Monday, 15 January 2007

A Fantastic Four Cross-over



Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-man #42
(writer Bill Mantlo, art Mike Zeck)

Fantastic Four #218
(writer Bill Mantlo, art John Byrne with Joe Sinnott)


This was a nice simple two-part cross-over. The Frightful Four set a trap for Spidey with Electro posing as the Torch to capture him. Then in FF #218, the Trapster, posing as Spidey, breaks into the Baxter Building, disables the security systems to let the rest of the Frightful Four in. Things look bad, but Mr Fantastic avoids capture, Spidey breaks free and it's curtains for the evil FF.

There was lots to like about these issues. I liked Electro joining the FF and the way his powers were used. The banter between the evil FF members. Pete leaving Deb Whiteman stranded, the capture of three members of the FF before Mr Fantastic manages to avoid the plan for him....I could go on.

Good story by Mantlo and clearly the fact that he was able to write both parts helped as well. Mike Zeck did a fine job in PPSM and the (then) regular team of Byrne and Sinnott was excellent on the art.

I remember really enjoying this issue back in 1980 so it also scores highly in nostalgia value.

Overall 8.5/10.

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