Saturday, May 23, 2009

Fantastic Four #566

It's been a rough year for Dr. Doom, who is Marvel's greatest villain.

He's been captured by the New Defenders, defeated by the Avengers, imprisoned for some time, nearly killed by Morgaine Le Fay, and now finds himself embroiled in the Dark Reign.

Now, he's back where he belongs - in the pages of the Fantastic Four. But his troubles may just be beginning.

The latest story arc brings with it the never-before-mentioned instructor who taught Doom how to be... what he is. In previous issues, we've seen Doom's master and his (her? its?) new apprentice laying waste to alternate Earths - and now it looks like it's our turn.

It's funny that Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch, who have enjoyed so much success on other books (most recently The Ultimates), have struggled with this book.

Perhaps it's the general fun family atmosphere that's so much a part of the FF. Millar seems more at hope with more reprehensible characters.

Hitch's art has been excellent as always - incredibly detailed and bigger than life. But his covers have been odd - he definitely seems to be experimenting with them, but they just don't grab the eye like a good cover should.

This story is almost entirely set-up for the conflict to come, and it looks promising. While the FF will certainly play a key role, I can't help but hope that Doom takes center stage here and reasserts himself as Marvel's ultimate baddie.

It's the role he was born to play.

Grade: B+

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