Classic Review: Marvel Masterworks- Fantastic Four Vol. 11

Quick Summary

Pros: The final story arc is mostly entertaining. Some of the collection’s recycled stories may be fun for new readers. The artwork is positive throughout the volume.

Cons: One of the comic’s better story arc’s is ruined by a deus-ex-machina. The collection contains a lot of internal inconsistency. Many of the plot points are unoriginal and feel like recycled plot points from previous Marvel stories.

Overall: This collection sees a noticeable decline in the quality of the Fantastic Four series. The stories have problems throughout, the collection borrows from the past far too often, and the larger narrative is a bit chaotic. The only positives saving this collection are a few moments of entertainment and some solid artwork. However, outside of these, there isn’t much in this book for fans of the Fantastic Four.

Story

The departure of Jack Kirby seems to have had an immediate, negative impact on the Fantastic Four series. Before, the Fantastic Four was a comic that would constantly break new ground and cultivate new ideas. However, right after Kirby left, it seems like this same series is just treading water.

Marvel Masterworks: Fantastic Four Vol. 11 tells stories that are mostly uninteresting, unoriginal, or both. The entire volume struggles with internal inconsistencies and repetitive plot points that take away from the whole collection’s appeal. There are a few points where rehashed stories from the past may prove interesting to new readers but even these stories typically have some problems. Hopefully, the quality of this writing will improve as the Fantastic Four finds its place without Kirby.

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The central narrative across Fantastic Four Vol. 11 starts out rather poorly. Many of the stories are simply not that interesting and the conflicts seem so contrived that they fail to truly grab attention. Though there are brief flashes of action and tension, even these feel unoriginal for the series (discussed below).

Things do start to pick up near the collection’s end. The Over-Mind’s plan is interesting and his ability to successfully hold off the Fantastic Four makes him a serious threat. Plus, a team-up with Doctor Doom is a wonderful twist to introduce into the mix. However, even this portion of the book is significantly damaged when the Stranger suddenly shows up and defeats the Over-Mind in an instant. Though the Stranger’s presence is somewhat explained, it still feels like a significant deus-ex-machina. 

The are also larger problems across the entirety of Fantastic Four Vol. 11. The collection, as a whole, contains a bit too much internal inconsistency. The Janus story arc starts with a wonderful redemption for Janus as a character but then immediately goes back on that theme by casting him as a villain in the next chapter. A more significant flaw comes from a larger narrative about over-the-top and out-of-character actions from the main characters. At first, these point to a larger mystery, then they are pinned on the Thing’s recent transformation. Then they become the product of the Over-Mind, yet the Over-Mind seems to only be able to impact select people at select times; none of it makes sense. Inconsistencies like these make it seem like the writers had little to no larger plan when crafting these stories.

It is also worth noting that many of these plot points in Fantastic Four Vol. 11 feel like recycled plot points from previous Marvel stories. Reed’s situation in the Negative Zone is almost exactly like his situation in the Negative Zone from Fantastic Four #61-62, collected in Fantastic Four Vol. 7 (Review). The Thing and the Hulk end up in a more elaborate version of the fight they have had a few times already. Even some of the concept behind Grom is the same as the central concept behind the Magog from Thor #157, collected in Marvel Masterworks: The Mighty Thor Vol. 7 (Review). A single rehashed concept would be unfortunate but alright. However, the number seen here is just ridiculous. It might be Jack Kirby’s departure or it may be just be changing times, but Fantastic Four Vol. 11 marks a point where what was once Marvel’s most innovative series has hit a serious creative rut.

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Art

In contrast to the lackluster storytelling, the artwork in Fantastic Four Vol. 11 manages to stay positive throughout. The collection starts with a few chapters from John Romita that continue the playfulness that has been present throughout this series. Romita is able to capture the relaxed nature of the team while they are in civilian clothes and also capture the exciting nature of the team while they are on the job. He is also able to impressively recreate Jack Kirby’s style, which helps ease the transition between artists.

Later on, in the volume’s second half, John Buscema also does a fantastic job with the team. He brings cosmic energy and magic to their adventures in a way that feels natural. He is also able to bring emotion to the pages by accurately depicting the characters themselves. In general, the artwork throughout this volume is positive. 

Continuity

Marvel Masterworks: Fantastic Four Vol. 11 continues the story from Marvel Masterworks: Fantastic Four Vol. 10 (Review).

The story here continues in Marvel Masterworks: Fantastic Four Vol. 12.

This volume also makes references to other comic books, detailed below:

• The Thing’s fight against the Hulk is mentioned. This took place in Fantastic Four #12, collected in Marvel Masterworks: Fantastic Four Vol. 2 (Review). 
• The concept behind the Eternals was introduced in Eternals by Jack Kirby Vol. 1 (Review).
• Fantastic Four #116 mentions the Avenger’s actions in Avengers #93, collected in Marvel Masterworks: Avengers Vol. 10 (Review).