Review by Karl Verhoven

Roy Thomas writes a couple of issues collected in Volume 17, but to all intents and purposes this volume is his Fantastic Four swansong. The content is very similar to the Crusaders & Titans paperback.

In his introduction Thomas writes of having other things on his mind back when writing these comics, but says he can find no trace of that when re-reading them. It’s a peculiar blindness. Thomas’ plots are usually strong, worked through to make sense, but the first half of this collection thrives on conveniences such as a villain absorbing too much power or the Thing turning against his partners for the slimmest of reasons. Even when there’s a possible explanation for Ben Grimm’s uncharacteristic behaviour (the Puppet Master and his remote control turn up the next issue) it eludes Thomas. More so than Volume 15, you’ll also be struck by the sheer amount of words. The sample page isn’t selected to make Thomas look bad, but as a typical example. George Pérez, an artist then coming into his prime, makes this material look a lot better than it is.

An extended three chapter story not available in Crusaders & Titans has the Fantastic Four teaming with the Invaders, and later the Thing with the Liberty Legion in an era when the Nazis won World War II thanks to advanced technology acquired through the FF. That’s clever, but the Liberty Legion are a generic bunch no matter how much Thomas might have loved the exploits of the individual characters as a child, and, boy does everyone explain themselves. “I was freed from an American prison… restored to all my former glory by the genius of Nazi science”, extrapolates Master Man, but that’s not anywhere near enough as he continues “…to gain for Herr Skyshark what lies behind this crumbling brick wall, this gleaming cockpit, of experimental design, made of a newly developed glass which will resist atmospheric friction and high speeds”. And all that’s before a flying swastika craft appears. Artist John Buscema, followed by brother Sal do their best, but this isn’t anyone’s finest moment.

Still, never mind, Galactus is back next. Talking gorilla Gorr is new, but connected with the High Evolutionary, who’s fighting off Galactus, while another planet with a familiar leader is also under threat. This is too long over five chapters and over-written, but there’s considerable ambition in tying together assorted characters, the ending is good and funny, and Pérez and Buscema J. on art dazzle.

What’s noticeable throughout is Thomas applying thought to bolstering Invisible Woman’s powers, finding ways to make her more effective. While there’s too much dialogue overall, he gives the Thing an authentic voice and on occasions when everything is flowing, such as periods during the Galactus storyline, this is good FF. Unfortunately such moments are at a premium.

In addition to the 2013 paperback, these stories are found spread over The Crusader Syndrome and Counter-Earth Must Die, and in black and white as Essential Fantastic Four Vol. 8.