Warning! Spoilers for Fantastic Four: Full Circle by Abrams Books
In Alex Ross' new graphic novel, Fantastic Four: Full Circle, the talented artist brilliantly tackles Marvel's First Family in a new adventure that ends up being superhero science fiction perfection. With excellent characterizations, a captivating story taking the heroes to the darkest corners of the Negative Zone, and Ross changing up his signature art style to reflect the earliest era of the Fantastic Four leading to some of the best work of his career, Fantastic Four: Full Circle ends up being a masterclass in how to tell modern Fantastic Four stories.
Alex Ross is one of the most acclaimed artists and writers in comics, as his hyper-realistic painted interiors and covers are often cited among the best storytelling comics have ever offered. From Ross' breathtaking work alongside Mark Waid in the DC epic Kingdom Come to his award-winning art in Marvels alongside Kurt Busiek, Ross is a legend in the industry. However, one aspect of Ross' work that doesn't get enough credit is his writing ability. Almost all of Ross' most acclaimed works feature him as the co-writer - and in a new Marvel Comics project for Abrams Book, Ross shows off his skill while tackling the Fantastic Four in Fantastic Four: Full Circle.
In Fantastic Four: Full Circle by Alex Ross, the story, which ties into the adventures of a classic Jack Kirby story in Fantastic Four #51, features a mysterious yet recognizable being crash-landing into the lives of Reed, Sue, Ben, and Johnny, leading them on a cosmic adventure to the Negative Zone, where further truths and revelations are made. The legendary creator tries something different, holding his usual realism style and embracing the pop art style of the 1960s, making the story feel like a Kirby adventure with highly stylized work that readers might not expect from Ross. However, he makes the brilliant creative choice to use his realism in flashbacks to key FF moments, making the familiar scenes stand out in his distinct style. The result is a retro-inspired book, brimming with cosmic details and vivid colors. The Fantastic Four's journey into the Negative Zone and its horrifying monsters feel claustrophobic yet grand at the same time. However, in other scenes, like on the Earth inside the Anti-Matter Universe, the scale feels massive, with incredible, Kirby-like perspectives that feel like Ross is showing off, revealing the beauty underneath the monstrous reality.
While Ross' art is unsurprisingly excellent, his writing really shines in the graphic novel. Fantastic Four: Full Circle feels like it could have been published 60 years ago, as it successfully captures the style and spirit of the era while delivering a science fiction adventure that builds on the superteam's beloved lore. Ross clearly understands the characters, as Reed Richard's quest for knowledge and discovery, Sue Storm's grace and powers, Johnny Storm's lovable smugness, and Ben Grimm's presence and quips all showcase the best in each hero. While Marvel has recently decided on a new creative team with the Fantastic Four, the publisher would be wise to give Ross a series starring Marvel's First Family or have him continue writing and drawing FF books for Abrams Books.
The intimate storytelling, character work, retro-inspired art, and understanding of what makes the Fantastic Four great leads Ross to hit a home run with Fantastic Four: Full Circle. For fans of the Fantastic Four and science fiction, the graphic novel is a must-read, as it embraces the best qualities of the characters and offers a special story showing why they are so important in the universe. Hopefully, it's not the last we see of Alex Ross writing and drawing the Fantastic Four. Fantastic Four: Full Circle from Abrams Books is in comic book and bookstores now.