Apparently, nobody bothered to tell Mark Waid this. The current story arc in the Fantastic Four features the return of Dr. Doom in all of his chilling, evil glory. Last week, the third issue of the three part arc was released, and I have to say that it's one of the most compelling Doom stories ever--and if Waid keeps it up over the next two issues, this arc will go down as the Dr. Doom story.
Why? Because it will keep you in suspense. Even though, in the back of my mind, I know that the FF is going to win (right?), my gut doesn't believe it as I turn the pages. I'm not going to give away the plot--you'll have to pick up the issues for yourself. But Mark Waid has stripped down Doom to the essentials--brilliant, egomaniacal, and coldly, utterly ruthless. And thus far, Doom is winning--he's sapped Reed Richards' confidence and has hit the FF in a way I don't think they've ever been hurt before. And I'll tell you this for Mark Waid, too. Not only has he written this arc so well that I think it's altogether possible that Doom might win, he's written it so well that I want Doom to lose--which may be unprecedented in FF history.
As I said, the best comics are the ones where the iconic characters are written well. And Mark Waid is taking the Fantastic Four to places they haven't been. Go pick up this story arc. (It starts with issue #67. #69 was released last week.) Go pick it up now!
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.