Dan Slott’s Fantastic Four Run: A Mediocre but Not Completely Disappointing Experience

The Fantastic Four comic book series, created by legendary writers Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1961, has a dedicated fanbase and is considered a classic in the superhero genre. Despite the well-developed characters, innovative storytelling, and iconic villains, some readers may find the Dan Slott run to be a mediocre experience.

The Good and Bad of Dan Slott’s Fantastic Four

While the series does have its merits, the majority of it is not as mind-blowing or great as one might hope. Dan Slott’s run received some positive reviews from critics, but for many fans, it was forgettable and bland. Let’s break down what makes this run both mediocre and redeeming.

Redemptions: The Thing vs Immortal Hulk Fight

The Fantastic Four run by Dan Slott offers a few moments of redemption, particularly in the issue where the Thing faces off against the Immortal Hulk. In this fight, Reed Richards presents the Thing with a watch that allows him to be human for one week. When the Thing and Valeria are attacked by the Immortal Hulk during their honeymoon, it creates a thrilling and exciting encounter.

This issue not only showcases a unique supernatural weapon to hinder the Hulk but also provides the Thing with a human perspective, making the battle more intense and relatable. Dan Slott does an excellent job of infusing the fight with drama and excitement, resulting in what the author describes as an amazing moment that elicits goosebumps.

Reasons for Mediocrity

There are several reasons why Dan Slott’s Fantastic Four run is not as memorable as it could have been. Here are a few key issues:

Franklin Richards’ Mutation Status

The revelation that Franklin Richards is no longer a mutant in one issue caused a significant portion of readers to become frustrated. While it might be seen as a misstep, the author acknowledges that some liked the idea of Franklin’s character complexity. Having Franklin be a mutant while the rest of the family are traditional superheroes could have made him stand out, but the author gets over this issue.

Doctor Doom’s Lesser Role

Doctor Doom, the author’s favorite villain, becomes a less impactful character in Dan Slott’s run. In one storyline, he makes peace with the Fantastic Four and even invites them to his wedding, only to find out that his wife cheated on the Human Torch. This diminishes the impact of one of the greatest supervillains of all time. Moreover, in Reckoning War, Doctor Doom is easily defeated by a random alien, which feels inconsistent with his previous status as a formidable foe.

The Mediocre Events

Reckoning War, a big Fantastic Four event, is a prime example of the mediocre events depicted in this run. Even though some find the plot interesting, the ending is underwhelming. The absence of engaging art and a bland conclusion detracts from the overall impact of the event, leaving the family celebrating in an unenthusiastic manner. The stagnant storyline and inconclusive resolution leave readers feeling unfulfilled.

Conclusion

To sum up, critics and fans may find Dan Slott’s Fantastic Four run to be forgettable and bland. It’s not entirely negative, as there are redeeming moments like the Thing vs Immortal Hulk fight, but the overall impression is one of mediocrity. If you’re a fan of the series, give it a read and decide for yourself. However, for the author, this run was a significant letdown compared to Jonathan Hickman’s fantastic run. Your mileage may vary, but for a fair rating, consider it a 5 out of 10.