FF #1
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FF #1

Writer: Matt Fraction Artist: Mike Allred Publisher: Marvel Comics Release Date: November 28, 2012 Cover Price: $2.99 Critic Reviews: 36 User Reviews: 15
8.5Critic Rating
8.5User Rating

Marvel Now! shows you the future, and it’s fantastic! In the Fantastic Four’s absence, a hand-picked substitute squad—Ant-Man, Medusa, She-Hulk and Miss Thing—must guard Earth and the fledgling Future Foundation for four minutes. What could go wrong?

  • 10
    Flip Geeks - Kyle Francisco Dec 3, 2012

    Fraction and Allred did a great job with the first issue. FF just might be one of the biggest sleeper hits out of Marvel's NOW! initiative. I'm pretty sure that our old Fantastic Four won't be back after four minutes, and I can't wait to see this ragtag team led by a reluctant Scott Lang squirm, fidget…and step up. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Bastards - Dustin Cabeal Nov 28, 2012

    So far the Marvel Now line has been kind of whatever for the most part. I’m slowly checking the books out, but there’s yet to be one that’s slapped me in the face and caught my attention. This is the first book to do that and I cannot wait to read Fantastic Four #1 and see the connections between the two series. Whatever your feelings toward Marvel, their reboot, or just superhero comics in general; please check this book out it’s absolutely amazing. Read Full Review

  • 10
    A Comic Book Blog - Daniel Cole Nov 29, 2012

    Allred's art goes hand in hand with Fraction's script to deliver an issue one that is exquisite. Fraction's grasp on character is fantastic and the way he gets the reader up to speed is engaging.Allred has constructed a book that is a master-class in visual storytelling. From what one can see here the future of the Future Foundation is in good hands. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comic Vine - Tony 'G-Man' Guerrero Nov 26, 2012

    The Marvel NOW! titles are continuing to deliver fun and excitement with each new series. As a fan of Matt Fraction and Mike Allred, pairing the two together is a wonderful treat. There is an odd choice in the four core members but there shouldn't be any doubt that Fraction has a reason for selecting them. Fraction sprinkles in the humor he's know for bringing to the table and Allred's art (with Laura Allred's amazing colors) brings adds another level of life to the characters. For an issue full of set up and introductions, it was still a blast. If you want fun and enjoyment in a comic book, there's this is a series you need to check out. Read Full Review

  • 10
    Comicosity - Matt Santori Nov 29, 2012

    FF stands as a perfect collaboration between writer and artists, with just the right mix of fun and entertaining characters. This issue was a dare I say it fantastic introduction to what I hope will be a long lasting series, and in my opinion, the absolute best launch from Marvel NOW to date. Readers searching for smart, funny adventure should look no further. These two letters say it all. Read Full Review

  • 9.6
    Weekly Comic Book Review - Matt Sargeson Dec 6, 2012

    Its quality is such that I really hope Marvel score a huge success with this title. Despite its apparent status as a bolt-on to Fantastic Four, there's more than enough here to see this book stand on its own two feet. The eclectic cast and offbeat art exude a universal appeal that welcome all comers, no matter how well- or ill-versed you are in the history of comics' first family. If you were tempted by the critical praise heaped upon Hickman's run but wary of dipping a toe in mid-run, feel free to jump on in at this brilliant new starting point. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Marvel Disassembled - Magen Cubed Nov 29, 2012

    Everything about this issue is just enjoyable, even more than Fractions other offering with Fantastic Four #1. I would recommend this book to anybody looking for a well-executed, light-hearted read. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    The Comic Book Revue - Jay Mattson Nov 28, 2012

    Fraction and Allred have struck some gold with this series. Fraction's relatable, grounded writing coupled with Allred's signature art style is a match made in heaven and this first issue is the evidence. There's a lot to love about FF #1, but unfortunately, a lot of that comes from knowing who these characters are and what's happened to them. Fraction does an apt job covering his bases when it comes to integral backstory, but it's still FF, which is named after the Future Foundation, which is an offshoot of the Fantastic Four, who wont actually be in the series at all in an issue or two -- it's a bit wonky. Other than that, FF #1 is a fantastic issue that has left me wanting more...now...seriously. Read Full Review

  • 9.5
    Super Hero Hype - Spencer Perry Nov 29, 2012

    I was really surprised by this book. I'll admit that I wasn't all that excited for it in the beginning and I'm all turned around. FF is one of the most interesting and well-written comics to come out of Marvel NOW! and you should be reading it. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    cxPulp - Waylon Wernette Dec 4, 2012

    Mike and Laura Allred of Madman fame are on art duty and they do a fantastic job! If you haven't bought this book yet you need to just so you can see Mike Allred's take on the Thing. It honestly looks like Jack Kirby rose from the grave to draw Ben Grimm one last time. It's that good. I think his Scott Lang looks a little too much like Madman with his helmet off, but that's not a big issue for me. Hopefully the Allred's stay on this book for a while, because I honestly think their art and colors are going to blend perfectly with all the weird sci-fi stories I'm sure Fraction is whipping up. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Comics Are Not Dead - Comics Are Not Dead Nov 30, 2012

    Matt Fraction and Mike Allred have crafted a new awesome series that I'm going to have to pick up next month. This book has a special charm that can't be found  in many other books, and excellently sets up the characters.  Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Den Of Geek! - Mike Cecchini Dec 1, 2012

    Much like the main Fantastic Four title, FF looks like it's gonna be pretty "far out." While the main team is off searching space and time for answers to their current set of problems, the Future Foundation will be here, dealing with the kind of craziness we expect in this corner of the Marvel Universe. Between the cool retro-futurism of Mike and Laura Allred and Fraction's terrific grasp of group dynamics and pacing, FF #1 is a charming, fun, sci-fi book. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Read Comic Books - Derek Baker Nov 28, 2012

    This may not be the perfect story, but this series is quickly making up for any faults that it may have. Matt Fraction is setting up some great things for characters that are perfect for him to write. The art alone is enough reason to buy this issue. There is some real promise here, so this is definitely a series worth taking a chance on. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Blue Raven Comics - Ethan Barker Dec 6, 2012

    Speaking of Fraction's writing, this issue is really quite an impressive tutorial on how to handle heavy exposition in the first issue. I'm not familiar with Hickman's run on FF but I didn't find myself confused or uncertain at any point and while I did read Fraction's Fantastic Four #1, which links in with FF, it's not necessary to do so. Fraction introduces the entire cast of Hickman's FF and the idea of the Future Foundation as the kids of the FF explain it to Scott Lang. The exposition is woven into entertaining character moments where we learn about the people, the place and the plot all at the same time. It's not easy to bring new readers up to speed without boring the regulars, and that's without even addressing the problem of introducing the new characters of the FF. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    IGN - Joey Esposito Nov 28, 2012

    As much as I loved the characters and their interactions, this is ultimately Allred's show. While there is nothing too outlandish or crazy here (though Sue and Medusa sharing drinks on the edge of Attilan is pretty close), Allred's expressive and defined line work, spectacular layouts, and stunning character work is all present. Accompanied, as usual, by Laura Allred's absolutely vibrant color work, the artwork pops from the page like no other Marvel comic on the shelf right now. Allred takes full advantage of the comic book medium and its storytelling possibilities to construct a deceptively simple comic book that achieves visual mastery. I can't wait to see what Allred unleashes once things get crazy for this new team. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Newsarama - George Marston Nov 26, 2012

    While it isn't quite the treatise on first issues that Fraction's Fantastic Four #1 proved to be, FF#1 offers an immensely promising start, showcasing, again, Fraction's take on each member of this admittedly large and bizarre cast. The real test of this title will come as these characters start moving into the larger world, having adventures, interacting with each other instead of, ostensibly, the reader, and finding their own dynamic. This issue more than proves that Fraction and Allred have the chops to make this the kind of book that, like Fraction's Hawkeye, can push its expectations to the limit, they just need to quickly start doing so, lest FF become a sit-com instead of pop-art sci-fi. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Major Spoilers - Matthew Peterson Nov 29, 2012

    I know that Mike Allred's art is an acquired taste, but it perfectly fits the faux-retro vibe of this book, harkening back to (and even containing a shout-out to) the works of Lee & Kirby. Scott Lang proves himself to be smart and insightful, while each of the students explains their whole deal in a way that perfectly fits their character and leaves me relieved that the creative team aren't going to jettison all of the brilliant stuff that the previous team created that hasn't run its course yet. FF #1 is a quiet gem of a comic, with tons of character and a clear statement of purpose in its pages, falling down only in that it is a first issue and doesn't really get to do anything with the assembled players yet, earning 4.5 out of 5 stars overall. My fervent hope is that this book is the sleeper hit of Marvel Now and forces the company to slow down the "Next Big Thing" mentality in favor of letting their classic roster of characters simmer for a bit... Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Chuck's Comic Of The Day - Chuck Dec 4, 2012

    But from where I sit, FF is a title to watch. Read Full Review

  • 9.0
    Crave Online - Andy Hunsaker Nov 30, 2012

    The Fraction FF era is so far off to a really cool start. It's a great time to hop on board what is surely a great space-time coaster. Read Full Review

  • 8.5
    Hyper Geeky - ClumsyG Feb 7, 2013

    It's a forward-thinking title with a lot of potential, and the combination of Fraction and Allred makes for a one-two punch straight to the brain and funny bone. The script is engaging, the art is hypnotic, and the combination of both makes for a title that feels fresh. If there could only be one between FF and Fantastic Four, the better book is FF. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    CHUD - Jeb Delia Dec 7, 2012

    As effective as Fraction is, though, the real draw for many will be Mike and Laura Allred, for whom no introduction is needed at this point. Their quirky, retro style"oddly stiff, but in a somehow charming way"conveys more character with a few clear lines and flat colours than any three more typical modern superhero artists could do. Jack Kirby once responded to the host of imitators he'd spawned by saying that, if people really wanted to be true to his artistic philosophy, they'd do something new. The Allreds seem to embody what the King was talking about: without being imitative of Kirby's style, they've evoked his spirit, and that of the great Silver Age comics in general. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comics Crux - Wesley Messer May 10, 2013

    I feel this was much more successful as a title than Matt Fractions Fantastic Four. This works for me, though I think the storytelling format the issue uses may not work for everyone, but it works for me. FF #1 is a great follow up to Fantastic Four, and gives me faith that given time, Fraction will be a good fit for the Fantastic Four universe. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    PopMatters - Jay Mattson Jan 7, 2013

    I mentioned earlier that this issue isn't about being a spectacle. It's a comicbook that you get more out of each time you read it—you discover nuances in the writing, or subtle images that weren't obvious during your first read through. Matt Fraction and Mike Allred are endeavoring to create a series that can stand on it's own while seamlessly integrate to the greater Marvel universe, and it's those qualities that will make this a timeless, classic series. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Henchman-4-Hire - Sean Ian Mills Dec 1, 2012

    Like I said, this issue is mostly introduction. Scott and Reed get the most focus, though I'm not sure if Reed will play any part in this series. We also meet most of the other new FF team members, with some really great character work done with them. Johnny Storm has a particularly funny moment, but again, I don't think he's sticking around. You have to read Fraction's Fantastic Four series to follow their adventures through time and space. I'm not reading it. I liked Scott Lang, I liked She-Hulk, I really liked all the new FF, and I'm eager to get to know Ms. Thing, Johnny's one night stand/girlfriend. I'm also eager to see what Fraction will do with all the children in the Future Foundation. They were created and put together by the previous FF writer, Jonathan Hickman, so they're kind of his brainchild. Will Fraction embrace the other writer's creation? I'm eager to find out. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comic Book Bin - Andy Frisk Nov 28, 2012

    Not nearly as bad as I expected, especially for a introductory type of first issue, FF #1 definitely has potential. I hope it lives up to it. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Comics: The Gathering - ToriBee Nov 30, 2012

    So far it seems like the first few issues are going to be a little bit more character based as everyone settles as a team, before some more of the action comes in. Currently the only driving force for picking up the next issue is if someone’s interested in knowing a little bit more about these characters. Though not necessarily a bad thing, it’s also not for everyone. It has great potential, it’s just not fully there yet. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Razorfine - Alan Rapp Dec 4, 2012

    There's not much to this first issue other than gathering the new team and re-introducing the members of the Future Foundation (including Bentley and Dragon Man), but Matt Fraction and artist Mike Allred have fun simply showing off the various characters. I'm not sure how long I'll stay with the title (I felt the last series grew tiresome rather quickly), but I'm glad I picked it up. Worth a look. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    First Comics News - Matthew Szewczyk Nov 28, 2012

    Marvel Now got off to a rocky start with the Avengers and X-Men nonsense but now they seem to be hitting their stride and are constantly putting out engaging and creative titles. Add FF to the growing pile that also includes Thor, Fantastic Four and Amazing Spider-Man and you have a renaissance of the Marvel brand and universe. Read Full Review

  • 8.0
    Multiversity Comics - Matthew Meylikhov Nov 29, 2012

    So all things considered, “FF” #1 essentially makes for a better introduction than “Fantastic Four” #1. It's not that the other title is necessarily bad in anyway, but if the modus operandi of Marvel NOW! is to deliver content that is new and easily accessible, then it's “FF” that truly delivers it with smart form and fashion. The new volume of “FF” is certainly not the same as the old, but it operates so fluidly and transitions so smoothly that it should appeal to scholars and neophytes both, and with a new cast and a new direction “FF” could easily be one of Marvel's most entertaining new books once the ball truly gets rolling. For now, it's a wonderful set-up to a bright future. Read Full Review

  • 7.8
    Graphic Policy - Brett Schenker Dec 6, 2012

    It's just a first issue though and while the story might not be totally exciting, Michael Allred's art is amazing. For that alone, the comic is worth checking out. He brings his usual style in what I'm sure will be the quirkiest comic in Marvel NOW!. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Modern Age Comics - Alexander Moser Dec 2, 2012

    FFis intended to be for new readers, but the amount of characters can still be quite overwhelming. Id still recommend this book to fans or newly interested readers simply because Mike Allreds artwork is great. Fractions script is pretty funny too. But whileFFs quirky style does produce a fun read, itdoesnt really do much aside from introducing the large cast of characters and what theyre doing in the book. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Comics Bulletin - Keith Silva Dec 2, 2012

    There is that balance of wackiness and serious that makes this work. Fraction has said that these guys will be treated like the Fantastic Four so prepare for some classic Marvel villains to come out of the woodwork and not hold anything back. Considering who is at the helm here I have little doubt there are more than a few extremely entertaining issues to come, so if it takes a little while to get off the ground I'm willing to be patient. Read Full Review

  • 7.0
    Unleash The Fanboy - Marcell Nov 28, 2012

    While FF really doesn't set up much besides the team this issue, it is still an enjoyable read with nice dialogue and art. Although the story itself may have been suited as a back up feature rather than a full comic. If you have followed FF pick this up, but newcomers are also welcome as well. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    Eye On Comics - Don MacPherson Nov 30, 2012

    I do love that Fantastic Four and FF are penned by the same writer. It makes for a stronger link and synergy, and honestly, it's a good idea from a marketing perspective, as it makes it more like a reader of one of the titles will want to follow the other. I hope (and expect) Fraction will nevertheless tell generally independent stories in each book, and the disparate casts of characters promise as much. Nevertheless, super-hero team books don't seem to be Fraction's fort (with the notable exception of the short-lived series The Order). While the art is top-notch throughout, the story has yet to really hook me. I'll give it another issue or two before I make up my mind. Read Full Review

  • 6.0
    ScienceFiction.com - Ben Silverio Dec 5, 2012

    Overall, I'd say that the first issue of 'FF' was a good introductory issue, but it spent too much time on introductions and not enough on progressing the plot. I enjoyed Scott Lang stepping into the spotlight more, and I'm willing to keep reading as the premise is as interesting as the characters involved. Plus, the creative team is top notch, so I'd like to see what they have up their sleeves next. Read Full Review

  • 5.0
    Comic Book Resources - Ryan K. Lindsay Nov 28, 2012

    "FF" #1 isn't a bad book, it's just not much of an issue. An installment of conversations might work if it were doing more than setting up the established status quo many fans already know through familiarity with the promotional material for the series. Perhaps someone coming to the title completely fresh will have a different experience, but all I could do was walk away from it hoping the next issue actually starts the title. Read Full Review

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