I have often remarked to my fellow comic fans that there is nothing--I repeat--nothing better in comics than seeing iconic characters written well. The problem that frequently arises, though, is that icons frequently aren't written well--because of their very nature as icons. Shaking up minor characters that nobody cares about doesn't bother the higher ups at either of the two major companies, which is how we get amazing runs like Alan Moore's take on Swamp Thing, Grant Morrison's run on Animal Man and Frank Miller's and Brian Michael Bendis's incredible takes on Daredevil.
But when it comes to the big, moneymaking characters, there's only so much that writer's are allowed to do. And any shake-ups that do happen don't last. Superman gets resurrected. Batman's broken back heals. Spider-Man gets reunited with MJ.
Of course, when you're 10, you don't realize this. When you turn the page, you don't know if Batman's going to break out of the trap leading to certain doom. You don't know how Superman will prevent the kryptonite from killing him. But as you get older, no matter what happens, there's that voice in the back of your head that says "They're not gonna kill him off. Nothing's gonna change."
Enter Mark Waid and the Fantastic Four.
Of all the great, iconic comic book characters, I have to say that I always hated the Fantastic Four the most. Silly costumes, silly powers, etc. The only reason I'd ever even read an issue of the Fantastic Four was if there was a certain guest villain within the pages. That villain, of course, being Dr. Victor Von Doom. Doom is, without a doubt, the greatest villain in the history of comics. You know this because every time he's defeated, he's defeated by sillier and sillier means--because by all logic, Doom should have trampled the FF years ago and gone on to have Latveria take over most of the world. Scary, tragic, brilliant, ruthless, and plagued with a sense of honor, the only fault Doom has is pride. But alas, even great men fall, and years of defeat at the Fantastic Four have put chinks in his armor--he's just not as compelling when you know he's going to lose, right?
Article comments
1 - Bill Sherman
Me, I've long had a soft spot for Marvel's First Family - so I've been enjoying the slow rise in quality that their book has seen since Waid took over scripting chores. You're right: the Doom storyline is the best main title arc (Unstable Molecules being an atypically arty separete mini-series) that this foursome has seen in some time. . .
2 - Phillip Winn
It has been many years since I read F4, but I think you've just convinced me to pick up the last few issues. Thanks.
3 - kool keith el otro
i think you may have convinced me as well
gracias!
4 - Ray Smuckles
Man I hate so sound like a complete nerd, but I'm a big Doctor Doom fan, and I just can't see him doing the evil stuff he does in this story arc. He's definately a badguy and has done some pretty bad stuff, but sending a kid to hell & selling his old girlfriend's soul to demons & wearing her skin for armor?? This seems like really poor writing with shock value-type intentions. That's just me, though. Everyone elese seems to really like this story. I just think they turned doctor doom into a completely unlikable character, instead of the tragic & cool character that he started out as.