Fantastic Four #9 – Our Bodies Are Built For Killing

The Fantastic Four received a message from Galactus beckoning Sue Storm. The team arrived to find Galactus slowly being destroyed by the Invincible Woman, a version of Sue Storm who destroyed her own planet by accident. After lobotomizing herself to rid herself of the remorse, Sue battles the Fantastic Four in a quest to ensure their destruction.

Creative Team

Writer: Ryan North
Penciller: Humberto Ramos
Inker: Victor Olazaba
Colorist: Edgar Delgado
Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Cover Artist: Humberto Ramos
Cover Colorist: Edgar Delgado
Published by Marvel Comics

Writing

Ryan North continues his fantastic run on Marvel’s first family. Seeing the scientific thought that North puts into his work really sets his time on the Fantastic Four apart from other writers. It feels like North not only considers how four superheroes would utilize their powers, but also how they would utilize their minds to maximize their powers.

At its core, issue 9 of Fantastic Four shows us that power and how you use it is the core, the heart of the Fantastic Four. The Invincible Woman arc has been about the use of power, restraint, and teamwork. That continues in this issue. North continues to write stories that feel not only like superhero stories but also part science fiction, and it’s an amazing combination. Sue’s Malice persona has long been a fan favorite, and North is using the look, albeit with a different Sue, for maximum effect in this story arc.

Art

Humberto Ramos continues to be one of my favorite artists. As much as I enjoy North’s science-based approach to Fantastic Four, it’s the work that Ramos is putting in on the pencils that is bringing it to life. This version of Sue feels legitimately terrifying in both her look and her aura.

Victor Olazaba and Edgar Delgado combine with Ramos lines to bring this story to life. The shadows, the colors, even the invisible outlines all feel poignant. Olazava and Delgado do a masterful job of helping the powers and contributions of each member of the Fantastic Four stand out even when they are working together. These gentlemen help build on North’s underlying themes of power, restraint, and teamwork by highlighting their art how each team member contributes.

Joe Caramagna does an outstanding job helping the story move forward. There are a lot of moving parts in this issue. The added science style thought that North employs when Reed, Johnny, Sue, or Ben are trying to calculate or solve an equation provides the chance for readers to get bogged down, but Caramagna guides them deftly through the story.

Final Thoughts

North continues to craft a modern classic of Fantastic Four stories. When this creative team finally lays down their tools, the run will be remembered among the all-time greats in Fantastic Four history. Everything about this arc, from the art to the writing, feels perfect. I can’t think of a better team to introduce a whole new generation of fans to the Fantastic Four in a meaningful and fun way.

Overall Grade: 10/10

Until next time, may your pulls be magical, and your multiverse remain stable.