Fantastic Four: Three (Review)

Writer: Jonathan Hickman

Artists: Steve Epting, Nick Dragotta, Mark Brooks

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Collects: Fantastic Four #583-588

It is so rare that a mainstream, in-continuity superhero story is worthy of such high praise as Fantastic Four: Three. Not that there aren't exceptional stories out there, but it is like saying a single episode of your favorite TV show is equal to a great movie. Free of context or prelude, one small piece of an on-going saga can feel a little hollow when compared to a complete, self-contained epic.

Yes, Three is the culmination of Jonathan Hickman's entire emotional run on this series, and previous knowledge is essential, but the skill poured into this story and the impact that it has on the reader elevates it onto a whole new level, and into comic book history.

We all knew going in that this was going to be the much-publicised storyline that saw the death of a Fantastic Four member, but anyone who half-heartedly jumped on board just so that they could say the comic book equivalent of "I was there" will not find it that easy. This isn't just the death of a superhero -- this is the loss of a family member.

WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD!