Fantastic Four and Power Pack #1
July 13, 2007
Fantastic Four and Power Pack #1 (Marvel Comics)
By Fred Van Lente & Gurihiru
The newest Power Pack features both a departure and a return — original artist Gurihiru is back, but original writer Marc Sumerak is gone, replaced by Fred Van Lente. Van Lente, fortunately, has a nice feel for these characters. As Jack Power laments his own lack of celebrity, a new kid comes to school that just makes him feel it even more — Franklin Richards, son of Reed and Sue of the Fantastic Four. Van Lente is having fun playing with the Power/Richards friendship here, which was one of my favorite aspects of the classic Power Pack series. Franklin and the Power kids being friends is a natural fit, and I’m really glad to see it hasn’t been forgotten. Gurihiru‘s return is welcomed — the artwork on the Hulk/Power Pack series was okay, but didn’t quite fit after the past few years of Gurihiru. So far, I’m quite enjoying this — now if only Marvel would put out an Essential Power Pack trade to go along with it.
Rating: 8/10
