2018 was a year of mostly downs for Marvel. But there were a few bright spots for the House of Ideas. Spider-Man was by far their best line of properties, including the amazing new stuff that was being done with Venom. Another bright spot for 2018 was the return of the First Family of Marvel, The Fantastic Four. However, due to the X-Men wedding debacle in which we were all ready for Kitty Pryde to finally marry Colossus and the whole bait and switch with Rogue and Gambit tying the know instead, I waited a little bit before I decided to buy this special issue.
Once the nuptials were confirmed and Alicia ended up not being a Skrull (at least for now), I ponied up the $4.99. Don't worry, it's an over-sized book, slightly. Plus, it's well worth the money.
There's a trio of stories here. The first shows the shenanigans surrounding Alicia's bachelorette party. Written by Gail Simone (Wonder Woman), the opening adventure was quite funny, a little naughty, and had a very touching ending to it. It guest stars She-Hulk, one of my all-time favorite Marvel ladies. But when did Jennifer Walters start to become more primal (again) when she goes green?
In the second story, current Fantastic Four scribe, Dan Slott, has Ben Grimm visiting Alicia's father, The Puppet Master, for his daughter's hand in marriage! Of course, old baldy is going to say no! SPOILER- he doesn't! The reason why was straight out of the late Stan Lee's playbook! I loved it!
Lastly, living legend, Fred (he actually writes me an annual Happy Birthday message on Facebook) Hembeck does a small feature on the tumultuous history of the Puppet Master and The Thing as only Fred can do it! And yes- the knees still have spirals on them!
The art of this entire book was also very good. Marvel has gotten a lot of due flack for the lessened quality of new artists. But Laura Braga (Harley and Ivy Meet Betty and Veronica) is a real talent. And Mark Buckingham, who has been a favorite of mine since his Fables days, brings a real 70s flair to the Thing/Puppet Master story. (I don't care what you think- to me, the 70s was the best stylistic time for the FF!)
Lastly, we come to the cover. There were several to choose from. But I went with the regular cover. It depicts The Thing getting ready to smash a glass with his foot. Being a Jewish wedding tradition and married to a beautiful Jewish princess, you know I had to pay respects to the Tribe!
Be sure to take an extra look at the cover! Our photographer is obviously Peter Parker! But look at the awe-inspiring tribute touches added by cover artists Carlos Pacheco and Romulo Fajardo Jr. Just below Parker's elbow is The King, Jack Kirby wiping away a tear. North of Peter's shoulder is Stan Lee making one final appearance in the lives of his most important creation. (Is that Fabulous Flo Steinberg next to Stan the Man?)
The Fantastic Four Wedding Album is a treat not to be missed. I can't wait to save up some money for the actual ceremony that takes place in Fantastic Four #650. My guys at my favorite LCS have it on hold for me. If it's half as good as this one, then I will be in for one hell of fun read!
Worth Consuming!
Rating: 9 out of 10 stars.
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