Book Description
Ripped from the pages of New Avengers, the Eisner Award-winning team of Brian Bendis and Alex Maleev present an explosive hidden story of Marvel's secret past, the secret history of Marvel's most secret team - how they came together and how they are ripped apart. Plus: Spidey's got a new lease on life, new powers and a new costume, courtesy of his new best friend Tony Stark. So what could possibly go wrong? With clouds quickly building on the horizon, the bonds that Spider-Man now forges may very well determine his capacity to withstand a coming storm. The Marvel Universe is about to split down the middle, and the line is drawn here! You will be asked: whose side are you on? Collects New Avengers: Illuminati; Amazing Spider-Man #529-531; Fantastic Four #536 & 537.
Customer Reviews:
The Road to Civil War.......2007-10-11
I found this very interesting. Although not cruicial to the story of Civil War, it does provide a sound background as to how it all got started and is very cruicial, in my opinion, in understanding the Civil War in its entirety. Definately a good read!
pretty good.......2007-09-06
Good points and not so good points.
The concept is outstanding and a long time coming, in my opinion. The overall story is great, one of the best to come out in a while, not as good as DC's Kingdome Come or Justice, but very good all the same.
On the down side, why can't the art on the inside be as good as the art on the cover??? I gess not everyone can be an Alex Ross, alas. Also, the writing really leaves something to be desired. Way too long-winded.
Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-04
Powerful plotting people.
This gives some of the backstory to the whole Civil War brouhaha in that we again see that some of the most powerful Marvel Universe hero leaders meet in secret to discuss how they should look at the world and their operations in it.
The beginnings of the political split that causes a lot of conflict is here, with Namor and Dr. Strange opposed to Reed Richards and Tony Stark. The X-Men's influence is again negligible.
Really not that necessary........2007-08-31
Avengers: Illuminati is really the only comic in this collection that I enjoyed. I was hoping for the entire collection to be more about them, however it was really a random story involving the fantastic four and Thor's hammer and Spiderman's falling into the hands of Tony Stark.
Absolutely not necessary for the Civil War storyline.
The Illuminati story is useful for the new World War Hulk storyline though.
ROAD TO AWSOMENESS.......2007-08-18
AFTER LOOKING ON AMAZON FOR TWO WEEKS TO WRAP MY HEAD AROUND THIS WHOLE CIVIL WAR IDEA I BOUGHT THIS OFF THE SHELF TO SEE IF IT WAS GOING TO BE WORTH THE MONEY TO FOLLOW THIS HUGE STORY.I WAS SO EXCITED WITH IT I BOUGHT TEN MORE IN THE SERIES FROM AMAZON.SO THANKS TO ALL OTHER REVIEWERS AND LISTMANIACS FOR HELPING ME OUT.THE MAIN PART OF THIS BOOK WAS NEVER MEANT TO BE ALL OUT ACTION BUT THEY FOUND ROOM FOR A COUPLE COOL SPIDERMAN BITS.ALL IN ALL YOU COULD SKIP IT AND NOT REALLY MISS OUT BUT IT DOES SHOW A COUPLE TIMES THE CONFLICT WITHIN THE BIGGEST ADVOCATES OF THE REGISTRATION ACT.NAMOR IS ONE CHARACTER IVE REALLY ENJOYED IN THE WHOLE SERIES AND HE STARTS OFF HERE IN HIS CRANKY WAYS.FOR ME THIS BOOK WAS A GREAT START TO A COMIC COLLECTION.(IF YOU HAVE READ THIS AND UNDERSTOOD BLACKBOLTS 'NOD AND POINT' ANSWER TO HELPING OUT TONY AND REED,THEN WELL DONE COZ I WAS CONFUSED.LATER GOT THE POINT IN BLACK PANTHER STORY.)
Product Description
The destruction of Buffy's hometown, plus covert and powerful slayer "cells" around the world, add up to a new label for the Scoobies: Terrorist threat. Speaking of Sunnydale, the crater formerly known as, has opened to reveal the witch Amy, and boy is she mad.
Season Eight continues as Buffy creator Joss Whedon brings Buffy back to Dark Horse in this direct follow-up to Season Seven of the smash-hit TV series.
Customer Reviews:
And the story continues.......2007-04-22
Warning: Thar be spoilers ahead!
Remember each week those exciting words (which alerted us that we were about to get a new exciting episode of the best show on TV)? "Previously on BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER . . . " The new comic series seems to be doing something along these same lines. On the inside of the outer cover are printed the following:
"This story takes place after the end of BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Season Seven.
"The Slayer population of the world has gone from two to nearly two thousand. Almost five hundred are working around the world with Buffy's organization in squads--or "terrorist cells," according to the American military. Buffy, Xander, Dawn, and a passel of Slayers are currently bunked out in a Scottish castle, where the latest mission revealed a strange symbol carved into human bodies.
"Also, Dawn's a giant."
This may be a summary that is rewritten each month to reflect what has happened in the previous issues.
The first episode in Season Eight established the situation; this one begins moving the story forward. The U.S. military (or rather, a military leader who has on his chest the strange symbol referred to in the monthly summary) has authorized Amy the witch and her army of zombies to go after Buffy and her cohorts. After the story begins with three very different approaches to training the new slayers by first Giles, then Buffy, and finally Andrew (who actually couldn't be said to be training them at all) we find Xander explaining why Dawn took the form of a giant when it was possible she could have assumed other forms instead (obviously, she is trying to get her sister's attention in the most blatant manner possible). The catch is, does Xander really tell any of this to Buffy or is it all just part of what we later learn is a spell-induced sleep in which she experiences an unbroken nightmare. And in a fairy-tale twist she can only be awakened by the kiss of true love. We can, of course, imagine a line of possible candidates for that: Angel and Spike fighting to be first in line. Well, of course Buffy will be awakened, and sooner rather than later. Can't imagine her being asleep at the end of the next episode. The tricky part is how one defines "true love." That needn't mean romantic love. My gut tells me that the kiss won't come from any of the usual suspects. My money is on Dawn. Yeah, I know. No one likes Dawn. But the brute fact is that except for struggling to save her in Season Five, Buffy has been a truly awful sister. Not in a Cinderella step sisterly way, but in the completely neglectful, can't-spare-her-a-minute way. But early in Season Six, Dawn seemed to miss her more than anyone. Like I said, my money is on Dawn.
The issues ends with Buffy asleep, the castle under assault by hundreds of zombies they can't keep at bay, Amy gloating that she could handle slayers with ease, so there was no one there who could take her on. The final frame is of someone who says that they would "like to test that theory." And thus Willow makes her first appearance in the story.
I am going to say something that I don't think I can say often enough. I don't want Joss Whedon writing comics. I want him creating new television shows. I suspect he enjoys the control that a comic gives him. I am sure he is tired of battling studios and networks. I can understand that. But once the battles have been waged and the BS has been waded through, Joss Whedon has been able to create some of the most extraordinary, most timeless television that has ever been made. He needs to get back to it. That being said, I am so much happier with him doing BUFFY Season Eight than either his X-Men project or the Runaways (and mind you, I like both the X-Men and the Runaways). There are others who can tell further stories about the X-Men and the Runaways, but Joss Whedon is only one who can give us authoritative Buffy stories. So I am acquiring these with joy and my heart and impatience in my soul. But I want him back in television. We've had some great TV since BUFFY and ANGEL left the air. LOST, 24, VERONICA MARS, and especially BATTLESTAR GALACTICA have filled the huge gap BUFFY left at its departure. But LOST needs to start winding down (whether it will has to be seen), BATTLESTAR GALACTICA (the only show to completely match the brilliance that was BUFFY) has possibly only one more season left and at most two before Ron Moore brings his series to an end. 24 is definitely in decline. VERONICA MARS might be cancelled. In short, JOSS! WE NEED YOU TO COME BACK TO TELEVISION! But in the meantime, I'll wolf down every one of these issues.
Episode Two: Attack of the Rat.......2007-04-05
Buffy fans will be expecting a lot after seven stellar seasons on television and the success of the first issue of "Season Eight." So the question here is this: Does Issue #2 deliver?
In short, yes. I have to say though--there is so much going on, so many jokes, and so much foreshadowing that I wasn't able to completely enjoy the Jossy goodness until my second read. The first read intrigued me, but the second wow-ed me.
The plot continues directly from the previous issue. Amy (the former rat) is working with the government to take out Buffy and the slayers, and she has an army of zombies to back her up. The ending sequences are amazing--I'm already itching for May 2nd to come so I can get my hands on the third issue. There was a big revelation about half-way through the comic, and clues to who the Big Bad of the season will be as well. Giant Dawn is great, Buffy is true to herself, and Xander is playing the biggest role he's played since the first season.
This issue also re-introduces two fan favorites: Giles and Andrew. So, all in all, this issue is just as good as the first. But did anybody expect anything less? I mean, come on--Joss Whedon wrote it.
9/10
Book Description
Multiple Marvel Milestones await in the second FF Omnibus! The wedding of Mister Fantastic and the Invisible Girl! The origin of Doctor Doom! The return of the original Human Torch! The FF's first trip to another galaxy, the introduction of the Inhumans and the coming of Galactus! Plus: Skrulls, Atlanteans, Subterraneans and more! Guest-starring the Silver Surfer, the Black Panther and Daredevil! Collects Fantastic Four #31-60 and Annual #2-4.
Customer Reviews:
Fantabulous compilation.......2007-09-02
Well, even though I think this summer FF blockbuster is a nice thing to see (well, not high art but I have a good time (despite Jessica Alba's "hairdress" and make-up), the best thing to come from it, it's Marvel publishing this huge and high quality book, containing several of the best stories not just from the Fantastic Four career but the superheroe genre. Mr. Lee and Mr. Kirby were getting warmed up in the first twenty issues of this series and, once the time come, their creativity and imagination explode bringing characters and concepts that push the genre to higher grounds of pure delightfull and subtextual entertainment. From the exotic jungle of Wakanda to the cosmic horizons where the Watcher takes the Human Torch to look for something against Galactus, I think I'm not exaggerating here when I say every story from this hardcover is the very best from Marvel's old times and maybe, ever.
Sorry for my poor english.
Absolutely Fantastic!.......2007-08-23
Marvel has done an outstanding job in the reproduction of this volume. Kirby's artwork looks terrific, and the slightly-larger-than-Masterworks size really enhances everything. In fact, if you already have the Masterworks editions of these stories, you'll want to sell them because they look so much better here. If you're an FF fan, this volume is a must have. If you're newer to the FF, these are the stories that truly defined this group, epic and operatic, showcasing Stan Lee and Jack Kirby at their very best. And it's a lot of fun to have the letters pages reproduced along with the stories. Some nice essays finish out the package. Highly recommended!
Fantastic Printing!.......2007-07-13
This is my second Marvel Omnibus that I bought from Amazon. My first was the Uncanny X-Men Omnibus. The first thing I noticed with this book while flipping through the pages is that it seems to be printed on heavier paper stock than the X-Men Omnibus. This definitely adds to the Quality of the book. Also, the colors are very bright and vivid and look great. Overall, it's very nice to have, especially with the awesome variant cover.
THE WORLD'S GREATEST COMIC MAGAZINE!.......2007-07-03
Well here we have it, the second FF Omnibus.This behemoth contains the following: FF 31-60, Annual 2-4 & Not Brand Echh 1.I know alot of people will wonder about binding and printing quality, and I've got to say my copy is excellant in both regards. I don't think you can beat this price either, I would get one while you can as you should know they'll be out of print soon. That's about it, you know if you want one of these or not, and I would wager you could do a lot worse than having this edition. Get'em while you can...
Average customer rating:
- Not the best
- Disappointing Change of Direction for the Ultimate FF
- A low point in the series
- Not the best storyline they've ever done
|
Ultimate Fantastic Four Vol. 7: God War
Mike Carey , and
Pasqual Ferry
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
| Authors, A-Z
| Books on CD
| Books on Cassette
| Fantasy
| Gaming
| Large Print
| Media
| Science Fiction
| Writing
Teens
| Subjects
| Books
| Authors, A-Z
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Health, Mind & Body
| History & Historical Fiction
| Horror
| Literature & Fiction
| Manga
| Mysteries
| Reference
| Religion & Spirituality
| School & Sports
| Science & Technology
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Series
| Social Issues
General
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Graphic Novels
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Superheroes
| Graphic Novels
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Marvel
| Publishers
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Fantastic Four
| Characters
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Superheroes
| Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror
| Literature
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Ultimate Fantastic Four, Vol. 8: Devils
-
Ultimate Fantastic Four Vol. 6: Frightful
-
Ultimate X-Men Vol. 16: Cable
-
Ultimate X-Men Vol. 15: Magical
-
Ultimate Fantastic Four Vol. 5: Crossover
ASIN: 0785121749 |
Book Description
Seed Nineteen - a bizarre name for the most bizarre characters ever to enter the lives of the Fantastic Four: Threshold, Fountain, Magnificent Brute, Dreamcatcher. These incredible entities hold the key to a cosmic conflict that has raged for untold millennia and now involves our quarrelsome quartet. You've never seen anything like it! We promise. And it debuts our new creative team: Mike Carey on script and Pasqual Ferry on pencils! Collects Ultimate Fantastic Four #33-38.
Customer Reviews:
Not the best.......2007-08-24
The story is interesting, but developed too fast. The new Thanos is not so cool than the "real one". The new penciler increases the confusion and the changes of placement of the action are a mess. It is not the best book of UFF.
Disappointing Change of Direction for the Ultimate FF.......2007-07-30
This volume introduces the new creative team of Mike Carey and Pasqual Ferry. Although I've enjoyed much of Carey's work ("X-Men," "Lucifer"), the storyline here introduces new characters at breakneck speed and ends up as a confusing mess. Also, what began as a more realistic take on the Fantastic Four mythos has devolved here into cheese on a cosmic scale. Pasqual Ferry's artwork looks like animation cells from a television cartoon--a big change of pace from previous artists such as Jae Lee. This book might appeal to younger fans of Marvel's "Adventures" line of comics, but definitely lost my interest.
A low point in the series.......2007-06-30
It's been a good run with the Ultimate Fantastic Four, but volume seven of the collected series, "God War," takes a stumble.
Despite the appearance of writer Mike Carey at the helm, this book suffers from an overabundance of new characters and new situations that leave a reader feeling both overwhelmed and underwhelmed at the same time -- which is a pretty neat trick, when you think about it. Overwhelming is the sheer number of new characters that are thrown at Our Heroes in an overused plot twist wherein strangers are mistaken as foes and pummeled. Who are these people? Where are they from, and what are their powers? Why is everyone fighting?? By the time the UFF is transported to another dimension and even more potential foes are dumped into the equation, I'd stopped caring -- I was underwhelmed by the lack of real excitement and empathy for these new folks in funny outfits. Sure, it all boils down to the introduction of cosmic archvillain Thanos into the Ultimate world, but by that point I was already yearning for something else to read.
by Tom Knapp, Rambles.(n e t) editor
Not the best storyline they've ever done.......2007-05-08
I was pretty disappointed with this collection. The plot and characters are so convoluted that half the time I had no idea what was going on.
I'm hoping this is just a temporary setback. I'm a huge fan of the Ultimate series, and I've enjoyed the Fantastic Four since it has started. They have proven that they are fully capable of terrific stories (Super skrull and the zombie storylines are some of my favorites), so I'm hoping they go back to that level of quality.
Average customer rating:
- the BEST way to read the F.F. early issues
- The start of the Marvel age of comics
- An excellent volume
- Great and heavy
- This is pretty sweet...
|
Fantastic Four Omnibus, Vol. 1
Stan Lee , and
Jack Kirby
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Graphic Novels
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Superheroes
| Graphic Novels
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Marvel
| Publishers
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Fantastic Four
| Characters
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Lee, Stan
| ( L )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
| Alternate History
| Anthologies
| Arthurian
| Contemporary
| Epic
| General
| Historical
| History & Criticism
| Magic & Wizards
| Series
ASIN: 0785118705 |
Book Description
They were visionaries. Explorers. Imaginauts. They were Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. And like their creations - the Fantastic Four - they continually strove to overcome the impossible and achieve the extraordinary. Now, the first three years of their landmark run on Fantastic Four - issues #1-30 and Annual #1 - are collected in one oversized volume.
Customer Reviews:
the BEST way to read the F.F. early issues.......2006-09-22
an earlier reviewer mentioned that it's better/easier to read these issues through the DVD-Rom and I would disagree with that because it's never as comfortable to go scrolling up and down each page of a book like this when you can have each issue reproduced in mint condition and read them all at your liesure in a comfy chair or in bed and appreciate the early brilliance of Lee/Kirby. It simply does NOT get better than this. Cannot recommend it highly enough. My question is when does the next TWO F.F. Omnibuses come out? We desperately need F.F. #31 thru 65 and then #66 thru 100 to wrap up the entirety of the Lee/Kirby run. Marvel, HURRY!
The start of the Marvel age of comics.......2006-02-18
Really what can one say about Jack Kirby and Stan Lee's Fantastic Four. Its a groundbreaking concept that you as the reader get to watch mature in 30 + issues in one book and in color. Its different than other super hero books as these members have great emotional reactions between both the evil foes and themselves. Its a Super hero comic soap opera as every issue became a cliff hanger. Jack Kirby makes this book live with his dynamic art. Stan's no slouch with stories either. Its a decent price to pay and is put together well. Many Marvel books have gutter problems, this one doesn't. Do yourself a favor and either re-live these books or start with some timeless super hero stories, its a winner !
An excellent volume.......2006-01-19
This includes the first 30 issues of FF plus the first annual. The book itself is hardcover, high quality glossy pages with each issue in the order it was released. The book is over 800 pages and each page is comic book size. Each issue is reprinted with the cover page and the letters page. At the back there are some alternate covers for certain of the issues, an original plot outline for the first story, as well as essays from Lee, Thomas and others.
For me, I prefer this to the dvd alternative, but that comes down to your own personal preference of reading pages or a screen, plus space to keep books as well as cost. I would love to see the entire series out in this format, even if it would run around 15 volumes. Hopefully, Marvel will at least issue a few more volumes, though.
Great and heavy.......2005-11-30
Great to be able to get so many issues in one volume and this book is heavy. It's best to read on a solid surface. I also like the letters section but would have liked to see some of the old advertisements. I hope they do another volume continuing where they left off and I also would like to see other Marver characters get the big book treatment.
On a side note, in a preview of the FF movie, critic Richard Roeper stated that no one would care about the FF as they were not popular and "who even heard of them." Shows how much he knows about Marvel comics. I meant to drop him a line but didn't make time to do so. According to Stan Lee, the FF were one of the top three popular comics.
This is pretty sweet..........2005-10-05
I've read most of these comics in their original form, and was surprised when I picked this volume up by how... RIGHT... it felt. This is a handsomely packaged product, a bit hefty perhaps, but it has the real feel, the sense of excitement and wonder that you'd hope for in an FF mega-reprint... Somehow it evokes the feel of the original books, the giddy, explosive creativity, the sense of vibrancy and sheer fun -- it's a lot like reading the old comics themselves. The inclusion of the old letter columns is nice as well; too bad they didn't see fit to also inlude some of the other graphics of the time (Marvel monthly checklists, etc.) but overall, this is a really classy package. I never went for the "Marvel Masterworks" series (although I appreciate the effort), but this gigantic tome has a special feel. It's cool.
Book Description
FOUR FANTASTIC TALES OF THE FF! - When a doomsday weapon manufactured by Hydra turns up in the Nevada desert, there's only one man the authorities can ask to go in and defuse it: Bruce Banner! What does all of this have to do with the FF, you ask? Well, who do you think has to deal with the fallout when it all goes terribly wrong? - It's hard to believe Reed and Sue tied the knot 40 years ago... and it certainly doesn't seem that much time has passed to Reed and Sue themselves when a special evening out gives them a chance to look over their entire life together- past, present and future! - The Invisible Woman is dead! As Reed cradles his murdered wife, lost in grief, and Ben rampages after Sue's killer, Johnny defiantly decides to do whatever it takes- no matter the cost or consequence- to see his sister alive again. What he does will change the way the Fantastic Four look at him forever. - It's a day of celebration and reflection in Latveria, but deep within the confines of the Latverain Embassy to America, Victor Von Doom and Reed Richards engage in a subtle battle of wits, with all of Manhattan as the playing field. What are the stakes? And can Mister Fantastic triumph when all the moves have been made in advance? Collects Fantastic Four #533-535; Wedding Special; My Dinner with Dr. Doom; and Death in the Family.
Customer Reviews:
Great installment featuring the Hulk and other stories.......2007-06-23
Babylon 5 creator J. Michael Straczynski, whose early run on Amazing Spider-Man and his MAX title Supreme Power were nothing short of excellent, made a solid attempt at putting the "fantastic" back in Fantastic Four during his brief run on the title, and The Life Fantastic is proof of that. Beginning with another Thing versus Hulk story in the first half of this TPB, seeds are planted that will come to fruition in the exile and return of the Hulk, which leads to the current World War Hulk mega-event. After that though, Karl Kesel provides two stories, including the anniversary event of the wedding of Reed and Sue, while new Fantastic Four writer Dwayne McDuffie provides a typical Reed versus Doctor Doom story in a battle of wits. The best part of The Life Fantastic is definitely the various art, which features work from Teen Titans artist Mike McKone and veteran Lee Weeks among others. All in all, The Life Fantastic is a great installment featuring the Hulk and varying looks at aspects of the FF mythos, and is definitely worth picking up for Fantastic Four fans new and old.
Life is Fantastic...and So is This Collection!.......2007-06-15
With this collection, you get four tales of the FF: Three are fantastic, and the fourth one features the Hulk vs. the Thing (yet again...), that works only in the sense that it's a prelude to "Planet Hulk."
But I digress. Let's talk about the three fantastic tales instead: The "Wedding Special" is pretty fun and touching to boot, while "Death in the Family" is a shocking sci-fi thriller. "My Dinner with Dr. Doom" is the highlight of this collection, written by new FF series writer Dwayne McDuffie.
Collects Fantastic Four #533-535; FF Wedding Special; FF My Dinner with Dr. Doom; and FF Death in the Family.
Four Weddings and a Funeral?.......2007-02-05
This collection, THE LIFE FANTASTIC, contains four stories of the Fantastic Four. It opens with issues #533-535 of the regular F4 series, written by J. Michael Straczynski with pencils by Mike McKone. Taking place after JMS's first F4 story and before the family got mixed up in Civil War, this story is yet another iteration of the old Thing vs Hulk fight. It's a decent enough story, fun and amusing and pretty good, with nice art, but -- it's Hulk vs Thing. Again. It also follows up on a couple threads from the previous JMS story and leads into the Planet Hulk story that was about to start in the Hulk book. Not bad, but not great either.
Also in this volume are two stories by Karl Kesel: "The Life Fantastic" and "A Death in the Family", pencilled by Drew Johnson and Lee Weeks respectively. The former is Sue and Reed's 40th Wedding Anniversary Special; the latter is a story that tries to be a lot more touching than it ends up being. Again, neither of these stories is bad, but neither is very good, either. Pretty mediocre.
The highlight of this collection is "My Dinner With Doom", written by Dwayne McDuffie, who's the new writer of the ongoing F4 title now that JMS has moved on, with art by Casey Jones. Not a perfect story, not great, but even though it's yet another story of Reed and Victor von Doom, it works, and works pretty well. I can't wait to see what McDuffie does with the regular book.
I'd give this book four stars for the JMS and McDuffie bits, but Kesel's stories are mediocre enough to drag it down to three. Still, if you can find it at a discount, it's a worthy addition to your F4 library.
Average customer rating:
- Mark Waid rocks...
- Not what I thought...but still a cool book
- WOW.What a book of greatness we have now.
- Family Drama, SF/Fantasy Adventure: Waid's Fantastic Four
|
Fantastic Four, Vol. 1
Mark Waid
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Graphic Novels
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Superheroes
| Graphic Novels
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Marvel
| Publishers
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Fantastic Four
| Characters
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Waid, Mark
| ( W )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Fantastic Four, Vol. 2
-
Fantastic Four, Vol. 3
-
Incredible Hulk: Planet Hulk
-
Fantastic Four by J. Michael Straczynski, Vol. 1
-
Avengers Assemble, Vol. 1
ASIN: 0785114866 |
Customer Reviews:
Mark Waid rocks..........2007-04-28
I love the FF and I love Mark Waid, and so this title is a no brainer. Mark brings a freshness to the FF that has been missing for quite a while. He seems to bring out the best in them, and look at them in a new way. The strength of the FF has always been that they have been a family. And that is just something that allows the writers to have a different type of dynamic in a story that is something that you don't often read about no matter what sort of literature you are into. If you are a fan of Mark Waid or the FF, and you haven't read in a while, this book will not disappoint. If you are new to the FF, then this book will lure you in. It's a must buy.
Not what I thought...but still a cool book.......2006-01-04
I bought this book thinking that this was a complete recap of the FF4 series, from the start. After reading the first few pages, although it is mentioned how the four become the FF4, the book takes on another route. The drawings are great, and the story line fairly interesting. I am halfway through the book, and feel that the only reason I am continuing to read on is that I am a FF4 fan.
If you're expecting this book to give you a complete series recap from the start, it's not it. I bought it in a store in a mall, and the employees of the store could not tell me what the book was about, it was shrink wrapped. I took a chance and am disapointed.
WOW.What a book of greatness we have now........2005-06-15
First,I would like to tell you that im really 15 years old.Im just having e-mail problems.This book is everything you want in a fantastic four book. It has drama,excitement,science fiction,and action.My favorite thing is that they made Dr.Doom more evil and vicious than ever.I just cant believe how sexy they made Susan Storm!Its her body naked in a blue tint of a blue costume.Good book.It even includes Franklin and Valerie Richards.May be the reason for Sue's sudden sexiness. The book even admits that they wanted her to be flat out sexier.
Family Drama, SF/Fantasy Adventure: Waid's Fantastic Four.......2004-08-07
For all the contributions that author Mark Waid has made to the Sequential Arts, it has taken a long time for Marvel Comics to give him his just due. Standout renditions of Ka-Zar and Captain America were all but flatly given the heave-ho after relatively short runs in the 1990s (Waid losing Cap twice!), and the work collected in the book featured here was almost cut short by apparent management issues (the same type which cost Marvel its overall best work and finest authors by the late 1970s, crippling the company until fairly recently years).
Thank Marvel Editor-In-Chief Joe Quesada for stepping in, and setting things right, as he has generally done during his ongoing rededication & refining of the House that Kirby, Ditko, Thomas and Lee built. Because of this, the author of the classic KINGDOM COME and SUPERMAN: BIRTHRIGHT continues to write some of the most inspired FANTASTIC FOUR sagas to be seen in quite some time.
Judge the results by reading this handsome hardcover collection of Waid's first FF stories from 2002-3. With art principally by the astonishing Mike Wieringo and the ever-present inks of Karl Kesel, the visual look is a powerful blend of quick cartoon and classic portrait, giving that feel of something simple communicating an intricate thematic wallop.
One may think of WATCHMEN's Dave Gibbons, and his expertise in this clearly defined, highly elusive area, but Wieringo has a mastery all his own here, and it grows with each panel. The character play in this series, always a crucial necessity for the FF, is captured so thoroughly, so beautifully in each face, in every move, with any emotion to bear.
Then, there's the writing. With Kurt Busiek, Grant Morrison, and Roger Stern, Waid has been a key factor in the resurgence of the superhero as ethical champion by the 1990s, after a period of manic-depressive tedium courtesy a legion of uninspired "realists" pimping off the superior efforts of Alan Moore and Frank Miller in the 1980s. Particularly with Busiek, Waid is noteworthy for reminding a whole generation that superhero comics can be just as pertinent, just as engaging, and just as worthy of diversified, intelligent readerships as the most blatently alternative comic line, or any other literature, for that matter.
Note the influence of such character-diverse, topically-focused perspectives upon the tremendous chronicles of relative newcomers such as Geoff Johns, Greg Rucka, and Darwyn Cooke. Take all this into account, and you begin to see that Mark Waid is a undeniable force to be reckoned with.
Consider his stunning depictions in this book. Waid captures what few, if any, have dared to venture upon; capturing the superhero team as the world-class adventurers and loving, tempestuous, rollicking family unit that the FF is supposed to be. Never has the give-and-take between the Richards, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm been thrown into more roadblocks, tickled with more outrageous wit, challenged by more horrific dead ends, blessed with deeper affection, suffered more stress and scars, or risen to the occasion with greater integrity and resolve than they do here.
From equations gone mad with passions, and childhood pains about to take a nasty spill into the present, we venture into a Dr. Doom story to end all Dr. Doom stories. Anyone needing a reason why the Latverian monarch has been the FF's arch-nemesis -and the Miltonic symbol of Marvel villainy- for over 40 years need only check these pages. Note the suave, imperious nature by which Doom dispenses ultimate betrayal, depraved murder, and unfeeling terror in the name of Class, Compassion, and Honor, and be very, very afraid.
Those who purchase this collection have much more to look forward to. Forays into nation-building, diplomatic blind-siding, and an ultimate challenge of the unknown with a voyage to the heart of.......
Sorry. That would be telling!
Just trust, with Waid's FANTASTIC FOUR,
that the very best is yet to come.
See you for Volume 2!
Good reading to all.
This piece is dedicated to Dwayne E. Muth.
Friend, Brother, Sequential Researcher.
A Collector. NOT a Speculator.
Happy Birthday, Bro!
Keep it true.
Keep it coming.
mfh 8 - 7 - 04
Average customer rating:
- I HEAR VIOLINS
- "Fantastic" Civil War Tie-In
- The FF in the Civil War
|
Civil War: Fantastic Four
J. Michael Straczynski , and
Dwayne McDuffie
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Teens
| Subjects
| Books
| Authors, A-Z
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Health, Mind & Body
| History & Historical Fiction
| Horror
| Literature & Fiction
| Manga
| Mysteries
| Reference
| Religion & Spirituality
| School & Sports
| Science & Technology
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Series
| Social Issues
General
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Graphic Novels
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Superheroes
| Graphic Novels
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Marvel
| Publishers
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Fantastic Four
| Characters
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
| Classics
| Comic
| Contemporary
| Literary
Superheroes
| Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror
| Literature
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Civil War: Amazing Spider-Man
-
Civil War (Marvel Comics)
-
Civil War: Iron Man
-
Civil War: Front Line, Book 1
-
Civil War: Wolverine
ASIN: 0785122273 |
Book Description
One member of the Fantastic Four lies hospitalized, a casualty of the Civil War that has fragmented the superhuman community! Another member of the team is secretly helping the opposition. It had to happen: Amid the tumult and tensions, the Fantastic Four break up! Who will toe the line, who will join the resistance, and who will leave the battlefield altogether? Is this the end for Marvel's First Family? Collects Fantastic Four #538-543.
Customer Reviews:
I HEAR VIOLINS.......2007-08-18
THIS BOOK HAD SOME COOL MOMENTS,THE THING ON VACATION WAS THE OBVIOUS HIGHLIGHT,FUNNY STUFF.THE SUSAN/REED/JONNY STORIES ARE OK BUT I DIDNT REALLY EXPECT SUCH DRAMA,EVEN AFTER READING C/W AND KNOWING THE MAIN IDEA BEHIND THIS BOOK.GOOD STORY WITH AN INTERESTING END THAT LEAVES MORE QUESTIONS FOR FF FANS.COUPLE"BONUS STORIES" TO FILL UP SPACE,DIDNT ADD ANYTHING BUT CHEAP LAUGH AND SHIPPING WEIGHT FOR MY BOOKS ROUND WORLD TRIP.THE CIVIL WAR ISNT A "FUN" STORY ,ITS A HARD TIME FOR THE MARVEL UNIVERSE SO THE EMOTIONAL TRIP IS WORTH THE TIME BUT DID AT TIMES MAKE ME FEEL LIKE IT WAS SOMETHING MY WIFE WOULD READ....I DIDNT CRY..GOOD STORY ALL ROUND BUT NOT THE ACTION OF OTHERS
"Fantastic" Civil War Tie-In.......2007-07-22
Johnny Storm in the hospital! Ben Grimm in France! Reed obsessed with his work and neglecting his family! Sue taking the opposition side in Civil War against her husband! It's just another day at the office for the Fantastic Four.
J. Michael Straczynski follows up his first two collections with this final installment. It's much stronger than his opening arc and on par with the second collection, the equally entertaining Fantastic Four: The Life Fantastic TPB. The final story in this Civil War collection is the epilogue written by Dwayne McDuffie, who promises more high octane excitement (with two surprise guest stars temporarily replacing Sue and Reed!). It's probably necessary to read the Civil War TPB to understand everything--but if you're a comic book fan you've already read that, right? No? OK, then start there and then pick up this collection to fill in the gaps on your favorite family. Collects Fantastic Four #538-543.
The FF in the Civil War.......2007-05-07
As the title implies, this TPB finds Marvel's first family torn asunder in the midst of the Civil War. With Reed "Mr. Fantastic" Richards working with Tony Stark to ensure the superhero registration act is a success, the rest of the Fantastic Four is tearing at the seams. Johnny "Human Torch" Storm is beaten badly and recovering in the hospital, while Sue sees first hand the destruction the war between the heroes is causing, and makes a decision that will alter the future of the team and her relationship with Reed. Since Babylon 5 creator and longtime Amazing Spider-Man writer J. Michael Straczynski took over scripting duties on Fantastic Four, he's made the book the most enjoyable it's been since the early days of Mark Waid's run on the title a few years back. That along with the great art from Teen Titans penciler Mike McKone makes this Civil War tie-in one of the best tie-in's to see print. Naturally there are some plot holes and gaps in the story that can be found in the main Civil War storyline (along with some other tie-in's), but that doesn't stop this TPB from being surprisingly good. All in all, if you feel the need to pick up the best Civil War tie-in's, this is a good place to start.
Book Description
A guilt-ridden Reed Richards attempts to undo his greatest failure by using time travel to fix the snag that caused the teleportation accident that resulted in Ben Grimm's becoming the Thing. If it works, Ben will be Ben and the Thing will never have existed. And neither will the FF. Be careful what you wish for! Plus: the awesome return of Dr. Doom! The zombiefied FF escape from their Baxter Building prison! The deadly debut of the Frightful Four! Johnny Storm finds out he has only 28 days to live! And that's all just for starters! Collects Ultimate Fantastic Four #27-32.
Customer Reviews:
Give Us More Greg Land!.......2007-06-05
This Vol 6 is almost as good as Vol 5, but the story breaks up in parts and gets confusing. As far as the Artwork, I have yet to find anything better than the work of Greg Land. True, sometimes his female characters have a simular look, but the beauty of his work more than makes up for it. The other reviews here will tell you all about the story (something I think people should find out for themselves) and explain whether the writing is good or not. Me? For this book my focus in on the artwork and it's some of the best you will find in an action comic.
Zombies and Carmen Miranda.......2007-05-21
Will Reed Richards ever find a way to turn the Thing back into plain ol' Ben Grimm?
You might think he had better things to do with his time, but all it really takes is a few heartfelt tears and a Carmen Miranda costume, and Reed is ready to go back in time and stop the experiment that turned the Fantastic Four into super-powered heroes. Unfortunately, without that little mishap, a greater one will occur, this one involving the space-faring Skrulls and the death of the entire human race. Well, not if Ben Grimm and the Ultimate Super Skrull have anything to say about it!
The first tale in "Frightful," the sixth UFF collection, is a good one, but it pales in comparison to the second half of the book. Yes, you guessed it -- more zombies!
Since the events of "Crossover," the Baxter Building has served as a high-security prison for the Fantastic Four zombies from a parallel dimension. OK, that sounds hokey when I say it, but it's not. Really. And the zombies have decided it's time to escape and spread a little zombie love with the rest of the world. Of course, they might have had some trouble if the UFF was in town, but the Torch is laid up with an alien in his intestines, and the rest of the team is in Eastern Europe looking for a cure. And you just know the situation won't improve when Doctor Doom gets involved....
If you don't buy this one for Carmen Miranda, buy it for the zombies. You'll like it.
by Tom Knapp, Rambles.(n e t) editor
Yeah, baby...!!!!!!.......2007-04-01
This was a really fun read -- the Ultimate FF series has definitely hit its stride here, with an action-packed story arc that encompasses Doc Doom, the Skrulls, time travel and a high-power smackdown with those pesky undead doppelgangers who snuck in from Robert Kirkman's "Marvel Zombies" universe. This is superhero stuff the way I remember it: fun, funny, entertaining, elegantly crafted but not all pretentious... Just a good old time for all. I particularly liked the portrayal of Latveria as a Oktoberfest-ish tourist trap, and the chance to see just how powerful Doc Doom can actually be. I'd definitely recommend this one... And I can't wait 'til the next collection comes out!
Heated.......2007-02-07
Things really start to get going with this collection. You have Doom, The Frightful Four, Skrulls, alternate timelines, a suicidal Thing, a guilt ridden Reed. I liked the action, but I think they threw in way too much. I think they wrapped up some really good plot points way too fast. You have a depressed Thing that wants to kill himself, and by next issue they give him a girlfriend and he is happy. The stories themselves are top notch, the artwork isn't bad, though it isn't my taste. Overall, this is a good collection and worth grabbing if you are a fan of the 4.
more zombies and tiny tot FF action..........2007-02-02
i love the ultimate fantastic four. i love the original fantastic four, who can never be replaced but i like the twist of them being young teens in the ultimate universe. it just seems to make sense. in this volume the captured zombie FF decides they've had enough of the ultimate earth and want to eat it all. a must-read.
Average customer rating:
- HULK vs. THING-'nuff said
- Lee/Kirby build a legend
- Great stories, ok format.
- Fantastic Four Merely OK...
- Fantastic stories at a great price!
|
Essential Fantastic Four, Vol. 2 (Marvel Essentials)
Stan Lee , and
Jack Kirby
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Graphic Novels
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Science Fiction
| Graphic Novels
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Marvel
| Publishers
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Fantastic Four
| Characters
| Comics & Graphic Novels
| Subjects
| Books
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Lee, Stan
| ( L )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Essential Fantastic Four, Vol. 1 (Marvel Essentials)
-
Essential Fantastic Four, Vol. 3 (Marvel Essentials)
-
Essential Fantastic Four, Vol. 4 (Marvel Essentials)
-
Essential Fantastic Four, Vol. 5 (Marvel Essentials)
-
Essential Avengers, Vol. 2 (Marvel Essentials)
ASIN: 0785107312 |
Customer Reviews:
HULK vs. THING-'nuff said.......2001-08-15
While this issue also contains many great classics such as the introduction of the Frightful Four,a fab X-Men crossover and a couple great Dr. Doom tales,it proudly re-produces the greatest comic-story ever told. FF#25 is,in my opinion,the greatest fight ever produced by the twin towers of Lee & Kirby(I, by the way have,over the years,read every issue of all Avengers,Spiderman,FF,Thor,Hulk,X-Men...all the way down to Dazzler,Spiderwoman and even (ouch) Eternals,titles marvel has come out with, as a great family friend founded and still owns the main comic/book store in St.Paul,Mn.-my hometown). The whole issue is one big knock-down drag-out between aunt Petunias favorite nephew bashful benjamin and old jade jaws, the likes of which has rarely been approached and never equaled in all of comic-dom. Face Front True Believers- this one is a can't miss!
Lee/Kirby build a legend.......2001-01-09
This book has better plotted stories than the 1st "Essential FF". However, the idea of the group fighting/breaking up recurs too many times as a plotline. Other than that, we get several excellent Dr. Doom stories-his origin and the "Battle of the Baxter Building" are classics. The Baxter Building story has a poignant moment when Reed Richards must decide whether to turn Ben Grimm back into the Thing (possibly forever). The Hate Monger, in his 1st appearance is a very provacative character for the era. The stories featuring Dr Storm and Gideon are pure melodrama best read only by completists. Plus we get 5 crossovers with other characters (4 in a row at one point)-Most of them carried by the misunderstanding that leads the FF to battle other heroes. However the Daredevil crossover is a classic. These stories function as filler before the next volume which should feature the premiere appearances of Galactus, Silver Surfer, the Black Panther and the Inhumans.
Great stories, ok format........2000-12-19
The Marvel Essential series of books leaves me with a bittersweet feeling. While I love the stories, think it's great that we get twenty issues reprinted per volume, and can't deny that the price is right, there is always the spectre of the superior Marvel Masterworks series hanging overhead.
Here are the facts: With the Essential series you get about twenty comics reprinted in a paperback format, with black and white artwork, on what seems to be pulpy acidic paper.
The Masterworks series, which cost about three times as much, give you (usually) ten comics reprinted in hardback format, with color artwork, on glossy paper.
The choice is clear for me: Make Mine Masterworks!
Fantastic Four Merely OK..........2000-08-02
Comics fans usually date the Silver Age of the medium from the first appearance of the Fantastic Four in FF#1. By the time the issues collected in "Essential Fantastic Four vol.2" appeared, however, the magazine had lost quite a bit of its initial steam. Jack Kirby's art still retained its powerful punch, but Stan Lee's writing began to show the strain as he tried to crank out multiple Marvel titles every month.
As a result, the FF went through a number of odd mood swings, such as when Sue Storm joined the Thing and the Human Torch in trying to oust her own fiance as leader of the group because he spent too much time working on scientific projects. The stoic Mr. Fantastic responds to this leadership challenge with all the grace of a three-year-old. While the Torch and Thing's bickering has always been part of the formula, Lee usually plays Richards and Storm with some nuance.
There is plenty of good stuff here as well. The first appearance of Dragon Man is a keeper, as are Dr. Doom's appearances (including the legendary "Battle of the Baxter Building"). Of particular interest is a story wherein in the aftermath of a battle with the Frightful Four, the FF lose their powers and develop alternate means of taking the fight to their enemies.
I recommend this collection to die-hard FF fans (like they don't already have it) and Jack Kirby fans interested in the very beginnings of his cosmic style. For all others, pick up the first volume instead.
Fantastic stories at a great price!.......2000-01-24
Another excellent tome in the "Essential" collection, this one covers the "mid" years of the Lee/Kirby run, between the outstanding inventiveness of the earliest material and the legendary run in the #40-#60 range that introduced Galactus, the Inhumans, etc. So what's the highlight here? Well, #20-#40 pretty much are reprinted, and even in black and white they mostly shine - the best stories include the origin of Dr. Doom, a slam-bang battle between the FF, the Hulk and the Avengers, an awesome confrontation between a powerless FF and Doom, and the introduction of the Frightful Four! Woo! Great stuff! I'm only knocking this down one star because of the hideous inking Kirby's pencils got on the first five or so issues included in this collection - it's slapdash and sketchy, awful stuff compared to Chic Stone's great inking in the last 2/3 or so of this mammoth book. Buy it!
Books:
- The Ruins
- The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness (Newly Expanded Paperback Edition)
- The Two-Mile Time Machine: Ice Cores, Abrupt Climate Change, and Our Future
- The White Mountains
- The Witches' Companion
- Thick Face, Black Heart: The Warrior Philosophy for Conquering the Challenges of Business and Life
- Things Fall Apart: A Novel
- Think Two Products Ahead: Secrets the Big Advertising Agencies Don't Want You to Know and How to Use Them for Bigger Profits
- Without a Doubt Audio
- Wizardology: The Book of the Secrets of Merlin (Ologies)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Woodrow Wilson and Harry Truman: Mission and Power in American Foreign Policy
- Swimming Made Easy: The Total Immersion Way for Any Swimmer to Achieve Fluency, Ease, and Speed in A
- Little Altars Everywhere: A Novel
- Kauai Trails: Walks, Strolls and Treks on the Garden Island
- Navigating the Dark Side of Wealth: A Life Guide for Inheritors
- Molecular Modeling and Simulation
- Principles of Data Mining
- Grizzly Bears: An Illustrated Field Guide
- Herman Hollerith: Forgotten Giant of Information Processing
- International Handbook On Privatization
Civil War: Front Line, Book 2
Civil War: Fantastic Four
