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Fantastic Four: Full Circle
An all-new Marvel Comics graphic novel starring the Fantastic Four, written and illustrated by renowned artist Alex Ross
It’s a rainy night in Manhattan and not a creature is stirring except for . . . Ben Grimm. When an intruder suddenly appears inside the Baxter Building, the Fantastic Four—Mister Fantastic (Reed Richards), the Invisible Woman (Susan Storm Richards), the Human Torch (Johnny Storm), and the Thing (Ben Grimm)—find themselves surrounded by a swarm of invading parasites. These carrion creatures composed of Negative Energy come to Earth using a human host as a delivery system. But for what purpose? And who is behind this untimely invasion?
The Fantastic Four have no choice but to journey into the Negative Zone, an alien universe composed entirely of anti-matter, risking not just their own lives but the fate of the cosmos!
Fantastic Four: Full Circleis the first longform work written and illustrated by acclaimed artist Alex Ross, who revisits a classic Stan Lee–Jack Kirby story from the 1960s and introduces the storyline for a new generation of readers. With bold, vivid colors and his trademark visual storytelling, Ross takes Marvel’s first team of super heroes to places only he can illustrate. The book also features a special poster jacket, with the front flap unfolding to reveal an all-new fully painted origin story of the Fantastic Four.
Welcome to the Negative Zone and MarvelArts—a new collaborative line of books between Marvel Comics and Abrams ComicArts—where nothing is impossible and anything can happen!
It’s a rainy night in Manhattan and not a creature is stirring except for . . . Ben Grimm. When an intruder suddenly appears inside the Baxter Building, the Fantastic Four—Mister Fantastic (Reed Richards), the Invisible Woman (Susan Storm Richards), the Human Torch (Johnny Storm), and the Thing (Ben Grimm)—find themselves surrounded by a swarm of invading parasites. These carrion creatures composed of Negative Energy come to Earth using a human host as a delivery system. But for what purpose? And who is behind this untimely invasion?
The Fantastic Four have no choice but to journey into the Negative Zone, an alien universe composed entirely of anti-matter, risking not just their own lives but the fate of the cosmos!
Fantastic Four: Full Circleis the first longform work written and illustrated by acclaimed artist Alex Ross, who revisits a classic Stan Lee–Jack Kirby story from the 1960s and introduces the storyline for a new generation of readers. With bold, vivid colors and his trademark visual storytelling, Ross takes Marvel’s first team of super heroes to places only he can illustrate. The book also features a special poster jacket, with the front flap unfolding to reveal an all-new fully painted origin story of the Fantastic Four.
Welcome to the Negative Zone and MarvelArts—a new collaborative line of books between Marvel Comics and Abrams ComicArts—where nothing is impossible and anything can happen!
64 pages, Hardcover
First published August 2, 2022
About the author
Alex Ross
1,298 books437 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 306 reviews
September 7, 2022
When a familiar intruder is used as a delivery system to bring creatures from the Negative Zone into the Fantastic Four’s home of the Baxter Building, the team quickly finds themselves journeying into the Negative Zone itself to hunt for the foe behind this attack…
Just an FYI, this is a standalone Fantastic Four graphic novel that can be read on its own, but it’s good to go into it having read at least issues #51 and issues #107-#110 of Lee and Kirby’s initial run, as well as all of Hickman’s run. There are multiple references to all of the Fantastic Four’s history throughout, and part of this story is a follow-up of sorts to those aforementioned issues from Lee and Kirby’s time on the book. But if you haven’t read any of those, don’t worry because you shouldn’t be too lost. The story probably just won’t hit as hard for you. And I know Fantastic Four: Life Story was controversial for a lot of people so if you are still looking for a love letter dedicated to this team and their main 616 history, look no further than this gorgeous OGN.
The first collaboration between Marvel Comics and Abrams Comicarts sees Alex Ross write, illustrate, and color his own 64-page Fantastic Four OGN. Josh Johnson also helps Ross with colors while Ariana Maher letters, but this is Ross’ show from beginning to end. And while I think this is one of the better Fantastic Four books we’ve gotten in years overall, the story itself isn’t exactly the most enthralling or exciting story starring the team if I’m being honest. The real draw here is Ross’ art, which is all penciled instead of painted like he normally does. It’s a bold choice by Ross that pays off in dividends by the end, with his finely detailed art acting as a perfect love letter to both Kirby’s time on the title and the Fantastic Four themselves. And the way Ross blends his vivid colors into his pencils on each panel just seals the deal on this book’s art looking absolutely flawless.
Recommended to any and everyone who enjoys these characters, because you really can’t go wrong with some Alex Ross goodness. The story won’t be everyone’s thing, but I can’t imagine FF fans not having at least somewhat of a good time with it.
Just an FYI, this is a standalone Fantastic Four graphic novel that can be read on its own, but it’s good to go into it having read at least issues #51 and issues #107-#110 of Lee and Kirby’s initial run, as well as all of Hickman’s run. There are multiple references to all of the Fantastic Four’s history throughout, and part of this story is a follow-up of sorts to those aforementioned issues from Lee and Kirby’s time on the book. But if you haven’t read any of those, don’t worry because you shouldn’t be too lost. The story probably just won’t hit as hard for you. And I know Fantastic Four: Life Story was controversial for a lot of people so if you are still looking for a love letter dedicated to this team and their main 616 history, look no further than this gorgeous OGN.
The first collaboration between Marvel Comics and Abrams Comicarts sees Alex Ross write, illustrate, and color his own 64-page Fantastic Four OGN. Josh Johnson also helps Ross with colors while Ariana Maher letters, but this is Ross’ show from beginning to end. And while I think this is one of the better Fantastic Four books we’ve gotten in years overall, the story itself isn’t exactly the most enthralling or exciting story starring the team if I’m being honest. The real draw here is Ross’ art, which is all penciled instead of painted like he normally does. It’s a bold choice by Ross that pays off in dividends by the end, with his finely detailed art acting as a perfect love letter to both Kirby’s time on the title and the Fantastic Four themselves. And the way Ross blends his vivid colors into his pencils on each panel just seals the deal on this book’s art looking absolutely flawless.
Recommended to any and everyone who enjoys these characters, because you really can’t go wrong with some Alex Ross goodness. The story won’t be everyone’s thing, but I can’t imagine FF fans not having at least somewhat of a good time with it.
January 5, 2024
"It's time to give it up. Your work isn't what is used to be. Everyone thought you were fantastic. Your legacy is going to reflect the degradation of your skills. You're letting everyone down. You're over the hill. You should retire. HAHAHAHAHA!" -- Janus the Nega-Man, gloating villain
"So . . . that's it? Thank goodness, I thought it might be something we HAVEN'T dealt with before. Really, [have] an original scheme at some point." -- Susan Richards, a.k.a. sassy Invisible Woman
Trippy, intergalactic adventure featuring Marvel's first family of superheroes which is highlighted by Jack Kirby-inspired/styled illustrations. Unfortunately, said visuals - which would appear to be right at home from a mid-1960's issue of the long-running series - were THE best thing about the volume. (That, and the villain's uncanny resemblance at times to the late pop/rock star Prince . . . if he were vamping it up and just having a blast playing a bad guy.) It's almost like Invisible Woman - see her quote above - was speaking for me regarding a mediocre 'threat of the week.' The story was not much to write home about, but its conclusion strikes an unexpectedly heartfelt note that works.
"So . . . that's it? Thank goodness, I thought it might be something we HAVEN'T dealt with before. Really, [have] an original scheme at some point." -- Susan Richards, a.k.a. sassy Invisible Woman
Trippy, intergalactic adventure featuring Marvel's first family of superheroes which is highlighted by Jack Kirby-inspired/styled illustrations. Unfortunately, said visuals - which would appear to be right at home from a mid-1960's issue of the long-running series - were THE best thing about the volume. (That, and the villain's uncanny resemblance at times to the late pop/rock star Prince . . . if he were vamping it up and just having a blast playing a bad guy.) It's almost like Invisible Woman - see her quote above - was speaking for me regarding a mediocre 'threat of the week.' The story was not much to write home about, but its conclusion strikes an unexpectedly heartfelt note that works.
September 7, 2022
So I'm not a huge Alex Ross fan, even though Wizard was up his ass for years when I was a kid. A lot of his stuff looks stiff and posed to me, which it probably is since he's painting it. Anyway, I saw some stuff from Alex Ross's rejected Fantastic Four pick in Back Issue! a couple years ago and thought it looked great. When this popped up, I had to grab it.
This is good shit. Is it Fantastic? Probably not, but it's as close as we've gotten in a long time. I'm going to keep this high level as not to spoil anything. Basically, something happens and the FF have to return to the Negative Zone. They learn some things, fight some stuff, visit a new yet familiar location, and run into someone that hasn't made an appearance in a long time, hence the Full Circle part of the title.
The art is here is way more dynamic than Alex Ross's usual art and I'm a fan. He looks to be channeling the Lee & Kirby spirit in art as well as writing, as cliche as that may be. Ross does some painting in this but takes a way more comic book style approach to the art than he normally does. There's one page in particular that looks as if he's stepped into the King's shoes. There are also Kirby Collages in the distortion zone! The color scheme is subdued and uses an almost dayglo palette, making for some cool visuals.
Ross does a great job at a fresh take on a Negative Zone story. The story also feels timeless. Valeria and Franklin are only in one panel and only shown from behind. It feels more like a classic FF story I read and then forgot than a modern FF tale.
My only gripe was that the pace seemed a little off. There were great action scenes in the beginning and middle and a lot of discovery and talking at the end. The revelations at the end were good, though.
Fantastic Four: Full Circle wasn't my favorite FF story of all time but if Alex Ross wants to do a couple FF books a year, I would definitely buy them. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
This is good shit. Is it Fantastic? Probably not, but it's as close as we've gotten in a long time. I'm going to keep this high level as not to spoil anything. Basically, something happens and the FF have to return to the Negative Zone. They learn some things, fight some stuff, visit a new yet familiar location, and run into someone that hasn't made an appearance in a long time, hence the Full Circle part of the title.
The art is here is way more dynamic than Alex Ross's usual art and I'm a fan. He looks to be channeling the Lee & Kirby spirit in art as well as writing, as cliche as that may be. Ross does some painting in this but takes a way more comic book style approach to the art than he normally does. There's one page in particular that looks as if he's stepped into the King's shoes. There are also Kirby Collages in the distortion zone! The color scheme is subdued and uses an almost dayglo palette, making for some cool visuals.
Ross does a great job at a fresh take on a Negative Zone story. The story also feels timeless. Valeria and Franklin are only in one panel and only shown from behind. It feels more like a classic FF story I read and then forgot than a modern FF tale.
My only gripe was that the pace seemed a little off. There were great action scenes in the beginning and middle and a lot of discovery and talking at the end. The revelations at the end were good, though.
Fantastic Four: Full Circle wasn't my favorite FF story of all time but if Alex Ross wants to do a couple FF books a year, I would definitely buy them. 4.5 out of 5 stars.
November 6, 2022
Edit: Found this video on how Alex Ross created some of the art. I recommend checking it out.
The only reason I'm giving this 3 stars is because of the art. Really that's the whole point of this graphic novel. It's an art book, with a decent enough story.
From what I understand the story is based around a story from Jack Kirby's and Stan Lee's time on Fantastic Four. What I don't understand is why was this story chosen. To me it just felt like, "Hey, this character did this and that and now look where there at!". Because of the short page count, the story feels like it's cut short and could've gone on for a bit more.
The art is nice. It feels heavily inspired by Jack Kirby. Honestly this might be worth a read through just for the art.
It's possible that this is a nostalgia thing for people who read the original run. But for me, (Who hasn't read the original run) it felt like a waste.
The only reason I'm giving this 3 stars is because of the art. Really that's the whole point of this graphic novel. It's an art book, with a decent enough story.
From what I understand the story is based around a story from Jack Kirby's and Stan Lee's time on Fantastic Four. What I don't understand is why was this story chosen. To me it just felt like, "Hey, this character did this and that and now look where there at!". Because of the short page count, the story feels like it's cut short and could've gone on for a bit more.
The art is nice. It feels heavily inspired by Jack Kirby. Honestly this might be worth a read through just for the art.
It's possible that this is a nostalgia thing for people who read the original run. But for me, (Who hasn't read the original run) it felt like a waste.
April 28, 2023
A super fast paced adventure tour of the negative zone with the Fantastic Four. The story ok but this is a Marvel Arts book, it is all about the artwork, and Alex Ross does not dissapoint.
A visitor has appeared in the Baxter Building taking a very familiar form is his presence the start of an invasion or an invitation? Either was the Fantastic Four are headed to the Negitive Zone to find out.
I love the big art panels and Alex Ross mixes his styles sometime the more cartoony, comic and real models styles. The adventure moves at the speed of Reeds thoughts, what will the FF discover?
A visitor has appeared in the Baxter Building taking a very familiar form is his presence the start of an invasion or an invitation? Either was the Fantastic Four are headed to the Negitive Zone to find out.
I love the big art panels and Alex Ross mixes his styles sometime the more cartoony, comic and real models styles. The adventure moves at the speed of Reeds thoughts, what will the FF discover?
October 15, 2022
I'm not a big fan of the Negative Zone and its goofy villains, and this retro story goes all in on it. Inspired by a couple Stan Lee adventures from the first run of the Fantastic Four in issues #51 and #107-109, Alex Ross creates a wholly unnecessary sequel for the few people who ever wondered, "What happened to that guy who impersonated the Thing that one time?" or "Wasn't there once some guy called Nega-Man?"
Alex Ross' art is superb, but it is lost under some truly atrocious coloring and wasted on a pointless story.
I'd be more interested in reading about the behind-the-scenes negotiations that resulted in this being published by Abrams rather than Marvel itself. What's up with that?
Alex Ross' art is superb, but it is lost under some truly atrocious coloring and wasted on a pointless story.
I'd be more interested in reading about the behind-the-scenes negotiations that resulted in this being published by Abrams rather than Marvel itself. What's up with that?
December 17, 2022
Eh.
I fully concede that, many moon ago, I was completely taken, smitten, bowled over and blown away by, and enamored with Alex Ross's super-realistic, next generation graphic novel art . Marvels, (which I originally bought in London's Forbidden Planet), Kingdom Come, (literally, sublime stuff) and, in extraordinarily fabulous large format, Peace on Earth, and, well, you get the idea....
Well, this ... isn't ... that.
Yes, I'd read that this was one one of the best graphic novels of 2022, so my expectations were high. Alas, this one did nothing for me. And, yes, I'm old enough (groan) that this throwback should have had all of those nostalgic juices flowing ... and yet.... Nothing.
In all fairness, the book is nicely packaged, and the elongated dust jacket is very, very nice. Alas (again), after that, well, ... eh.
I fully concede that, many moon ago, I was completely taken, smitten, bowled over and blown away by, and enamored with Alex Ross's super-realistic, next generation graphic novel art . Marvels, (which I originally bought in London's Forbidden Planet), Kingdom Come, (literally, sublime stuff) and, in extraordinarily fabulous large format, Peace on Earth, and, well, you get the idea....
Well, this ... isn't ... that.
Yes, I'd read that this was one one of the best graphic novels of 2022, so my expectations were high. Alas, this one did nothing for me. And, yes, I'm old enough (groan) that this throwback should have had all of those nostalgic juices flowing ... and yet.... Nothing.
In all fairness, the book is nicely packaged, and the elongated dust jacket is very, very nice. Alas (again), after that, well, ... eh.
September 4, 2022
3.5
Instantly forgettable story, but stay for Alex Ross’ exquisite love letter to Jack Kirby, a riotous dive into groovy black light Marvel cosmic psychedelica, krackle and all!
Instantly forgettable story, but stay for Alex Ross’ exquisite love letter to Jack Kirby, a riotous dive into groovy black light Marvel cosmic psychedelica, krackle and all!
September 6, 2022
Alex Ross is one of the most celebrated artists working in comics today, known primarily for his painted interiors, covers, and design work. Although he has done interior work, most notably Marvels with Kurt Busiek and Kingdom Come with Mark Waid, Ross in recent years has mostly been doing cover art, particularly with Marvel Comics. However, Ross takes both art and writing duties in his latest project, Fantastic Four: Full Circle, marking the introduction of Marvel Arts, a new graphic novel collaboration between Marvel and Abrams ComicArts.
Please click here for my full review.
Please click here for my full review.
November 17, 2022
Wowee-Zowee atomic age-style adventures with Marvel’s First Family featuring stylish Alex Ross art. A quick read that doesn’t require too much FF lore awareness as there’s a lot of expository dialogue to guide the reader throughout.
January 8, 2023
Ross "Kirbyando" Una historia corriente, pero el imitar al Kirby más delirante le sienta muy bien al estilo de Ross y refuerza esta imitación de la etapa Lee-Kirby en los 4F.
December 18, 2022
The art here is GORGEOUS. The story is worth it for it alone. Fortunately, the writing doesn’t disappoint and takes readers on a trippy adventure to the Negative Zone. Ross imitates a Silver Age aesthetic and does an amazing job of it. Fantastic Four: Full Circle is a feast for the eyes and a quick, satisfying read that doesn’t require in-depth knowledge of FF canon.
September 27, 2022
Many fans of Alex Ross (myself included) were wondering if he would ever return to draw a full issue or more of comics instead or just cover illustrations (in spite of their gorgeousness). So, the pre-release announcement of FANTASTIC FOUOR: FULL CIRCLE, this bigger page presentation is a sturdy hardcover, was like a Christmas present come early. The memories returned of his incredible painted panels done in his photo-realistic style that graced the pages of MARVELS and KINGDOM COME so many years ago.
I was a bit disappointed to pick this up and learn that the interior pages were penciled and inked rather than painted. Ross also colored his work with an assist from Josh Johnson. If that wasn't enough, he also wrote the story which is a neat homage to the Stan Lee/Jack Kirby days of the Fantastic Four and even references a past storyline and returns to it with a modern update.
I found the story very interesting but it's nothing earth-shattering and may actually disappoint FF fans. While the storyline does include a visit to the Negative Zone and a inconsequential appearance by big baddie Annihilus it lacks the big bombastic action sequence that Lee/Kirby would have inserted. Naturally, there are battles throughout the story but those aren't the main feature. Still, the characters act and interact as those familiar with Lee/Kirby are accustomed to.
Rather, this is more about the art of Ross, and he delivers well beyond the price of admission. In altering his usual painted style for pencil/ink/colors here Ross shows another side of his talents. Perhaps as part of the homage, there are slight traces of Kirby stylings within the art as well as a perhaps a subtle nod to Jim Steranko's work. Had I not known who the artist was, I'm not sure I would identify this as the work of Alex Ross. No matter. It's still incredible and awesome to view.
The color work is dynamic and fully enhances the story. Many of the panels within the Negative Zone burst with color in psychedelic images. If you purchase these upscale collections because you're a fan of Ross or a lover of lush comic art, then you'll want this book. FF fans should adore it.
I was a bit disappointed to pick this up and learn that the interior pages were penciled and inked rather than painted. Ross also colored his work with an assist from Josh Johnson. If that wasn't enough, he also wrote the story which is a neat homage to the Stan Lee/Jack Kirby days of the Fantastic Four and even references a past storyline and returns to it with a modern update.
I found the story very interesting but it's nothing earth-shattering and may actually disappoint FF fans. While the storyline does include a visit to the Negative Zone and a inconsequential appearance by big baddie Annihilus it lacks the big bombastic action sequence that Lee/Kirby would have inserted. Naturally, there are battles throughout the story but those aren't the main feature. Still, the characters act and interact as those familiar with Lee/Kirby are accustomed to.
Rather, this is more about the art of Ross, and he delivers well beyond the price of admission. In altering his usual painted style for pencil/ink/colors here Ross shows another side of his talents. Perhaps as part of the homage, there are slight traces of Kirby stylings within the art as well as a perhaps a subtle nod to Jim Steranko's work. Had I not known who the artist was, I'm not sure I would identify this as the work of Alex Ross. No matter. It's still incredible and awesome to view.
The color work is dynamic and fully enhances the story. Many of the panels within the Negative Zone burst with color in psychedelic images. If you purchase these upscale collections because you're a fan of Ross or a lover of lush comic art, then you'll want this book. FF fans should adore it.
October 12, 2022
This book is not to be read, it is to be EXPERIENCED! Alex Ross has put together such beautifully dynamic visuals and has coupled that with a story that feels like an instant classic FF story.
September 6, 2022
Phenomenal. Imaginative. Brilliant.
Alex Ross shows himself to be every but at talented or a writer as he is an artist. I hope we see more writer/artist projects from him in the future.
Utterly brilliant.
Alex Ross shows himself to be every but at talented or a writer as he is an artist. I hope we see more writer/artist projects from him in the future.
Utterly brilliant.
August 30, 2023
I know that the point of this one was to follow the artwork and less of the story, but I wasn't a fan of either. Some people seemed to have enjoyed it, but this one just didn't work for me.
August 6, 2023
Не съм особен фен на фантастичния квартет, но Алекс Рос буквално ме отвя с рисунките си за албума Чудеса, включен в Марвелската върховна колекция, затова въобще не се поколебах да придобия още едно негово hardcover бижу.
Тук легендарният художник се изявява и като сценарист, обаче текстът е последното, което искам да коментирам – думичките нямат особено значение, когато панелите са пиршество за очите. Артът е разкошен, издържан в психеделични Анди-Уорхоловски багри, а визията на героите несъмнено отдава почит към класическите комикс времена.
Тук легендарният художник се изявява и като сценарист, обаче текстът е последното, което искам да коментирам – думичките нямат особено значение, когато панелите са пиршество за очите. Артът е разкошен, издържан в психеделични Анди-Уорхоловски багри, а визията на героите несъмнено отдава почит към класическите комикс времена.
March 19, 2024
Great art, but incomprehensible story.
July 14, 2022
This new graphic novel by Alex Ross is a triple threat: a throwback, a leap forward, and a welcome addition the Fantastic Four mythos. FF is my all-time favorite comic book (at least the Lee-Kirby 100+-issue run, although the John Byrne 60+-issue run was pretty great, too) and it’s nice to see someone doing something great with them again … the last few years at Marvel, the FF has been awful. Once they let the kids take over the book, it went incredibly downhill, even though the FF has always been about family. But I digress.
Ross’s story harkens back to what many people regard as THE classic FF story, issue #51, “This Man … This Monster!” by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, which tells the tale of a scientist who steals the powers and appearance of the Thing. He gets access to the Baxter Building, hoping to kill Reed Richards, who he considers to be a gloryhound. He encounters Mr. Fantastic testing his new portal to the Negative Zone. With the help of the ersatz Thing, Reed tethers himself to Earth while exploring the Zone, but when the tether breaks the fake Thing (real name: Ricardo Jones), realizes Richards is a selfless hero and saves him, sacrificing his own life. Full Circle begins with the return of Jones’s body to Earth, filled with negative energy beings, and takes off from there, necessitating a visit to the Negative Zone for all four members of the FF. (No spoilers, please!)
That’s the throwback part. Ross’s art style is the leap forward. For a while, I had become bored with the artist’s cover work, mainly for Marvel over the past few years on titles such as Captain America and Iron Man. Ross had a bad habit of making the most of reflective surfaces, like Cap’s shield and Shellhead’s armor, overly noodling and rendering them to the point of distraction. His art style on Full Circle is a combination of layouts that evoke pure Jack Kirby (the two-page spread showing Annihilus is a stunner and one splash page is a homage to FF #7), and a new drawing style for the artist: Lo and behold, this book is NOT fully-painted in the usual Ross style. It looks like pencil art combined with a coloring style that includes a black-light style palette, some faded 1960s dot-pattern printing, and incredibly vibrant comic book coloring. It’s a very different—and effective—look. The only minor quibbles I have with the art—which is really incredible at times (he even manages to make Reed Richards look heroic)—is I don’t like his version of the Human Torch (I still prefer Kirby—and Byrne’s—old line-filled flamehead), and I’m not super-keen on Ross’s use of thin black panel borders (although I realize the normal white borders would be incredibly distracting). With so much going on on every page, a little separation would help sometimes.
Story-wise, this is a worthy companion piece to FF #51, and adds to the appeal of the original story (Ross is also the writer, and he’s a surprisingly economical one). This is also the first of a series of graphic novels from Marvel Comics and Abrams ComicArts, with a new imprint called Marvel • Arts. I can’t wait to see what they do next. I’d love to see Ross tackle either Galactus or Doctor Doom—or both!—in another FF story, just as long as he keeps the reflections to a minimum, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem with this new art style.
Like I said earlier, this is a great Fantastic Four story and comes in two editions, a “regular” hardcover for $25.00 and a deluxe, limited edition, slip-cased Diamond Previews version for (I believe) $40.00, which includes a separate print by Ross, in an envelope pasted into the back of the book.
Ross’s story harkens back to what many people regard as THE classic FF story, issue #51, “This Man … This Monster!” by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, which tells the tale of a scientist who steals the powers and appearance of the Thing. He gets access to the Baxter Building, hoping to kill Reed Richards, who he considers to be a gloryhound. He encounters Mr. Fantastic testing his new portal to the Negative Zone. With the help of the ersatz Thing, Reed tethers himself to Earth while exploring the Zone, but when the tether breaks the fake Thing (real name: Ricardo Jones), realizes Richards is a selfless hero and saves him, sacrificing his own life. Full Circle begins with the return of Jones’s body to Earth, filled with negative energy beings, and takes off from there, necessitating a visit to the Negative Zone for all four members of the FF. (No spoilers, please!)
That’s the throwback part. Ross’s art style is the leap forward. For a while, I had become bored with the artist’s cover work, mainly for Marvel over the past few years on titles such as Captain America and Iron Man. Ross had a bad habit of making the most of reflective surfaces, like Cap’s shield and Shellhead’s armor, overly noodling and rendering them to the point of distraction. His art style on Full Circle is a combination of layouts that evoke pure Jack Kirby (the two-page spread showing Annihilus is a stunner and one splash page is a homage to FF #7), and a new drawing style for the artist: Lo and behold, this book is NOT fully-painted in the usual Ross style. It looks like pencil art combined with a coloring style that includes a black-light style palette, some faded 1960s dot-pattern printing, and incredibly vibrant comic book coloring. It’s a very different—and effective—look. The only minor quibbles I have with the art—which is really incredible at times (he even manages to make Reed Richards look heroic)—is I don’t like his version of the Human Torch (I still prefer Kirby—and Byrne’s—old line-filled flamehead), and I’m not super-keen on Ross’s use of thin black panel borders (although I realize the normal white borders would be incredibly distracting). With so much going on on every page, a little separation would help sometimes.
Story-wise, this is a worthy companion piece to FF #51, and adds to the appeal of the original story (Ross is also the writer, and he’s a surprisingly economical one). This is also the first of a series of graphic novels from Marvel Comics and Abrams ComicArts, with a new imprint called Marvel • Arts. I can’t wait to see what they do next. I’d love to see Ross tackle either Galactus or Doctor Doom—or both!—in another FF story, just as long as he keeps the reflections to a minimum, but that doesn’t seem to be a problem with this new art style.
Like I said earlier, this is a great Fantastic Four story and comes in two editions, a “regular” hardcover for $25.00 and a deluxe, limited edition, slip-cased Diamond Previews version for (I believe) $40.00, which includes a separate print by Ross, in an envelope pasted into the back of the book.
September 11, 2022
A mind blowing Fantastic Four adventure conceived, written, and drawn by a master comics artist, Alex Ross. I loved everything about this, including his new art style. Even the funky psychedelic coloring was fun. More, please, Mr. Ross!
November 27, 2022
Alex Ross is always a win.
Even after all these years, he manages to deliver something new and fresh to the comic book world, while adapting a classic FF story.
Undoubtedly, this is one of the best things that has happened to FF after many years.
Even after all these years, he manages to deliver something new and fresh to the comic book world, while adapting a classic FF story.
Undoubtedly, this is one of the best things that has happened to FF after many years.
December 30, 2022
I lost track of the story almost right away, and the multiverse is getting so old, but I was still engrossed by the gorgeous art. Worth reading for that if nothing else.
March 4, 2024
The Fantastic Four are home in the Baxter Building when a creepy, monstrous intruder appears. Subsequent events lead our titular four - Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards), the Invisible Woman (Susan Storm Richards), the Human Torch (Johnny Storm) and the Thing (Ben Grimm) - into the mysterious subspace dimension known as the Negative Zone. Fantastic Four fans know the Zone well, but here, writer/artist Alex Ross promises to show us something new, while also providing call backs to classic FF stories by creators Jack Kirby and Stan Lee.
For many, Ross’s art will be a bigger selling point than the story. Ross is renowned for jaw dropping, detailed, life-like renditions of popular superheroes. He often paints these, which he doesn’t do in FANTASTIC FOUR: FULL CIRCLE. Even sans painting, however, Ross’s illustrations are wondrous to behold. Each page is extremely detailed, and I can scarcely imagine how long it took him to draw this book.
In FULL CIRCLE, Ross largely eschews the traditional white “gutter” between panels and instead delineates them with black lines alone. The art thus often fills the entire page, and Ross employs other non-traditional techniques as well. He utilizes a number of “wide screen panels.” for example, and diagonal panels, and sometimes, characters’ body parts bust through one panel and into the next. Yes, some pages are arguably a little cluttered, but I can’t say that I minded. The art is so gorgeous and detailed, that I could stare at it for hours.
Ross, along with Josh Johnson, holds a coloring credit. I would have expected bright, vibrant colors, but instead, they’re more muted. Sometimes, they are dark; sometimes, there are two or three colors, and sometimes the colors are pastel-like. On the other hand, there ARE times when a bolder color is applied. When the Human Torch is aflame, for example, you can really feel the fire. My descriptions of the coloring don’t do it justice, and it might not be to everyone’s taste, but regardless, you can tell that Ross and Johnson put thought into the decisions that they made. This is a nice-looking book in general, and Ross’s fans should be more than pleased with that.
Opinions on the story will likely be more divided. Ross’s writing typically exudes a retro, “classic adventure” feel, and that’s true here, as well. Only a cameo by Reed and Sue’s second child (a daughter, Valeria) places this story in or around modern continuity. Otherwise, it could easily be set during the classic 1961-1970 Kirby/Lee run, and in fact, it directly follows up on at least two stories from that era. While I wouldn’t want that flavor in every Fantastic Four story, I do eagerly anticipate it from Ross, because he’s so good at conveying it. FULL CIRCLE moves at a nice clip, and there’s plenty of adventure to be had.
Without (hopefully) spoiling too much, I will say that some readers will feel underwhelmed by the main hero/villain battle. Truthfully, though, that battle isn’t the point of the story. More notably, Ross gives us neat concepts and a Negative Zone full of wonder while our heroes act and interact in a comforting, familiar manner. I’m not sure that all Ross’s pseudo-scientific concepts hold water, but I don’t care. They’re bold and cool, and seem fresh and new, and I very much wanted to live in the FF’s world and hang out in the Baxter Building.
Needless to say, then, I loved this book. It’s an absolute must for Alex Ross fans, and fans of Jack Kirby and Stan Lee should find much to enjoy.
For many, Ross’s art will be a bigger selling point than the story. Ross is renowned for jaw dropping, detailed, life-like renditions of popular superheroes. He often paints these, which he doesn’t do in FANTASTIC FOUR: FULL CIRCLE. Even sans painting, however, Ross’s illustrations are wondrous to behold. Each page is extremely detailed, and I can scarcely imagine how long it took him to draw this book.
In FULL CIRCLE, Ross largely eschews the traditional white “gutter” between panels and instead delineates them with black lines alone. The art thus often fills the entire page, and Ross employs other non-traditional techniques as well. He utilizes a number of “wide screen panels.” for example, and diagonal panels, and sometimes, characters’ body parts bust through one panel and into the next. Yes, some pages are arguably a little cluttered, but I can’t say that I minded. The art is so gorgeous and detailed, that I could stare at it for hours.
Ross, along with Josh Johnson, holds a coloring credit. I would have expected bright, vibrant colors, but instead, they’re more muted. Sometimes, they are dark; sometimes, there are two or three colors, and sometimes the colors are pastel-like. On the other hand, there ARE times when a bolder color is applied. When the Human Torch is aflame, for example, you can really feel the fire. My descriptions of the coloring don’t do it justice, and it might not be to everyone’s taste, but regardless, you can tell that Ross and Johnson put thought into the decisions that they made. This is a nice-looking book in general, and Ross’s fans should be more than pleased with that.
Opinions on the story will likely be more divided. Ross’s writing typically exudes a retro, “classic adventure” feel, and that’s true here, as well. Only a cameo by Reed and Sue’s second child (a daughter, Valeria) places this story in or around modern continuity. Otherwise, it could easily be set during the classic 1961-1970 Kirby/Lee run, and in fact, it directly follows up on at least two stories from that era. While I wouldn’t want that flavor in every Fantastic Four story, I do eagerly anticipate it from Ross, because he’s so good at conveying it. FULL CIRCLE moves at a nice clip, and there’s plenty of adventure to be had.
Without (hopefully) spoiling too much, I will say that some readers will feel underwhelmed by the main hero/villain battle. Truthfully, though, that battle isn’t the point of the story. More notably, Ross gives us neat concepts and a Negative Zone full of wonder while our heroes act and interact in a comforting, familiar manner. I’m not sure that all Ross’s pseudo-scientific concepts hold water, but I don’t care. They’re bold and cool, and seem fresh and new, and I very much wanted to live in the FF’s world and hang out in the Baxter Building.
Needless to say, then, I loved this book. It’s an absolute must for Alex Ross fans, and fans of Jack Kirby and Stan Lee should find much to enjoy.
July 18, 2023
Fantastic Four: Full Circle
The story starts with an intruder appearing in the Fantastic Four's mansion. The heroes quickly realize that he's someone they know from a previous adventure, but before they have time to figure out why he's there, he starts bursting with matter from the negative zone. They easily put things under control, but they find concerning how an intruder like that can invade their house so easily, so they decide to pay a visit to the negative zone, to see what's happening. There they discover that things are deeper and more complicating than they expected, with the intruder being just a trap, to bring them to the negative zone.
This was a beautiful short comic. If I understand correctly, it's a retelling of an old Lee-Kirby story, but to be honest I haven't read any older Fantastic Four comics, so there's not much I can say about that, except from the fact that Alex Ross does a great job conveying to the reader the vibe of an older comic, both with the writing and the artwork. The dialogues feel like they came straight out of a 60s marvel comic, but with the quality and complexity of today's comics. The story is a bit weird and a lot of things happen, but even though the comic is only 64 pages long, it doesn't feel too short and the pacing is great. The characters are also very well written. I especially liked the way Alex Ross wrote Reed Richards. Even though he has great superpowers and a happy family, his curiosity as a scientist is almost tormenting him, never letting him enjoy the moment and feel happiness, knowing that he'll never be able to understand the cosmic secrets the universe hides. It's almost like a tragic figure, like all of the Fantastic Four.
The artwork in this comic is simply perfect. Alex Ross is undoubtedly one of the greatest comic artists in history. His work is fantastic and very realistic, while his coloring is on a whole other level. He usually uses almost photorealistic colors, but here he chooses a very different palette. The colors are more psychedelic, perfectly reflecting the era the comic is paying a tribute to. The use of light gives an incredible dramatic effect, always looking seemingly realistic, but exaggerated. Furthermore, at times, Alex Ross uses a coloring technique that almost looks like pointillism, in order to resemble the way colors looked in older comics, due to the way they were printed.
Overall, this was a great short read, with the artwork being by far the strongest aspect of the whole comic.
9.5/10
The story starts with an intruder appearing in the Fantastic Four's mansion. The heroes quickly realize that he's someone they know from a previous adventure, but before they have time to figure out why he's there, he starts bursting with matter from the negative zone. They easily put things under control, but they find concerning how an intruder like that can invade their house so easily, so they decide to pay a visit to the negative zone, to see what's happening. There they discover that things are deeper and more complicating than they expected, with the intruder being just a trap, to bring them to the negative zone.
This was a beautiful short comic. If I understand correctly, it's a retelling of an old Lee-Kirby story, but to be honest I haven't read any older Fantastic Four comics, so there's not much I can say about that, except from the fact that Alex Ross does a great job conveying to the reader the vibe of an older comic, both with the writing and the artwork. The dialogues feel like they came straight out of a 60s marvel comic, but with the quality and complexity of today's comics. The story is a bit weird and a lot of things happen, but even though the comic is only 64 pages long, it doesn't feel too short and the pacing is great. The characters are also very well written. I especially liked the way Alex Ross wrote Reed Richards. Even though he has great superpowers and a happy family, his curiosity as a scientist is almost tormenting him, never letting him enjoy the moment and feel happiness, knowing that he'll never be able to understand the cosmic secrets the universe hides. It's almost like a tragic figure, like all of the Fantastic Four.
The artwork in this comic is simply perfect. Alex Ross is undoubtedly one of the greatest comic artists in history. His work is fantastic and very realistic, while his coloring is on a whole other level. He usually uses almost photorealistic colors, but here he chooses a very different palette. The colors are more psychedelic, perfectly reflecting the era the comic is paying a tribute to. The use of light gives an incredible dramatic effect, always looking seemingly realistic, but exaggerated. Furthermore, at times, Alex Ross uses a coloring technique that almost looks like pointillism, in order to resemble the way colors looked in older comics, due to the way they were printed.
Overall, this was a great short read, with the artwork being by far the strongest aspect of the whole comic.
9.5/10
February 18, 2023
Tipik bir çizgi romandan çok daha fazlası olduğunu söylemek lazım. Görsel şölen demek yerinde olur. Alex Ross'un kaleminden Marvels'ı okumuş ve çok beğenmiştim. İki kitap aslında epey benziyor. İkisi de Ross'un şahane çizim yeteneğini konuşturduğu görsel harikalar. Nitekim ikisi de anlatı olarak görece zayıflar.
Bu kitap tek başına okunabilecek ve anlaşılabilecek bir hikaye sunuyor fakat Fantastic Four #51'i okuyanlar bazı kişi ve olaylara daha hakim olacaktır ve okurken ekstra bir keyif alacaktır hikaye bazında. Şahsi görüşüm bunun pek de hikaye için alınıp okunacak bir kitap olmadığı yönünde. Her bir sayfadaki detaylı çizimlere ve bunlara eklenen şahane renklere kapılıp gitmek için okunmalı. Hatta orijinal basımının da olduğu gibi ülkemizde de basılmış olan büyük boy sert kapak versiyonu resimlere daha rahat bakabilmek için tercih edilmeli. Psikedelik görsellikten normalde haz etmesem de bu kitapta beğendim. Tabii FF sevgim olmasa ne kadar mümkün olurdu bilemiyorum.
Bu kitap tek başına okunabilecek ve anlaşılabilecek bir hikaye sunuyor fakat Fantastic Four #51'i okuyanlar bazı kişi ve olaylara daha hakim olacaktır ve okurken ekstra bir keyif alacaktır hikaye bazında. Şahsi görüşüm bunun pek de hikaye için alınıp okunacak bir kitap olmadığı yönünde. Her bir sayfadaki detaylı çizimlere ve bunlara eklenen şahane renklere kapılıp gitmek için okunmalı. Hatta orijinal basımının da olduğu gibi ülkemizde de basılmış olan büyük boy sert kapak versiyonu resimlere daha rahat bakabilmek için tercih edilmeli. Psikedelik görsellikten normalde haz etmesem de bu kitapta beğendim. Tabii FF sevgim olmasa ne kadar mümkün olurdu bilemiyorum.
October 8, 2022
Alex Ross é conhecido por sua arte realista, que conquistou o mundo a partir de Marvels e, porteriormente, com Reino do Amanhã. Era desconhecido até então dos leitores o traço de Ross apenas no lápis, como é tradicionalmente feito nos quadrinhos de super-heróis e não pintado como ele costuma fazer. Neste especial de Graphic Novel, Quarteto Fantástico: Ciclos, Ross ataca como roteirista e desenhista aplicando as técnicas tradicionais de desenhos de quadrinhos. O resultado é uma arte lindíssima, com muitas homenagens ao estilo do Rei Jack Kirby de fazer quadrinhos, suas angulações e até um retrabalho nas famosas colagens que volta e meia o Rei fazia. Contudo, o roteiro do quadrinho é extremamente fraco. Não conquista o leitor e traz muitas viagens no universo do Quarteo Fantástico para lá e para cá que não dão em nada no final. As cores são inovadoras, entretanto, acabam me incomodando tamém, porque dão a impressão de sairem do lugar (sabe quando a criança parece pintar fora dos traçados? a mesma impressão). Enfim, um álbum lindo, mas com uma história que deixa a desejar...
February 22, 2023
Full Circle is a quick, cute cosmic adventure for the FF. Alex Ross really gets the characters, so there are plenty of clever quips. And, of course, the art is staggering - except for the fact that most of the book takes place in the psychedelic Negative Zone, so the "staggering" nature of the artwork can inhibit reading comprehension.
I think that's the goal in Full Circle, though. The narrative is quite simple, basically a Star Trek episode, so you can almost ignore it in favor of marveling at the colors. The art's worth the price of admission, certainly, but I don't think I'll be re-reading.
I think that's the goal in Full Circle, though. The narrative is quite simple, basically a Star Trek episode, so you can almost ignore it in favor of marveling at the colors. The art's worth the price of admission, certainly, but I don't think I'll be re-reading.
April 24, 2023
3.5 Stars.
Alex Ross is very known in the comics world for his cover art. By the sheer scope of epicness and detail it must take a very long time to draw and color to his standard of perfection. Nevertheless, we have a full graphic novel here where Ross has taken a story from the Jack Kirby/Stan Lee era and fully realized it. It details the Fantastic Four heading into the Negative Zone to deal with the arrival of some negative energy beings. There's more to it than that, but the main draw here is the art. Large and on premium paper, it is an art book.
Definitely worth checking out, if only to awe in the visuals.
Alex Ross is very known in the comics world for his cover art. By the sheer scope of epicness and detail it must take a very long time to draw and color to his standard of perfection. Nevertheless, we have a full graphic novel here where Ross has taken a story from the Jack Kirby/Stan Lee era and fully realized it. It details the Fantastic Four heading into the Negative Zone to deal with the arrival of some negative energy beings. There's more to it than that, but the main draw here is the art. Large and on premium paper, it is an art book.
Definitely worth checking out, if only to awe in the visuals.
January 22, 2024
Alex Ross at his best with beautifully deep coloring and stylization. Sure, the plot is basically only there to raise a few questions and serve as a vehicle for the art but good god, that art. An absolute visual treat, even if you don't normally like Ross's style.
August 31, 2022
Accomplishes, I have to imagine, exactly what it sets out to do.
You can thumb through the pages of this book and get a pretty good idea of whether you’re gonna dig it or not. Alex Ross flexing all kinds of muscles. Beautiful to look at, with a cool sort of Star Trek Original Series vibe.
You can thumb through the pages of this book and get a pretty good idea of whether you’re gonna dig it or not. Alex Ross flexing all kinds of muscles. Beautiful to look at, with a cool sort of Star Trek Original Series vibe.
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