it too far. He gives it a Disney feel. Not all the time. But enough for it to be irksome. the worst part? Franklin. I've never known a kid to call anyone 'Unca' instead of 'uncle' an it feels downright June and Ward Cleaver.

That aside, there are so many high points to this volume, it's hard to talk about them all. I'd have to say what Waid does best here is bring the Thing's character out, playing more with his human persona than his powers. It's all too easy for a writer to just use Ben as the heavy-hitter, just a guy to punch the bad guys and skulk off into the shadows afterward. Waid avoids that pitfall altogether and brings the humanity back. In fact, he does that with all the characters- except Sue. He seems to be perfectly fine with leaving he in the backseat. And I personally don't mind that because she's always seemed like a big bore.

The first half of the book is a bit bland, but that's to be expected when you're trying to set up a new run and reinvent the characters after so many years of lame, bland stories. We don't see a particularly great or challenging villain, but we do get enough interaction between the characters to fall back in love.

Enter the second half of the volume and it becomes the most engrossing FF story line in a decade. I bet Waid had been itching his entire life to write Dr. Doom. He takes Doom in a completely different direction than most other writers, making Doom into a practitioner of the dark arts instead of a techie genius. It makes the book brilliant for being so different. I won't say much more about it other than it's a must read. Or must-Reed.

As for Wieringo's art, well, it adds to the all-ages feel of the book, but doesn't satisfy my needs. It's fine, just nothing spectacular. There's just altogether too much positive space. But, it isn't the overblown cross-hatched-to-death work that a lot of Marvel artists fall into.

Writing grade: B
Art: C

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Between 3 and 4 stars.

Surprisingly, I really enjoyed this. Of course, the adventures are a little silly, and Waid's first issue basically makes a Powerpoint presentation on why readers should like the Fantastic Four, but not expect a typical superhero comic, but what he's trying to communicate in his first issue nails it. The FF aren't superheroes first and foremost; they're a family of explorers/adventurers/troubleshooters (you know, because weird science always puts them and others in mortal danger). Although I'm not a huge fan of any of the characters individually, I enjoy reading about the family and the family's snarky comments to each other, especially because relationships and snarky comments about friends and family is one of Waid's strengths as a writer. It's pleasantly reminiscent of watching a 80s or 90s family sitcom :)

P.S. Thanks to Dave at Comic Book Herald for drawing my attention to this run of Fantastic Four for his 2015 Marvel Comic Reading Club. Especially in light of the new Fantastic Four movie's release, I wanted to try reading some FF comics, but comics can be so sprawling and nebulous that I didn't know what might be a good jumping off point.

[Evan Dossey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm using this particular edition as a placeholder for the entire Waid / Wieringo "Fantastic Four" run.

For much of my comic-reading formative years, I'd always heard this references as one of the most important modern runs on Fantastic Four. I can see why. The humor and family dynamics are top-notch, particularly in the latter half of the run, with Thing and Torch being the standouts. The villains also make memorable appearances. "Unthinkable" presents a Doctor Doom unlike I've read in recent years, and "Rising Storm" might be one of the most unique takes on Galactus I've seen before or since. If I had to recommend a Fantastic Four run to a new reader, this would be it.

[Andrew Obrigewitsch · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is one of the most overhyped graphic novels out there right next to Batman Hush. This can only be described as puerile. All the characters acted like they were about 12, even the children. The author is clearly terrible at math and thinks Algebra is the most advanced subject ever. Not only that but he gives completely incorrect definitions for simple math terms, making them seem ultra complex. The story was just not interesting in the least.

The Fantastic Four is a Sci-Fi series. An author must understand math and science to write it correctly. This author clearly failed high school math starting with his freshman year.

[Danny · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun family dynamic. This felt like an action sitcom in the best way possible. I wanted to live with these characters in the Baxter building. Mark Waid, I dont believe, has ever written a comic I disliked. He has a good sense of characterization, fun dialogue, humor, heart, and clever sci fi plots to keep you hooked. I'm definitely buying more...after the holidays. Hey I got bill's and gifts to pay off.

[Lillian Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fun. With great art.

The 90s Avengers story was fun even if only to laugh at Thor. Apparently my beau was in a glam rock band at the time.

[Lucas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know if this applies to every FF comic (this is mt first one) but i do love that it focus more on the family dinamics than the super hero thing

[Richard Graves · Rating 2 out of 5]

Johnny storm seems like an asshole who is overdue for a sexual harassment lawsuit

[Alex Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This run has a good reputation and doesn’t disappoint. It feels cartoonier, which isn’t a bad thing, and there were times I chuckled aloud.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

the 5 stars are for the content. I give 3 stars for the product. For a $25 dollar trade we get the exact content of the original trade. This is just 7 issues. There is extra content of a giant size Avengers issue that was Waid & Wieringo's first collaboration. The art is awful I couldn't read it. on top of that, the Avengers issue replaces the original bonus content. That amazing FF mission statement/proposal by Waid? Gone.

This is failure of an "ultimate collection" and serves this amazing run a severe disservice.

[The Sapphic Nerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first Fantadtic Four read! It's not bad! I like the art - especially how Sue looks (that haircut is gorgeous). Fun colours and a nice comic-book-y art style make it great to look at. The writing is fine. I got a few chuckles out of it. Overall, I think I can do without getting the next volumes. It's fine; light and fun. I really like Sue's character. However, it's not something I feel I need more of at this point.

[Fluffy_Pomeroy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Fantastic 4 may not be for me

Fantastic 4 may not be for me. I’m coming into this pretty late. I’ve read a couple FF comics and none really clicked for me.

I’ve been sworn up and down that FF is a unique comic, worthy of praise and attention. I see the attempt to “smarten” superheroes up but it’s like a kids version of smart. Or worse a kid who thinks he’s smart’s version of smart.

Maybe I’ll give volume 2 a shot when first steps get closer to release. Ugh.

[Nicholas (was Allison) · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.43 Stars
Notes: This comic is a collection of action sequences, some very memorable dialogue, as well as just plainly good company that happen to the F4 team. Reed Richards does get shown quite often in panel sequences, more than I would have thought, so I was glad to again see him in more of a spotlight character arc. The rest of the Fantastic Four family are given an in-depth detailed storyline, during which many family dynamics will be shown (mostly the good things, primarily, so nothing to really worry about). There are unfortunately some really evil supervillains that show up, though, it’s not for too long. What in actuality this comic is, really is just what could have been a good movie, centered on how a great family - that is also a very good superhero team - eventually accomplishes many different things over more than a few months, turned into comic format. The things that took place in the plot were some things that could potentially have been movie-length stories occasionally, which is why I’m writing that in - normally I don’t necessarily add that. However, given what occurs, this makes for extraordinarily distracting reading, from someone who just enjoys reading Fantastic Four comics whenever they’re available.

To further add in more details as to what is in this story, there are multiple plot lines involved, some of which may be slightly difficult to keep track of. I already have previous knowledge of the F4, mostly from years and years of researching them with other similar marvel comics that they appear in sometimes with other superhero teams, as well as Avenger crossovers. Why I could read through this as fast as I can, is from previously already being just extremely very familiar with the F4 like I have previously included, due to further mentioning re-watching the movies whenever I can. I typically am really familiar with most of the more popular marvel comic book characters that there are, so, if you also are, then this story will make for extraordinarily easy reading. There is not anything in here that is too complex to enjoy, since things are explained really well, and I could page through this without re-reading anything. In fact, it was so easy to go through for me that I could complete it very quickly during the middle of the night. I won’t be forgetting a calm reading experience like that anytime soon, from how valuable this is now memorable to me. I would recommend this to those who are interested in it from the description, since I was just originally going through and reading it without much effort, from how easy it is to actually comprehend. I would never skip over a story like this if you really, really do want to read it.

[Rick Ray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Waid and Wieringo's Fantastic Four run is quintessential for fans of the First Family, while also serving as a great jumping on point for new readers. The family aspects are captured brilliantly here as we see the various team members interacting in non-superhero contexts more often. While the stories themselves aren't the most creative in this first volume, it's the character moments that do stand out. There's a little bit of every staple Fantastic Four trope peppered in here - Reed's arrogance and self-importance, Sue nagging Johnny to grow up, Johnny and Ben going at it, etc. The primary plot points here involve Reed trying to connect more with his son, Franklin, and Johnny taking over an an executive of Fantastic Four, Inc. as part of Sue's ploy to have him take on more responsibilities. There are fun sci-fi elements throughout, like the FF facing off with a sentient mathematical expression that believes it is meant to be Reed's one true love. The stories here are light-hearted and silly, and though they don't impart much impact on the team, it's the more slice-of-life aspects that stand out. Best of all here was the reveal as to who the Yancy Street Gang really are.

I've never felt the appeal to Mike Wieringo's artwork when I read this run as a kid, and I still feel somewhat similarly. While the panel layouts are quite imaginative, the composition of individual panels can sometimes come off as a little bland. Perhaps that's more on the colors, most of which take on the form of ugly, outdated computer-generated gradients. The linework itself isn't all that appealing to me either though, but I still found that the more ambitious stuff did look really good.

[Matthew Brady · Rating 2 out of 5]

Man, why did I read this? I had been meaning to check out Mark Waid and Mike Wieringo's Fantastic Four run from back in the early 00s, since it was supposed to be pretty good, but it really was not. It starts out as kind of generic superhero adventure, and while it seems like it's supposed to be smart, it's actually kind of dumb and boring. There are plots about Johnny being forced to mature and take on a responsible role for the family, and Reed having to fight a creature from a dimension of pure math or something, and it's mostly pretty yawn inducing, with the attempts at drama being pretty laughable. Then things take a dark turn when Doctor Doom attacks using sorcery instead of science, trapping Franklin in a generic version of hell that's supposed to be horrifying but is actually pretty lame. He comes up with a Bond villain scheme where he makes Reed learn magic in order to fight him, but Reed just calls up Dr. Strange and gets a magical zappy laser to fight back, then predictably uses Doom's vanity against him. Dumb. There's very little actual insight into the characters here, not much in the way of interesting ideas, and the actual plots and action are all pretty rote. Maybe this was a breath of fresh air when it came out, but it has not aged well at all, and reading it was kind of a waste of my time.

[Adam Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book collects the start of Mark Waid and MikeJo Wieringo's run on Fantastic Four.

The book kicks off with Issue 60, which is a one-shot overview of the Fantastic Four and the sort of things that they do and experience. They've hired a marketing guy to help promote the team and he's trying to figure them out. Given that Waid admitted a lack of interest in the characters coming in, this character feels a lot like self-insertion, like he's speaking for how Waid understands the group. It's still an interesting read.

Issue 61 finds Ben murderously outraged about the latest Yancy Street prank and we learn who was really behind all the pranks we'd seen for 40 years prior. Sue sends Johnny to stop Ben and plans to make him more responses.

Issues 62-64 is the ʃ£πt¡Σπ storyline in which a character made up of computer code emerges and starts going after the non-Reed Richards members of the Fantastic Four. This is a decent enough story with a solid conclusion that allows Reed to shine.

Issues 65 and 66 is the two part, "The Small Stuff" story with Johnny in his new role managing the company's corporation deals with someone who wants to buy unstable molecules and Ben and Reed deal with an interdimensional insectile creature in the Baxter Building. The Ben and Reed plot is fine and some bit of B-plot comic relief, but it's the Johnny plot that ultimately makes this interesting and gives some needed character moments.

The book also includes Avengers #400. I think the only reason I can think for for the inclusion is that it was written by Waid. It's an effective celebration of 400 issues of the Avengers that provides a satisfying end, though all we get of the Fantastic Four is a cameo.

Overall, this was not bad. Waid brings a nice perspective to the Fantastic Four, appreciated them as a family and introduces some fun ideas. I look forward to reading more.

[Kyle Spishock · Rating 2 out of 5]

Despite being published in the early 2000s, Mark Waid’s Fantastic Four seems to belong in the goofy mid- to late-90s period.
This volume contains:

-An advertising company sends a rep to research how to better market the team. He follows the chaos of FF daily activities throughout the week.
-Johnny pranks The Thing with a pie to the face but leaves the receipt in the box. Sue makes the building invisible to avoid the thing’s rampage and forces Johnny to serve as CFO at Fantastic Four inc.
-A potential buyer lies and purchases tech for the FF’s outfit for fire fighters and astronauts. He attempts to cross-reverse the material and Johnny’s dropped wallet, only for it to consume the building.
-Tech created by Reed is tampered with by Franklin to get his father’s attention. The tech’s equation is wrong and takes on human form, trying to absorb its maker.

[Shane Perry · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Fantastic Four are my favorite heroes in the Marvel Universe. I'm also a fan of Mark Waid, so I definitely wanted to check this out. While the stories in this weren't mind-blowing or anything, Waid seems to want to start of his run by returning the FF to their family sitcom-esque roots, while making some additions to make things modern. I think the biggest thing I appreciate about this is Waid really understands how the FF should work as characters. Some parts are a little too slapstick for my liking, but overall this isn't a bad start. Wieringo's art is pretty good, but the two issues drawn by Fables artist Mark Buckingham were my favorite.

[Raul Reyes · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
I didn’t understand the vision at first, but after issue 3 it clicked for me. I really liked the shorter arcs, and the fact that we actually had b-plots since it showed the really great team dynamic. I wasn’t the biggest fan of how Waid wrote Sue since I didn’t love the resolution of the Johnny being the leader of the company arc, specifically when he yells at her to be responsible. Don’t understand why they included the random Avengers annual written by Waid since it was pretty boring. If the book keeps being as fun a this was, I’ll really enjoy it. The only reason this wasn’t 4 stars was that I didn’t gel with the first 2 issues.

[James Rodrigues · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughout my Marvel reading, the First Family has been one of my more embarrassing blindspots. Thanks to a friends recommendation, I decided to try Mark Waid and Mike Wieringo's run, and my goodness, so far, so phenomenal. It balances comedy, sci-fi madness, and thrilling action so very well, but puts character above all else. The opening issue perfectly sets things up, while the following ones do wonderful work with defining these characters. I absolutely adored this, and will gladly continue onwards.

[Blake Bagnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5-5 star
First time reading a Fantastic Four comic since the beginning with Stan Lee. The whole comic was fun and enjoyable to read. I liked the family dynamic with Sue and Reed along with their children. And Johnny storm and the thing, Ben Grimm were all interesting in their own way. I liked the art and the stories were fun, yet held some tense moments. The fact that it is more a family related book with action as the side piece is what makes this great. And Mark waid said that thru a character in one of his early stories.

[Sam K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Could not recommend it enough for any new Marvel reader or anyone interested in the Fantastic Four and wants to know where to begin.

It oozes with charm with both Waid’s emphasis on family dynamics and Wieringo’s clean and cartoon art style (I’d argue he’s grown A LOT since his days working on The Flash).

Ended up skipping Avengers #400 at the end of the book as it has little to with FF besides a cameo and is a bit rougher overall for me. If you’re into classic Avengers and like Busiek’s run, I’d recommend you check it.

[Simeon Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really solid opening to a run I've heard nothing but great things about and can now see why, Waid has a wonderfully apt understanding of The Four and their dynamics while also bringing in a lot of great new (For the time) ideas. And Wieringo's art style has that's instantly appealing cartoon like style to it that still keeps a lot of detail and expressiveness. Cannot wait to see where they go with the characters after this set of establishing issues.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally diving into this heralded F4 run by Waid and Weringo, and it's a pretty solid beginning!
There's not a bad issue in the bunch, the F4 attempt to control their brand, Reed realizes showing favoritism is bad parenting, Sue is eternally frustrated with Johnny's actions, poor Ben has a rough few days, and Johnny is....Johnny. Antics a plenty, and hopefully it's all laughed off by the end of the day. Good stuff.

[José Ignacio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Waid and the FF at their best.

What can I say about this run that hasn’t been said a million times? It’s great, it’s funny, it’s well written, it’s creative and it’s just all around some of Mark Waid's best work.

I think my only issue with it is that sometimes it feels like some of the solutions to the problems characters face feel like ass pulls, but other than that it’s great fun and gets to the core of the characters.

[James Atkison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love for the Four

Mark Waid's run on the FF is Fantastic! The artwork is great. I love the material and how they are telling interesting stories about the four. Please give this book a chance.

[Dave · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was ok, but the tone was a bit too light for my tastes. It almost felt like a FF book making fun of itself.

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seems like a whole bunch of different ideas about how the book could be written. Most of them don't work but they mean well. Human Torch as businessman was a good idea.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. First story arc was super boring, but the rest made up for it. The art is solid but not my style.

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually prefer the preceding issues of this reboot that aren't entirely collected yet. But it's Waid so I expect it to get better as it goes along.