Issue #2 of Grand Design was such a disappointment. I feel in love with Tom Scioli's (The Myth of 8-Opus) premier issue which covered in brief yet amazing detail the early history of both the Marvel Universe and of the Fantastic Four. In that chapter, Scioli did mix some modern mythos of the MCU with the original blueprints lain by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. But by doing this, Tom Scioli helped to clarify some of the plot holes that had plagued the early days of the Marvel Age of Comics. In my opinion, this concept filled-in the cracks perfectly to forge over 80 years of comics into a single cohesive timeline. So, what the heck went wrong with issue #2?
This issue opens with the beginning of what fans call 'The Galactus Trilogy'. The first 2-3 pages are straight from Fantastic Four #48-49. But then Scioli decides to mash-up multiple timelines and story-lines into, well, I really don't know what.
Whereas Tom Scioli sought to make a cohesive timeline in Grand Design #1, it seems that Scioli decided to make a 'What If' story in this last issue. Scioli combines elements from Earth X, Days of Future Past, and even a couple of stories from the original What If series of 1977-1984. If Tom Scioli had either kept both issues of this miniseries as a chronicle of the FF or had both issues become a hodge-podge of Fantastic Four lore, I would have been happy. I did not like this sudden transition between the two issues.
After completing issue #1 was disappointed to learn that Grand Design was limited to only 2 issues. But after finishing this chapter, I'm okay with their not being more. I don't know if I'd even buy a third issue after having plodded through this train wreck. I must admit that the artwork was way more improved. But I'd rather have a better story over artwork just about any day!
A deluxe edition that combines issues #1 and 2, plus a remastered classic Fantastic Four issue is due out quite soon. Skip it! The classic tale has been reprinted several times in it's story-line continuance. Look for that instead. Then, just seek out the first issue of Grand Design and pretend that the last page doesn't say 'To Be Continued.' Save the $4 you'd spend on this issue on something else.
Not Worth Consuming!
Rating: 4 out of 10 stars.
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