Byrne Fantastic Four

Fantastic Four 251-254

John Byrne might be the anti-Bendis - His plots are far superior to his characters.  Not that his interpretations of the FF are inconsistent with their historical representations.  It’s just that the personalities of this foursome have always been annoying.  The stories succeed despite the flaws of the team, and not in the good way.  (Examples of good ways: Cassidy’s betrayal of Jesse was core to the ending of Preacher.  Morpheus’ inability to change led to his destruction in Sandman.  Rorschach’s inability to compromise could have only one ending.)

In story after story, Ben smashes whatever’s in front of him.  Johnny burninates anything that ticks him off.  Sue just stands there.  Reed is smart enough to think and reason his way through conflict without resorting to violence, but he usually arrives at the fight just in time to say, “Wait, don’t!” right before Ben or Johnny do the thing they’re not supposed to do.  And somehow, the FF manage to move on to the next adventure with nary a scratch.  Or lesson learned.  

Issue 252 is a perfect example.  It’s even worse, because Sue is the nominal leader with Reed in a temporary coma.  Yet she has absolutely no input, comment, or command as Ben and Johnny rip through the living city, ultimately killing it.  Even when she’s supposed to be in charge, she’s shunted to the side.  

Issue 253 had a wonderful plot with a poignant ending, but nothing that happened in it really needed the FF to be present.  The reveal at the end would have been just as powerful without them.  It would have been better, because we would have been spared another instance of Ben and Johnny immediately resorting to fisticuffs when a misunderstanding begins.  Hate.

Regret buying? No

Would buy again? Yes

Would read again? Yes

Rating: Fine