Ryan North’s Fantastic Four series celebrates Halloween this week with Fantastic Four #26. Even if the cover wasn’t a special prize, this issue features a bleeding skull. A comic’s cover doesn’t necessarily represent the comic, but with Mister Fantastic and the Human Torch dealing with things like bleeding skulls and ghosts, Joshua Cassara’s cover represents a big part of the issue. It is no exaggeration to say that there are.
Fantastic Four #26 begins with Mr. Fantastic wrapping up a magic detector and Johnny slurping candy. The rest of the family is out trick-or-treating, leaving the remaining two members of the Fantastic Four on their own. That’s bad. Soon, a detector picks up activity in the Thing’s Aunt Petunia’s basement, and the adventure begins.
This issue deals with magic and the paranormal, but it also has a lot of science in it. These include Reed believing that there is an explanation for everything and North reminding him to use the laws of matter. Perhaps more fun is the science that takes advantage of Mister Fantastic’s ability to stretch and create mechanical superiority. There’s even some equations written on the page where he angles the rock to move it using his body.
Notice the equation.
Credit: Marvel
This issue feels like a two-part story crammed into one issue. The pace picks up as the dynamic duo tries to keep Aunt Petunia’s house from blowing up, travels to foreign countries, and battles occultists. North’s penchant for anything can happen continues, with each issue packed with stories.
Ivan Fiorelli drew a good problem with color artist Brian Reber. The character acting is spot on and reminds us that Reed is the weirdest looking hero when he uses his powers. At one point, while Reed is distracted, Johnny turns Reed’s hand into a shovel. This issue feels quite stuffy, especially in the first half, as the characters talk about what they’re going to do and what’s going on. They stand cheerfully with their shirts off, but visually there is no zipper.
For those worried that this book is too scary, don’t worry, as North injects a little comedy into the boy on the cover of the bleeding skull. The scariest thing may be what Reed did to his own head to avoid the attack. It’s played for laughs, even if it’s blood splattered.
Fantastic Four #26 has a sense of humor as Reed and Johnny go on a paranormal adventure in time for Halloween. There’s too much story and the art can feel a little stiff, but this issue is packed with adventure and is fun.
Fantastic Four #26 is spooky and fun for all ages
Fantastic Four #26
Fantastic Four #26 has a sense of humor as Reed and Johnny go on a paranormal adventure in time for Halloween. There’s too much story and the art can feel a little stiff, but this issue is packed with adventure and is fun.
Manage to tell many stories
Halloween stories perfect for families
Comedic elements are effective
Too much talking and standing around makes the problem feel a bit messy
