Fantastic Four Fanfare #3 – Flights, Fights, and Fashion!

Fantastic Four Fanfare #3

Writers – Dan Slott, Tom DeFalco, Chip Zdarsky, & Mike Allred

Artists – Marcos Martin & Ron Frenz

Inker – Brett Breeding

Colorists – Munsta Vicente, Rachelle Rosenberg, & Laura Allred

Cover – Marco Checchetto & Matt Wilson

Read the review of the last issue in this series here!

“Fight or Flight”

Written by Dan Slott with art by Marcos Martin and colors by Munsta Vicente, this story shows the life of Ben Grimm from troubled young boy infatuated with flying to the ever lovin blue eyed Thing!

This story, in just a few pages, highlights why Ben Grimm has been a fan favorite character for so long. From his college days with Reed to his depression following the teams transformation, Dan Slott takes you through the highs and lows of The Thing. Dripping with nostalgia and wonderful emotional moments, this is a story to show anyone who wants to know why they should care about a big rock monster in a comic book.

The art team do a fantastic (I know… just let me have this one ok?) job of setting this story in the early days of the FF. The colors and line work evoke the silver age of comics and they and they perfectly capture the Thing’s attitude and lovability.

“Another Round!”

Script, plot, & pencils by Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz with inks by Brett Breeding and colors by Rachelle Rosenberg, The Thing has a friendly fight with the Sandman and have to rush to the rescue of a family during a mine collapse.

Tom DeFalco and Ron Frenz turned in a wonderfully light and fun story with this one. While the story had stakes with a family in peril, it never got bogged down or heavy. The quips and witty banter between the two characters was just plain fun. I’ve never wanted to sit down and have lunch with two comic book characters more than I do The Thing and Sandman!

The art team did a wonderful job at maintaining the light tone of the story. The hits were big and bombastic and Sandman’s powers have never looked better!

“Universal Appeal”

Written by Chip Zdarsky and Mike Allred with art by Mike Allred and colors by Laura Allred, in this story, Johnny Storm is invited to be the guest of honor as the Sexiest Man in the Universe! With the rest of the family busy, Ben has to escort him to the event.

This story is so wonderfully crafted to showcase both the Human Torch and the Thing and their very different personalities. Zdarsky and Allred understand the dynamic between these two and give them the perfect sibling relationship. Johnny’s conceited tendencies are balanced out perfectly by Ben’s grumbling. This quick short story also has a great twist with excellent humor throughout.

The art in this part of the issue is expertly crafted as well. The Allred’s work so well together and they have an undeniable style that belongs wholly to them. The colors popped, the facial features captured the emotions, and the action, though limited, was great!

Overall Grade: 10/10

This series has been one hit after another. This is the book that is finally making me a Fantastic Four fan with a fresh understanding that the FF is not just as an important piece in the Marvel Universe, but a wonderful team and family full of fun and interesting stories. I am loving this book and I cannot wait for the next issue.

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