Review of "Fantastic Four Ultimate Collection Three," by Waid & Wieringo

Review of

Fantastic Four Ultimate Collection Three, by Waid & Wieringo ISBN 9780785156574


Four out of five stars

 The lead story is one that reflects the confused politics of the modern era. Dr. Doom, a man responsible for a great deal of woe in the world and the absolute ruler of the small Eastern European kingdom of Latveria, has been deposed by the Fantastic Four. After many years of being subjugated and with no voice in how they are governed, the people of Latveria now have no functioning government. The Fantastic Four led by Reed Richards steps into the power vacuum, simultaneously cleaning up and processing the technology left by Doom and ruling Latveria.

 This is not a situation that all approve of, especially the governments of the neighboring countries and the United Nations. The story opens with the Hungarian army about to invade Latveria and reclaim the territory that was once taken from them. Nick Fury, the head of S. H. I. E. L. D., gives Reed an ultimatum for relinquishing power and being subject to arrest. There is a great deal of dissension in the group as Reed keeps the other three members in the dark.  Even though the Fantastic Four stabilized what could have been a disaster, they are reviled in the American press and face significant retribution from the American government. While superheroes have their powers, sometimes they have it rough.

 Ben Grimm as the Thing is killed, but Reed is determined to save his life, keeping the body in a stasis field. It is at this point that things get weird and take on a religious bent. Sue, Johnny and Reed use one of devices to literally transport themselves to heaven in order to “rescue” Ben, who appears normal. There are many odd twists to this story, some of which deeply religious people might disapprove of.

 In one of the oddest and most ironical plot twists I have ever seen in a comic, the Fantastic Four meet a man that appears to be the almighty and he is drawing comic panels. When he ends one of his statements with “’nuff said,” all Marvelites will understand the reference. It was an unexpected but very nice moment.