FF #2

Dr. Doom can be Marvel's greatest villain - when he's handled properly.

But it's something very few writers have been able to manage.

Now Jonathan Hickman is taking a whack at it, by doing the unexpected - having Doom join the Future Foundation (which, as I keep forgetting, is what the FF now stands for).

But this is a different Dr. Doom. He recently had his mind partially wiped, so he's just a shadow of his former self. For reasons of her own, Reed and Sue's daughter Valeria has brought Doom to the FF to have his memory restored - and she also comes up with the solution in a funny two-page sequence.

The writing is sharp, clever and the voices of each character are clear. I especially like the way Spider-Man is shown to be quite intelligent, instead of just being a buffoon (the usual version).

The art by Steve Epting is a bit unusual for a Fantastic Four comic - it's dark and moody - but it's a perfect fit for the storyline, and his depiction of Doom is especially powerful.

Just two issues in, the "new" series continues to maintain the high standards of the "old" FF - and it's laying the groundwork for some powerful stories ahead.

Highly recommended!

Grade: A-