Graphic Novel Review - - FANTASTIC FOUR: FULL CIRCLE by Alex Ross

FANTASTIC FOUR: FULL CIRCLE by Alex Ross (Abrams ComicArts, September 06, 2022) Hardcover, 64 pages. ISBN # 1419761676 / 9781419761676

Synposis on the Goodreads website . . . . .

An all-new Marvel Comics graphic novel starring the Fantastic Four, written and illustrated by renowned artist Alex Ross

It’s a rainy night in Manhattan and not a creature is stirring except for . . . Ben Grimm. When an intruder suddenly appears inside the Baxter Building, the Fantastic Four—Mister Fantastic (Reed Richards), the Invisible Woman (Susan Storm Richards), the Human Torch (Johnny Storm), and the Thing (Ben Grimm)—find themselves surrounded by a swarm of invading parasites. These carrion creatures composed of Negative Energy come to Earth using a human host as a delivery system. But for what purpose? And who is behind this untimely invasion?

The Fantastic Four have no choice but to journey into the Negative Zone, an alien universe composed entirely of anti-matter, risking not just their own lives but the fate of the cosmos!

Fantastic Four: Full Circleis the first longform work written and illustrated by acclaimed artist Alex Ross, who revisits a classic Stan Lee–Jack Kirby story from the 1960s and introduces the storyline for a new generation of readers. With bold, vivid colors and his trademark visual storytelling, Ross takes Marvel’s first team of super heroes to places only he can illustrate. The book also features a special poster jacket, with the front flap unfolding to reveal an all-new fully painted origin story of the Fantastic Four.

Welcome to the Negative Zone and MarvelArts—a new collaborative line of books between Marvel Comics and Abrams ComicArts—where nothing is impossible and anything can happen!

My Four-Star Review on the Goodreads website . . . . .

     Many fans of Alex Ross (myself included) were wondering if he would ever return to draw a full issue or more of comics instead or just cover illustrations (in spite of their gorgeousness). So, the pre-release announcement of FANTASTIC FOUR: FULL CIRCLE, this bigger page presentation is a sturdy hardcover, was like a Christmas present come early. The memories returned of his incredible painted panels done in his photo-realistic style that graced the pages of MARVELS and KINGDOM COME so many years ago. 

     I was a bit disappointed to pick this up and learn that the interior pages were penciled and inked rather than painted. Ross also colored his work with an assist from Josh Johnson. If that wasn't enough, he also wrote the story which is a neat homage to the Stan Lee/Jack Kirby days of the Fantastic Four and even references a past storyline and returns to it with a modern update.

     I found the story very interesting but it's nothing earth-shattering and may actually disappoint FF fans. While the storyline does include a visit to the Negative Zone and a inconsequential appearance by big baddie Annihilus it lacks the big bombastic action sequence that Lee/Kirby would have inserted. Naturally, there are battles throughout the story but those aren't the main feature. Still, the characters act and interact as those familiar with Lee/Kirby are accustomed to.

     Rather, this is more about the art of Ross, and he delivers well beyond the price of admission. In altering his usual painted style for pencil/ink/colors here Ross shows another side of his talents. Perhaps as part of the homage, there are slight traces of Kirby stylings within the art as well as possibly a subtle nod to Jim Steranko's work. Had I not known who the artist was, I'm not sure I would identify this as the work of Alex Ross. No matter. It's still incredible and awesome to view.

     The color work is dynamic and fully enhances the story. Many of the panels within the Negative Zone burst with color in psychedelic images. If you purchase these upscale collections because you're a fan of Ross or a lover of lush comic art, then you'll want this book. FF fans should adore it.