Hunger #4 – Review

by Joshua Hale Fialkov (Writer), Leonard Kirk (Artist), Jesus Aburtov (Colorist)

The Story: Rick Jones is ready to finally fulfill his destiny as he brings the fight to Galactus.

The Review: With the rumored death of the Ultimate universe looming around, not many expected this mini-series to close with Galactus being defeated. The announcement of Cataclysm: Last stand of the Ultimates cementing that fact, many could potentially wonder what exactly was the point of this mini-series in the larger context of the Ultimate universe. With mini-series having the necessity to be quicker at getting to the point, this issue had the need to show readers how things would end with Rick Jones and his destiny.

As it turns out, it’s a pretty disappointing read, as Joshua Hale Fialkov rushes to his climax and to the conclusion too quickly. There are some nice moments here and there in the confrontation, yet it seems that the final result of this whole story is hand-waved as many of the more interesting elements aren’t even focused upon.

Hunger #3 – Review

by Joshua Hale Fialkov (Writer), Leonard Kirk (Artist), Jesus Aburtov (Colorist)

The Story: Mahr-Vell arrives on the scene as Rick Jones doubts himself even more. Meanwhile, Galactus hungers.

The Review: It has been a while since we have seen the latest issue of this series, has it not? With the fate of the cosmic side of the Ultimate universe in the balance, the latest issue tried to show the threat that the merging of Gah Lak Tus with the regular one as Rick Jones generally whines about his role in the story. While there were some weaker aspects to the story, it was still a generally enjoyable one nonetheless. Does this issue continue this trend or does it shows a better handle on some of its elements?

It’s a strange thing to say, but it maintains the very same strengths and weaknesses, albeit what’s good get better, yet the disappointing aspects also get worse. The elements that actually worked through the story were the cosmic ones, as the presence of Galactus actually felt like a catastrophe in space. The way the Kree acts and the explanation for what Gah Lak Tus actually is do make the comic a bit more heavy on the drama and the action as a result, which does help in selling the actual point of this mini-series.

What also worked is the general approach toward the catastrophe and how it affects some of the key players, like the Silver Surfer and Mahr-Vell, who comes off as rather good point-of-view characters in this issue, bringing in some interesting questions, exposition and action for the readers to enjoy.

Fantastic Four #577 – Review

by Jonathan Hickman (writer), Dale Eaglesham (art), Paul Mounts (colors), and Rus Wooton (letters)

The Story: The origin of the human race is discussed, as well as the future path of the Inhumans.

What’s Good: Dales Eaglesham’s art has been tremendous on Fantastic Four thus far, so when I say that this is quite possibly his best outing yet on the series, you know you’re in for some awesome art.  Everything just looks wonderfully creative, not to mention massive in scale.  The giant space ships, the varied and colorful aliens, it’s all really vibrant, creative, and generally impressive stuff from Eaglesham, leading to a 22 page feast for the eyes.  With such wide eyed goodness, insane cosmic stuff, and retro sci-fi goofiness on the page, the art is best described as fun, and yet it maintains a high level of detail and sophistication as well.

As far as Hickman’s story goes, this is the sort of Jonathan Hickman story where it’s hard not to admire the man’s creative aspirations and his willingness to enlarge his scope to truly ridiculous proportions.  Hickman’s narratives often feel vast, treating mind-bursting large ideas, and that’s really not far from the case here.  Why not deal with the origins of the human race in 22 pages and relate it to the species-endangering issues suffered by the Kree?  And keep in mind, this isn’t done in a six part story arc.  It’s accomplished in a single issue.  It’s frankly mind boggling, but it’s also the sort of gigantic insanity that works best in a book like Fantastic Four.

LOL: The Funniest Double Page Splash Ever?

Saw this on IGN and thought I’d share. It’s too funny to keep to myself.

In stores 6/25/08. Click to enlarge.