FANTASTIC FOUR #62-64 (2002-2003): ʃ£πt¡Σπ+
This is the first “arc” of Mark Waid and Mike Wieringo’s run. Their first couple of issues were done-in-ones designed to bring readers back to the series and re-brand it as something sweet and charming. Now we get our first multi-issue story, and the title is an unpronouncable series of symbols. The comedic tone is maintained in this story, wherein Reed Richards creates a new device that comes alive in the form of personified data.
It forces Thing down a hole. I haven’t gotten to use my “Thing in a Hole” tag in a long time!
Thing also does math.
And talks to the “previews” guy who does the voiceovers for movie trailers.
After the “foe” is vanquished, Reed plays Magic: The Gathering with his son.
The villain is dumb, but the story is fun and extremely well written, making this a well-above-average story.
STORM SONJA AND SONJA STORM BY DAVE COCKRUM
I like this sketch for many reasons. Four are obvious.
Spectacular Spider-Man #6-10 (2004): 1st Kiwi Kid
This “return of Doctor Octopus” story starts with some well-done, quieter moments at Peter Parker’s apartment. All his friends are there to play a video game marathon, and there are…
Amazing Spider-Man #326-329, Web of Spider-Man #59-61 and Spectacular Spider-Man #158-160 (1989-1990): Acts of Vengeance; Spidey is Captain Universe
Hey! Where did Todd McFarlane go? This story suffers from his absence–but it’s still pretty good. For his entry into the Acts of Vengeance event, Kingpin hires Graviton to fight Spider-Man. Now,…