Spider-Man/
Fantastic Four # 4
Title: Pop!
Writer: Jeff Parker
Penciler: Mike Wieringo
Inker: Wade von Grawbadger
Colorist: Pete Pantazis
Plot:
As Spidey and the FF engage the Imperator in battle,
Reed Richards' spacecraft comes out of nowhere, theorizing
the break from hyperspace at a close proximity would weaken
the Imperator's chronal displacement field. Imperator
retaliates with augmented African wildlife at his command.
But as the FF are on the recieving end, the purple ooze that
Spidey vomited reforms into the Impossible Man. Peter
theorizes that while he was unconscious, he breathed in the
vapors left by Impy's disintegration. However, this version
morphs into a snake-like creature that easily devours the
altered lion and rhino. It announces it is the "body
conglomerate of the Poppupian race," and it desires
retribution on the Imperator for nearly killing the
collective. The Imperator is easily bested, but the
conglomerate adds they will no longer contain themselves
in one form. While it takes on the H'Mojen-possessed SHIELD
hellicarrier, Reed reveals that the Imperator, still alive,
was once Ilgych, and his own planet would have been
harvested as the latest H'Mojen settlement if he did not
take over the position of the previous Imperator.
An imperator can only leave his job
if he finds someone else more up to the task. Ilgych admits
he's trapped in his position as Imperator. The Poppupian
conglomerate manage to separate the H'Mojen parasites from
their human hosts, not caring that the separation results in
death for the H'Mojen. Reed demands that Ilgych begins the
planetary exodus, although the only available planet is the
Imperator's home world. Instantaneously, all H'Mojen are
collected, ending their symbiosis with the people of Earth.
The Poppupians announce they intend to populate the earth
with their nine billion population. Sue points out the Earth
may not be able to take such a migration. Spider-Man
suggests the Imperator collects the Poppupian species, and
that he thinks he knows a way that will work out for
everyone.
While Johnny distracts the conglomerate,
the Imperator collects them in his machine. In his journal,
Reed reveals that they not only place the H'Mojen and the
Poppupians on an uninhabited planet that Reed reserved in
the event of a Galactus situation, but the species are now
in symbiosis of each other. Richards admits it was an
inspired move to "combine the most
adaptable-yet-directionless species...with the growth-driven
one unable to change on its own." Upon their visit to
the world, they come across a huge stone bust of Spider-Man,
but all agree to keep this part to themselves as to avoid an
unnecessary ego boost to Peter. Speaking of whom, Peter and
MJ, partially amnesiac of the experience, joke about it, and
pass by the cat that was also present when Impy was
disintegrated. It then hawks up a green blob and POP! the
Impossible Man is reborn.
Likes:
- the way that Peter's ingenuity finally comes through on this caper. Even Reed admits Spidey's the "biology guy" to his "physics guy." It made perfect sense to combine the malleable Poppupian race with the migrating H'Mojen. Not only that but it frees up Impy as the remaining free-floating pure Poppupian troublemaker.
- the commaradarie between Ben and Spider-Man during their fight with the African creatures was hilarious.
Dislikes:
- The convenience of Reed's arrival/counterattack. Sometimes the addage "right place right time" doesn't apply. First off how would he know where the FF were at that moment? He'd have to have placed tracking devices in their "4"'s or something, which would make for more Mr. F technobabble.
- The climax would have been better if the Poppupians were more menacing. Yeah the jaws of death routine was good, but I think in trying to maintain their humorous side, Parker missed out on the menacing part of this race. Think about it: all this time the Impossible Man was a carrier of his ENTIRE species; that's a heavy responsibility and it would more than explain the spontaneity of his personality and behavior. It's like when you cage the beast the beast gets angry, as Hugh Jackman notes in X-Men: The Last Stand. Parker again missed his mark on this plotpoint.
- How tidy everything was in the end; heck we even got the original Impy back through chance luck of a nauseous kitty. For an interplanetary threat, it was handled too lightly, as I've noted in every review of this series. The convenience of amnesia's been used one too many times in these kinds of stories; to quote Chris Rock "Hit me with somethin else, man."
Favorite Quotes:
Ben: (to the African creatures) Bring 'em on! We'll show 'em the same way we did yer bugs!
Spider-Man: (to The Thing's being run over by the charging Rhino) Way to show him, Ben!
Ben: >Enngh< Shut up!
Ben: (to creatures AGAIN) Hey, handsome, now it's Grimm's turn! OOFH!
Spider-Man: No, it's his turn, Ben. But I'll have him ready for you when you get back.
Rating: 3/5 Webs
Good for humor, bad for drama. Nothing stood out. However, I should note that the art was top notch from Mike Wieringo, who sadly passed on this past Sunday of heart failure. He'll be missed by the Spidey-verse and the Fantasti-verse. And I guess the X-verse as well. Though the writing wasn't always the best, Mike's style didn't falter once.
Cover: 5/5 Webs
This is a cool take on a past cover drawn by Mike of the FF doing their hand-on-hand oath. You notice each of the member's powers ebbing after being defeated. And though Spider-Man's forearm is in view, Mike should've made his glove torn up, signifying he's been through the wringer as much as the rest of the team. Other than that great stuff, Mike. We'll miss ya.
Spider-Man/
Fantastic Four # 3
The New Silver Age
Writer: Jeff Parker
Art: Mike Wieringo (Pencils) Wade
Von Grawbadger (Inks) and Pete Pantazis (Colors)
Letterer: Blambot's Nate Piekos
Plot:
Reed enters his latest log entry on his intergalactic journey
across space, investigating worlds the H'Mojen have visited
and populated. The latest, Hemyclos 10, was once an infamous
trade planet with unlimited resources. Post-H'Mojen, one
hundred years later, it's become an isolationist planet, and
its inhabitants have to relearn what they've forgotten. They
offer Reed nothing. Back on Earth, the Imperator and his bugs
fail to apprehend the FF and Spider-Man. Sue discovers they're
concentrating forces on the Transian Mountains, High
Evolution's territory. The four head there and drive off the
H'Mojen possessed soldiers, but the Evolutionary's gone,
leaving behind only his Beast-Men and a strange device. With
Reed off-world, they settle for the last resort to figure it
out: his counterpart, Doctor Doom. In Latveria, Doom's people
have been possessed, but Victor's science and sorcery in his
armor keep him protected. At first he percieves the FF taking
advantage of his vulnerability, but Spidey appeals to his ego
by pointing out that the device is so advanced even Reed can't figure
it out. Doom's analysis is it is capable of rendering DNA
"involerable" for a short period. He plans to
construct a larger version of this device that will direct
it off his satellite array, and hands Ben the
original, encased in the gun shell. Spider-Man starts
feeling nauseous. Back in space, Reed's bad luck continues, as
he comes across a race that manages to separate the alien DNA
from the host at the expense of the host's life. Now in
Africa, the Imperator continues the migration when the FF
arrive on scene. Spider-Man can't hold it in any longer
and vomits...what looks like an alien ooze that is slowly
coming to life.
Likes:
- the inclusion of Mr. Fantastic's search across the galaxy emphasizes time is of the essence; the pressure is on him to find an answer and it is a way of demonstrating the after-effects of the H'mojen occupation, which seems to be on the level of locusts
- you can't have an FF adventure without throwing in Victor Von Doom. It's a good move to demonstrate Peter's ingenuity through appealing to Doom through his arrogant belief that he's the better scientist than Reed.
- I have to admit that having Spidey's illness really be a H'Mojen-related phenomena was a surprise; could this mean that genetically-altered humans aren't as immune to the H'Mojen as they thought?
- the switching of locations (New York, the mountains, Latveria, and Africa) give the sense that this is an international crisis.
Dislikes:
- it's has too much of a light-hearted feel to it. all we're seeing are alien versions of humans and heroes as the major threat
- the consequences of H'Mojen migration aren't serious enough visually; though the depictions of deep space are worthy of Kirby, Mike could do a much better job and so could Jeff in terms of providing deeper impacts
- again Mike, draw a musculature for the Thing that makes him look less like a walk piece of flexible rock.
Favorite Quote:
Spidey: Aw, I've busted my "4" already.
Human Torch: No prob. That's just a toy one that Franklin wears anyway.
Rating: 3/12 out of 5 Webs. It's definitely a worthwhile story. As for the chronology, I can only assume that it's before the last issue of the Spider-Man/Human Torch miniseries that was released a couple of years ago. Real genius I am to come to that realization three issues into the series. Anyway although it could be a darker story, it's worth the read nonetheless.
Spider-Man/
Fantastic Four # 2
"The New Silver Age"
Writer: Jeff Parker
Penciler: Mike Wieringo
Inker: Wade von Grawbadger
Colors: Pete Pantazis
Letterer: Blambot's Nate Piekos
Plot: Spider-Man comes back to the apartment he shares with MJ and Aunt May to change his suit. Peter is startled as both his wife and his aunt are transformed and assmilated into the H'Mojen race before his very eyes. At the same time, Reed, Sue, and the kids arrive back in town via FantastiCar to see blue rays streaking across the skyline. Reed places the car on autopilot to take Valeria and Franklin home while he and Sue descend on Central Park. Ben and Johnny immediately tell them to restrain themselves because the aliens before them are actually New Yorkers possessed by these H'Mojen. The landscape is also altered, as bizarre plant life sprout up from the ground. Reed immediately orders a retreat as he realizes what's going on but Ben's jet cycle is overtaken by H'Mojen. Fortunately, Spidey emerges from the dog pile-on and gives the FF a lift back to the Baxter Building.
Reed is thankful that his children haven't been taken over yet, and neither has Alicia Masters. On the television, New York Governeor David Schmidt, now possessed, claims to be the elder councilor of the H'Moj civilization. He explains that over 4 billion are expected to "merge with appropriate hosts." He urges those not possessed yet to not impede anyone chosen and that they strive for peaceful assimilation. Reed surmises that because their DNA is altered they are immune to the assimilation process. Reed heads to the lab, Ben and Sue opt to go back to the park, and both leave Johnny and Peter to find any other heroes with better success just as they're going to play with the kids.
At Dr. Strange's Sanctum Sanctorum, they're disappointed to learn that both Strange and Wong have been possessed. More news reports reveal that heroes such as Iron Man, Nick Fury, and Captain America have been assimilated. Furthermore, the Imperator is sending dispersal unites worldwide to guarantee a successful merger. He spots Ben and Sue, both invisible. She tries to stop the "vitastreams" with her force field but is overpowered. As he puts in more safeguards, the four reconvene at Reed's lab. He explains it's futile to oppose the H'Moj due to their thorough colonization process. Recalling the broadcast stating they're being added to the race, it makes sense for Reed to travel to other worlds they've colonized and see the aftereffects. He's recently completed a hyperdrive ship capable of reaching those worlds...but built for one. Reed gives Peter his own "4" insignia, appointing him temporary member to fill the "science nerd" quotient while he's gone.
Just as Reed's ship goes through a created worm hole, the Imperator and NY governor appear above their heads with giant insects to take these "unchanged humans" into custody to be taken to an aboriginal reservation.
To Be Continued...
Likes:
- uhmm...MJ's figure? lol. j/k. seeing Spidey supporting cast members and FF drawn by Mike again
- seeing Sue and Reed play house while engaging in superheroics
- Peter as a member of the FF; reminds me of the first issue of What If? Vol. 1
- the eeriness of everyone taking so well to the symbiosis
- the method of transmission of this symbiosis
Dislikes:
- the light tone of the book; the story should have a darker edge given that this is an alien invasion and a Borg-style assimilation of the human race
- the Thing's musculature; his arms look too rubbery and no definition
- the lack of establishing the chronology; this seems to take place outside of regular continuity since all characters involved appear in their contemporary costumes
- lack of an explanation for Alicia Masters' survival of this assimilation; the only distinctive characteristic is that she's blind
- what is with Ben's trunks? I mean yeah it's a step-up from the wrestling trunks he wore since the sixties, but could he wear the pants and boots?
- the symbiosis in general: is this Venom-light? this was a missed opportunity to jump on the hype of Spider-Man 3 and bring other members of the symbiotes' race to the planet
Favorite Quote:
Spider-Man (to MJ
saying the FF need him): "Thanks, sweetie but you call
me when a lizard
in a lab coat is bothering you, not when
interplanetary war is brewing."
Overall: 2.5/5 webs
Don't get me wrong a Spidey-FF team-up is classic and makes for good fun, but it depends on the depth of the plot. It seems like Parker's skimming the surface of how psychologically traumatic this event should be. It's like "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" meets "Star Trek: First Contact." And again Civil War-minded readers are thrown off by the chronology. The lack of scientific explanation on the part of Reed also takes away from the story.
Cover: 5/5
The only top rated part of this book. It definitely foreshadows what's going on inside the book, but again it's misleading. The idea that it's Spidey with a dark background makes you think that something's happened to one of the FF core members. It sets you up for a soul-shattering event when in fact it's light-hearted on the level of that god-awful direct-to-DVD Superman Animated feature.
Spider-Man/
Fantastic Four # 1
Pt. 1: The Arrival
Writer: Jeff Parker
Pencils: Mike Wieringo
Inks: Wade von Grawbadger
Colors: Pete Pantazis
Letters: Blambot's Nate Piekos
Cover: Mike Wieringo and Wade von
Grawbadger
Plot: On a routine night of patrol, Spider-Man spots the Silver Surfer descending from a meteor-covered sky. As he gets closer, he discovers that it's not the Herald of Galactus...but the green-skinned shape-changing Impossible Man! Through his inane banter and mischief, Impy tells Spidey he's looking for the Fantastic Four's Baxter Building, as well as gets on Peter's nerves more than once. His reason for being on Earth is to warn the FF of an impending threat...which happens to arrive at that point. Transforming into a pseudo Spider-Mobile (for those who remember), then a jet fighter plane, Impy helps Spider-Man trail the descending alien craft to Central Park. Out steps a cat-faced, armored being known as the Imperator, who then creates digital databases out of thin air. As Spidey approaches him, the database projects a huge alien head who announces to those in attendance Earth has been the 13,743 planet chosen to host the H'mogen race. Spidey switches to offense and the Imperator sends him crashing through a truck trailer and partially through the roof of a cab. The Impossible Man tries his luck but the Imperator does the "impossible" and vaporizes him while Spider-Man lay unconscious beside him when it happens.
The next morning, at the Baxter Building, Johnny Storm wakes to see Ben Grimm's retaliation for the prank he pulled with the bed supports. Apparently the Thing moved Johnny - bed and all - onto the ledge of the roof. Johnny's started and falls over, passing Ben at the window with a taped paper which reads "Morning, punk." He flames on and burns his flammable pajamas away, making him all the more upset. Ben greets him with pancakes and a robe, noting to enjoy it before Sue and Reed come back with the kids from their excursion. The computer announces an authorized guest is present. The doors open and a battle-ravanged Spider-Man falls forward, giving them a brief recount of what happened before passing out.
The Torch and the Thing - via Ben's flying motorcycle - contact Reed while Sue plays with Valeria and Franklin in their jungle setting and gives him the update as they arrive at Central Park. They have very little luck with the Imperator; from the Thing's strength to the Torch's Nova Flame the invader shrugs it off. He even has a chronological device that turns time back three seconds. The Imperator claims the H'Mogens aren't his people, that he's simply in their employ. He then completes his complex-looking device and opens a gateway, saying "They're already here."
To Be Continued
Likes:
- classic Ben and Johnny banter. the "Morning Punk" message was a great punchline.
- the chemistry between Impy and Spidey; both jokesters at heart it was fun seeing the Impossible Man rib Peter a little; the trademark infringement line was great, as was Impy's colorful way of showing the inferiority of humans to Poppupians (ie needing two to reproduce)
- showing Reed and Sue enjoying a family excursion was a good move to illustrate the "world's greatest family" motif
Dislikes:
- the guy's alien abduction story as grounds for the gold teeth was weak, and the stereotypic lack of gratitude for Spider-Man is really cliche, as is the "Spider-Man Menace" crack by that guy in the park
- this Imperator didn't really seem that big of a threat, maybe due to the design and Wieringo's breakdowns
- Spidey seems a little too large from when Wieringo did Sensational
- the chronology is also screwed up; they should've had a small caption that indicates that this story takes place prior to Civil War (a guy could open the book expecting more friction and yet finds a back-to-basics approach; the FF's contemporary costumes throws off the reader)
- the design of the H'Mojen is okay, though I couldn't help but think "Great and Powerful Oz" when I saw that holographic projection
- the "POP" sound effects lessened the threat when Impy and Webs took on the Imperator
- even though the Thing looked more rocky this time around for Mike, the lack of definition in his arms and emphasis on a cartoonish feel made him seem less imposing
Favorite Quotes:'
Imperator: I am already behind shecule, and this will slow overall progress.
Ben: Oh yeah, that reminds me. It's half-past...CLOBBERIN' TIME!!!
Spider-Man (to Impossible Man in his form): Hey, that look is TRADEMARKED! Ya gotta pay ten bucks if you're gonna do that!
Overall: Don't get me wrong I love nostalgia, but the chronology could've worked if they made a note of it being Pre-CW. And when you open the book and see the classic Ditko cover image, that's the impression you get which works against the cover. All in all this first part feels too much like a one-shot rather than a miniseries. Parker's good with the humor but I hope that this isn't all we're going to get out of this miniseries.
Cover:
The front shot was iconic, but it just didn't jump out at me. The Torch's look was not as intimidating as Wieringo meant it. Though Spidey's in the foreground and he's off the ground, he's not as agile or dynamic as the FF. In fact, they all look as though they're going to pounce on him, like they're giving chase, which AGAIN misleads people if this is a post-Civil War tie-in. Mike made the right choice in showcasing their abilities on the cover but did next to nothing for Spider-Man.