FANTASTIC FOUR #9 (MARVEL COMICS)
Susan Storm is the definition of pure malice?!
A distress signal from Galactus is enough of a warning that something very bad has happened. It is even more haunting when all it states is “FIND SUSAN STORM”.
Marvel’s first family heads into the unknown. What they discover is truly frightening. Galactus wounded! One person is behind this attack and looking for more. Her name is Susan Storm. Rest assured, this is NOT the Invisible Woman fans have known. This version is a ruthless entity that has no remorse for anything in her way. That includes her “family”.
FANTASTIC FOUR #9 by Ryan North, Humberto Ramos, Victor Olazaba, Edgar Delgado & Joe Caramagna continues its’ “Invincible Woman” story arc!
Let’s take a deeper dive into what unfolds now.
FANTASTIC FOUR #9 by Ryan North, Humberto Ramos, Victor Olazaba, Edgar Delgado & Joe Caramagna (Marvel Comics)
*** POSSIBLE SPOILER WARNING ***
North takes the mythos of Malice in many dark places on this issue. The initial attack on the family is a calculated strike with no mercy. Readers watch as North orchestrates a very complex push. It is met with an equally impressive counter of Reed Richards utilizing his stretching capabilities. The moves become a soft distraction before the main showdown takes place. Seeing the meeting of Susan Storms leads to a dire perspective and outcome.
Malice’s drive is chilling in presentation. Her conviction leads to some drastic measures. One of which is an improvised lobotomy. Where this may be extreme, North isn’t afraid to take the story into this space. It allows the evil Storm to display all her twisted ideals. This pushes events into a standstill while sorting through directions leading to a close. The end result opens up more problems lying in wait. Much like anything Richards plans, there are always hiccups involved. Proof is the closing act. Readers watch as events have gone form bad to worse quickly with a larger dilemma rising. A very enjoyable read.
READ LAST ISSUE’S REVIEW HERE!
Ramos and the art team bring out the best (or is it worst) of Malice early. The initial attack makes a huge statement early. It leads to a dramatic full shot of its true nature. The creative response is one that will win fans over. This helps pivot events towards the two Susan Storms. The art locks in on Susan’s shock that a version of her could be so cruel. Events amplify when Malice turns attention to the team. After some great action, the mood swings into the horror realm with a few certain scenes.
The one everyone will be talking about is the Lobotomy sequence. Ramos nails the initial start before diving even further into the evil one’s madness. A striking full page reveals her hidden plan. Storm’s tears add much gravity to her fleeting hope. This moves events into a chaotic escape. Readers watch as pacing picks up to try comprehending what just happened. There is a heavy weight of emotions packed into these panels. The closing pages are equally as wild with what in now transpiring. It leads to a final cut with a direct message of the state of affairs. Bad to worse is an understatement.
FINAL GRADE: 9
The FF confront a dark version of their most powerful member in a chilling chapter! North leans into horror themes for great success in this issue. Ramos and the art team unveil the unhinged madness the team is up against. “Fantastic” is an understatement to describe this run for Marvel’s first family!
Let me know your thoughts on Fantastic Four #9 in the comments below. Thanks for reading!
