Ultimate FF #39 (Review)

[TransformersFan]

Well, Im at work and cant write a full review.

Diablo in 1483 can see the future. Being obsessed with the elements of the earth (earth, water, fire and air) he obsesses over the FF. He needs them to complete some alchemy to make himself live forever. He manages to kidnap a loved one related to each team member (ie: Grimms Mom, Reeds sister, Johnny's girlfriend?) to lure the FF back in time.

The story was okay, and Brooks art was pleasant to look at, but Scott Kolins also drew the scenes set in the "present". Kolins ruined it for me, he's like a cheap version of McNiven, more in line with bad internet fanart. Yugh.

6/10-the art made me squirm, dont stare at Kolins panels under bright light.

[myslead]

time traveling AGAIN?

last time time travel was part of an Ultimate story, it sucked hard ... oh wait, most (if not all) of the stories with time travel sucks.

[TransformersFan]

Time travel can be fun if done right, but with Kolins on art it'll definately suck.

[Arilou]

Huh, I really liked the artwork.

[kal_el21]

I really liked Kollins' art. That's one of the best drawings of the Thing I've seen since Kubert was on.

Diablo's one of my favorite FF villians so I'm hoping they make him a heavy hitter in the MU. How did Diablo know to kidnap that family members of the FF though? And, they all made sense as to who except for Johnny. All she seemed to be was a flavor of the month.

Good set-up though.

[Pyro]

I thought this was a pretty interesting issue. I was wary of it because I'm not so fond of the way Mark Brooks draws people, and was surprised to see Scott Kolin's drawing the present-day scenes as I hadn't heard news of that prior to reading it. Neither artist's work particularily attracts me, but they both have good qualities to their art so I'm not complaining. I'm not too familiar with Diablo (except for that 2 issue arc after Waid's run), but I knew Mike Carey would make him really interesting and he did. Also it was interesting seeing Ben and his mom. This Ben is very different from 616 (no yancy street or aunt petunia :p), but has the same essentials and I love him just the same.

I thought that arch on the second to last page was totally awesome, because I take art history and we've been studying things like that, and to see a comic-bookified version of one was cool.


How did Diablo know to kidnap that family members of the FF though? And, they all made sense as to who except for Johnny. All she seemed to be was a flavor of the month.
Well, I got the idea Diablo had been watching them for some time. I could be wrong, but I think he's had quite a few glimpses of their lives during his stay in that tower. But I thought taking Johnny's date was a little odd, too. It seemed like it would have been enough just to take Dr. Storm, as it would affect both Sue and Johnny, but I guess we'll find out later on if there's a reason why Carey took the girl as well.

[CMBMOOL]

Reed has a sister ?!? :eek:

[TransformersFan]

listen, I understand art is a matter of opinion, but just this once I wont budge. I wish I had a scanner so that I can scan some of Kolins horrific panels.

[dreyga2000]

Reed has a sister ?!? :eek:

He also has has a brother...

[kal_el21]

I can't remember and doh't feel like digging through my boxes but I think that Enid is Reed's half sister and they were very close. Isn't his dad actually his step-dad?

[Harold of the Rocks]

Some thoughts raised here on this thread:

Bad grammar sucks worse than time travel stories, but when complaining about either is the only thing in one's post it make for lousy discussion. So...I'm not a huge fan of Scott Kolins. I didn't enjoy his work on the Annihilation Prologue -- I'm not going to make some outlandish comment about how terrible his work is... he's got more artistic talent than I ever will... just not my cup o' tea. It's weird to me, because his images of Ben looks pretty cool at first... I actually really like the close up of his face when he's meeting his Mom at the bottom of page - uh 8. But from the panel where she disappears onward... ugh. One of my least favorite renderings ever of Ben. And I know these images aren't necessarily drawn sequentially... there's just an inconsistency to my that is jarring and pulls me out of the story. So, Kal-El21, I find that he drew an excellent Ben and one of my least favorite all in the same issue. I enjoy Mark Brooks' work much more in this book. Now that the Fantastic Four are going into the 15th Century, maybe we'll get a larger dose of Brooks next issue, which would be my preference.One other comment on the art. Specifically, the change of art teams when jumping from current to past. I think it is a good idea and can be really well done. This combination is to me less effective than where I have seen it elsewhere. The Ultimate Fantastic Four Annual 2 is a perfect example. The flashbacks by Frazer Irving were striking and an excellent contrast to Stuart Immonen's 'present day' images (I was first exposed to Mssr. Irving in Iron Man:Inevitable). Another example is Ryan Sook's work on The Ultimates Annual 2. Neither of these 'flashback artists' would be my first choice for any project, and are so different from my favorite styles, yet they work so well on something like this. And the exposure I got has heightened my appreciation for their work. Frazer Irving can really convey some complex concepts with what (to me) seems like simple yet unconventional coloring and lines. Unfortunately, Scott Kolins work is not growing on me in the same manner. I guess if we are going to contrast with Mark Brooks, I would prefer someone with a more distinctive style (and to me more visually pleasing). Jae Lee, Pascual Ferry, Stuart Immonen, Ryan Sook, or Frazer Irving... if this makes any sense at all. Jae Lee is a guy who's style is not my favorite by any stretch of the imagination, yet 'Think Tank' is probably my favorite UF4 arc to date. His creepy rendering of The Thinker is just so right for the story.Once again Mike Carey's dialogue is excellent, and now his writing of characters from centuries ago is very entertaining (I really don't care if it is 'as they really spoke' back then...). It feels awkward yet plausible like it would to the modern audience (being both us and the modern characters in the story). That's why it works for me. I'll leave the semantic debate for language historians (isn't there a term for them? Orthographers or something?).While I am a big F4 fan, I am admittedly poorly versed in the history of Diablo. This take on him looks to be pretty cool however. So what are our theories about this accident to his face and eye when he was distilling the Xerion? Does it allow him to see in the future or give him some other ability tied into the nature of Xerion (mentioned that it transmutates the elements in solid form and in liquid it confers immortality)? Does this tie into the 616 version, or is it a departure? Is there any 616 mention of Xerion?Maybe Diablo needs a loved one for 'each' elemental he is trying to summon (the Fantastic Four), and while Dr.Storm would 'kill two birds with one stone' in that respect, maybe "it doesn't work that way". While Donna might be the 'flavor of the month', Johnny does love his flavors of the month... recall how 'fast' he fell for Crystal? He also proclaimed the dingbat who couldn't drive because she was caught up in a song (beginning of 'Frightful' arc) to be his future wife. I think Johnny just jumps from woman to woman but is actually pretty 'into them' for that time being. And he surely has a sense of obligation here that Donna wouldn't have been kidnapped if he were not who he was. Writing this got me to thinkin'... wouldn't Crystal have made an excellent hostage for Diablo -- both an emotional tie to Johnny and elemental powers? Then again, maybe she would be the perfect weapon for the '4' against Diablo... hmmm...I think it is interesting how while referenced previously in the series (particularly after they first realized the nature of their powers) the idea of the Fantastic Four possessing 'elemental' aspects of their powers hasn't really been analyzed any further... particularly be Reed. It would seem he hasn't really asked 'why' they each gained powers based on the four elements individually. Particularly when he is seemingly trying to resolve this to 'cure' Ben. It seems like Diablo is aware of something about them that Reed has overlooked (he's just too obsessed with these 'super-positioning' codes Victor messed with to look at a more global view of their transformation, it would seem). Just thinkin' out loud, here.
Once again, a nice introduction to a new ultimization so far. This book has really been blessed with great writers from the start, and so far 'Devils' looks to be a good arc in the making.

[Harold of the Rocks]

I can't remember and doh't feel like digging through my boxes but I think that Enid is Reed's half sister and they were very close. Isn't his dad actually his step-dad?
He also has has a brother...I'm pretty sure it's his parents, not step-parents. Recall that Reed's birth was shown in the very first issue, and it would seem his parents are the same people we see later when he is sent of to the Baxter Building. Seeing that Enid is seemingly younger than Reed, and his parents are still together, I would prefer to think that Enid is his sister, not a half-sister. I also don't believe there has been any reference to a brother anywhere in the Ultimate Fantastic Four.

[lonesomefool]

I really liked this, the art by Kollins and Brooks was solid and I liked how they split the art duties up nicely to past and present, it made the shift in styles less jarring. This was Carey's best issue to date IMO.

[TransformersFan]

Some thoughts raised here on this thread:

Bad grammar sucks worse than time travel stories, but when complaining about either is the only thing in one's post it make for lousy discussion. So...I'm not a huge fan of Scott Kolins. I didn't enjoy his work on the Annihilation Prologue -- I'm not going to make some outlandish comment about how terrible his work is... he's got more artistic talent than I ever will... just not my cup o' tea. It's weird to me, because his images of Ben looks pretty cool at first... I actually really like the close up of his face when he's meeting his Mom at the bottom of page - uh 8. But from the panel where she disappears onward... ugh. One of my least favorite renderings ever of Ben. And I know these images aren't necessarily drawn sequentially... there's just an inconsistency to my that is jarring and pulls me out of the story. So, Kal-El21, I find that he drew an excellent Ben and one of my least favorite all in the same issue. I enjoy Mark Brooks' work much more in this book. Now that the Fantastic Four are going into the 15th Century, maybe we'll get a larger dose of Brooks next issue, which would be my preference.One other comment on the art. Specifically, the change of art teams when jumping from current to past. I think it is a good idea and can be really well done. This combination is to me less effective than where I have seen it elsewhere. The Ultimate Fantastic Four Annual 2 is a perfect example. The flashbacks by Frazer Irving were striking and an excellent contrast to Stuart Immonen's 'present day' images (I was first exposed to Mssr. Irving in Iron Man:Inevitable). Another example is Ryan Sook's work on The Ultimates Annual 2. Neither of these 'flashback artists' would be my first choice for any project, and are so different from my favorite styles, yet they work so well on something like this. And the exposure I got has heightened my appreciation for their work. Frazer Irving can really convey some complex concepts with what (to me) seems like simple yet unconventional coloring and lines. Unfortunately, Scott Kolins work is not growing on me in the same manner. I guess if we are going to contrast with Mark Brooks, I would prefer someone with a more distinctive style (and to me more visually pleasing). Jae Lee, Pascual Ferry, Stuart Immonen, Ryan Sook, or Frazer Irving... if this makes any sense at all. Jae Lee is a guy who's style is not my favorite by any stretch of the imagination, yet 'Think Tank' is probably my favorite UF4 arc to date. His creepy rendering of The Thinker is just so right for the story.Once again Mike Carey's dialogue is excellent, and now his writing of characters from centuries ago is very entertaining (I really don't care if it is 'as they really spoke' back then...). It feels awkward yet plausible like it would to the modern audience (being both us and the modern characters in the story). That's why it works for me. I'll leave the semantic debate for language historians (isn't there a term for them? Orthographers or something?).While I am a big F4 fan, I am admittedly poorly versed in the history of Diablo. This take on him looks to be pretty cool however. So what are our theories about this accident to his face and eye when he was distilling the Xerion? Does it allow him to see in the future or give him some other ability tied into the nature of Xerion (mentioned that it transmutates the elements in solid form and in liquid it confers immortality)? Does this tie into the 616 version, or is it a departure? Is there any 616 mention of Xerion?Maybe Diablo needs a loved one for 'each' elemental he is trying to summon (the Fantastic Four), and while Dr.Storm would 'kill two birds with one stone' in that respect, maybe "it doesn't work that way". While Donna might be the 'flavor of the month', Johnny does love his flavors of the month... recall how 'fast' he fell for Crystal? He also proclaimed the dingbat who couldn't drive because she was caught up in a song (beginning of 'Frightful' arc) to be his future wife. I think Johnny just jumps from woman to woman but is actually pretty 'into them' for that time being. And he surely has a sense of obligation here that Donna wouldn't have been kidnapped if he were not who he was. Writing this got me to thinkin'... wouldn't Crystal have made an excellent hostage for Diablo -- both an emotional tie to Johnny and elemental powers? Then again, maybe she would be the perfect weapon for the '4' against Diablo... hmmm...I think it is interesting how while referenced previously in the series (particularly after they first realized the nature of their powers) the idea of the Fantastic Four possessing 'elemental' aspects of their powers hasn't really been analyzed any further... particularly be Reed. It would seem he hasn't really asked 'why' they each gained powers based on the four elements individually. Particularly when he is seemingly trying to resolve this to 'cure' Ben. It seems like Diablo is aware of something about them that Reed has overlooked (he's just too obsessed with these 'super-positioning' codes Victor messed with to look at a more global view of their transformation, it would seem). Just thinkin' out loud, here.
Once again, a nice introduction to a new ultimization so far. This book has really been blessed with great writers from the start, and so far 'Devils' looks to be a good arc in the making.

Harold of the Rocks, thank you for writing so perfectly what I meant to say. I apologize for my harsh criticism of Kolins, but his technique really does bother me.

You are my new best friend. ;)

[Harold of the Rocks]

Harold of the Rocks, thank you for writing so perfectly what I meant to say. I apologize for my harsh criticism of Kolins, but his technique really does bother me.

You are my new best friend. ;)(In Goofy voice): "Awww, Gaarsh!" I empathize in regards to Scott Kolins. I won't rip any artist that badly on style alone... he does rank among my least favorite I have been exposed to, however. I thought I saw that Pasqual Ferry will be back after this arc. Is he the 'regular' penciller on this book? Who is? Can somebody tell us what is known about future art duties on this book?

[Clairaudient Freedom Soldier]

I'm missing Ferry's outstanding artwork too. BTW, Ferry is the regular artist for Ultimate FF, but Brooks is just the fill-in artist for this arc. It's unknown whether Brooks will fill-in again for Ferry or not, and besides, Ferry had to draw both the "God War" arc and that issue of New Avengers. Oh yeah, I miss Seed Unit 19 too ...

[barking_frog]

Beginning of a three-part story arc, 'Devils'.

I haven't bought a lot of new non-TPB comics since the early 90's, but I thought I'd dip my feet in again and see what's here.

Interesting how the author's tying the FF's basis in the classical elements back into... well... alchemy. The writing seems to be competent basic-model Marvel, but there's nothing magical here. Ben's scene with his mother, which should probably be touching, falls flat. (Except for "Oh Benjy, you're such an idiot. You're just like your dad.")

Written by Mike Carey, art by Scott Kolins and Mark Brooks. Tell the truth, I didn't notice two different teams were doing the artwork until I went back and looked at the credits, but all the panels where the art made me take notice were Brooks's work.

All things considered, though, the tale failed to grab me. I'll probably try a different title next month.

[Butch Mapa]

Frog, you picked a baaad issue to try UFF. Hope you give it another go (I suggest coming back when Pasqual Ferry returns for the upcoming Silver Surfer arc.)

I don't like the work of Larroca, Kolins, and Brooks. Marvel crammed all of them in this issue! But the story was promising, and Brooks and Kolins aren't BAD artists, so it's cool.

Nice to see a little spotlight thrown on Ben. Ultimate Ben rocks (no pun intended).

[barking_frog]

I suggest coming back when Pasqual Ferry returns for the upcoming Silver Surfer arc.

On your say-so I'll try to remember to keep an eye out for that.

I want to like UF4 -- I've always thought the FF had great story potential, and I loved Byrne's work with them back in the 80's. I've heard good things about a lot of the Ultimate Universe titles (and bad things about only a few), and have read some of the early Ultimates (which was excellent), so this was a surprising disappointment -- but I guess any book that's run for three or four years is going to have occasional dry patches.

[loopdodgers]

This issue really made me appreciate Ferry that much more.

[TransformersFan]

On your say-so I'll try to remember to keep an eye out for that.

I want to like UF4 -- I've always thought the FF had great story potential, and I loved Byrne's work with them back in the 80's. I've heard good things about a lot of the Ultimate Universe titles (and bad things about only a few), and have read some of the early Ultimates (which was excellent), so this was a surprising disappointment -- but I guess any book that's run for three or four years is going to have occasional dry patches.

Early UFF is amazing. The first trades up to Careys run are alot of fun, especially Ellis run.

[MatthewDiCarlo]

I thought this was a great little set up for the arc.

Diablo's one of my favorite FF villains so that might have something to do with it though.

Carey's really good, and this had more of a slightly grounded Morrison feel to it than some of his other work. What amazes me the most about Carey is probably his range. He can do Lucifer or Hellblazer and then turn around and do My Faith in Frankie and then turn around and do X-Men.

[wingsofdamnation]

someone please tell my UFF isnt going to fall in with UXM trend of having a new artist every arc. i really liked the last guy during god war

[loopdodgers]

Well, as said, Ferry's back during the next arc with the Silver Surfer. I'm not sure if he's staying on afterwards though. I do pray he is.

[Butch Mapa]

UFF's already sorta there. What I like is that of all the creators who have touched the book, only a few (Brooks, Kolins, Frazier Irving) have done a small amount of work. Jae Lee, Bendis, and Immonen have done at least four issues of material (if an annual counts twice) and everyone else (Millar, Ellis, Kubert, Land) has done at least 12 issues worth. And Ferry/Carey are committed up to issue 50 I think (not 100% sure on that though).

[Butch Mapa]

On your say-so I'll try to remember to keep an eye out for that.

I want to like UF4 -- I've always thought the FF had great story potential, and I loved Byrne's work with them back in the 80's. I've heard good things about a lot of the Ultimate Universe titles (and bad things about only a few), and have read some of the early Ultimates (which was excellent), so this was a surprising disappointment -- but I guess any book that's run for three or four years is going to have occasional dry patches.

Thanks!

Keep reading the forum so you can get an idea on the issue before you spend your hard-earned cash on it. :)

[ultimatespyder20]

I read it, and it wasn't too bad, but I don't like Kolins' art. The story seems interesting enough, but I think I'm going to move on from UFF. There are other 616 books I'd rather spend my money on. I may come back for Ult. Silver Surfer, but for now it's so long to UFF.

Alec

[wingsofdamnation]

UFF's already sorta there. What I like is that of all the creators who have touched the book, only a few (Brooks, Kolins, Frazier Irving) have done a small amount of work. Jae Lee, Bendis, and Immonen have done at least four issues of material (if an annual counts twice) and everyone else (Millar, Ellis, Kubert, Land) has done at least 12 issues worth. And Ferry/Carey are committed up to issue 50 I think (not 100% sure on that though).
yeah but thats somewhat consecutive. UXM has had a new artist per arc throught most of kirkmans run so far

[gorthon616]

ugh. finally got around to picking this up. i didn't like this very much. but i'll keep trucking along.