MARCO SPEAKS SPIDEY: Fantastic Four #29 Review(SPECIAL KING IN BLACK TIE-IN)

As expected, the Fantastic Four have a very important role to play in the ‘King in Black’ crossover event, given that they are the premiere team when it comes to intergalactic and space crises. Also, Spider-Man and the Human Torch are best buddies, forever friends, and this means their fates are intertwined whether they like it or not… but Spidey isn’t the only one connected to the Human Torch now as Johnny Storm has a new love interest, Sky, who is entwined with the hot-head on a whole different level.

FIRST FAMILY, FAMILY FIRST….

OFFICIAL MARVEL COMICS DESCRIPTION:

Fantastic Four #29

STORY BY: Dan Slott

ART BY: Ze Carlos

COVER BY: Mark Brooks, Emanuela Lupacchino

” BONDING TIME.”

In the middle of the chaos that is KING IN BLACK…a symbiote bonds with a member of Marvel’s First Family!

Also in this issue, the Unseen is putting together a squadron for a secret mission in deep space.

SO LET’S JUMP RIGHT IN!

PROS:

• It gave me a good heartfelt laugh seeing how grossed out and disgusted Sue was acting, as her big sister instincts were kicking in double, triple overtime. She obviously doubted the bond that Johnny and Sky have… because according to them, there is now a magical, mystical bond that they share. Sue even went to the extent of spying on the new couple during their romantic date, and she was finally exposed for her overprotectiveness. What struck me later on in the issue was the level of connection that Johnny has with Sky… Knull was able to take over the Human Torch, as his symbiote grabbed hold of our flame-y fiery hero. But his connection with Sky was so deep and so strong that even Sky was converted and corrupted. Not only are the symbiotes and dragons no longer weak against their usual fears, but their power can already transcend mere physical contact and can seemingly ride the waves of a metaphysical and supernatural connection like what the Human Torch and Sky have between them.
• I love the little peek into what Spider-Man and the Human Torch were up to during the main King in Black series. The tie-in was well integrated and the weave felt very natural. It was also amazing to see the Nova Blast or Nova Flame in full effect… desperate measures for desperate times, indeed. It was a heavy and steep price to pay, though, since the issue ended up with the Human Torch and Sky now as symbiote soldiers.
• The shocker at the end, with Thing being revealed as a symbiote victim as well makes for a very stressful dilemma for Marvel’s First Family. With half of the main team compromised, the portal to all of space and time that the Fantastic Four are protecting is even at greater risk.

CONS:

• There was simply too much cringe going on in the issue, and this made me side with Sue as she witnessed a sweetness overload taking place before our very own eyes. It just strikes me as a bit awkward how Johnny Storm has just totally and instantly given all of himself to the mystical and magical romance. With everything he has been through, one would think that he would be a bit more careful and wiser about his romantic engagements. But if love is destined, then it is fate. Who are we to argue with these blossoming lovebirds?
• I would like to think that Mr. Fantastic would be able to find a smarter, more convenient way of battling these space dragons and symbiotes. Knull is a great threat, for sure, but the smartest man in the world should have a trick or two up his sleeve in order to counter and defend against this brazen offensive by the aliens. It would have been more dramatic to see the inner workings of his mind, but I am anticipating we will get to see Mr. Fantastic being fantastic in the upcoming issues. Like he even said in this one, there is nothing subtle about him, considering the name and title he gave himself.

FINAL SCORE: B+

From the very beginning, the fate of Spider-Man has always been mangled and tangled with the lives of the Fantastic Four. They are family in almost every sense of the word. I am surely looking forward to seeing how the unit gets out of this mess, and saves the universe one more time around. Their numbers are quickly and rapidly dwindling, so they better do something fast, in my opinion.