The sketchy characterisation and kiddie-friendly slapstick are ably papered over with dazzling set pieces of globe-skipping, landmark-bashing action. Thankfully, this film excels at blowing stuff up. "DAZZLING GLOBE-SKIPPING, LANDMARK-BASHING ACTION" Throw in a regenerated Victor Von Doom (Julian McMahon), intent on stealing the Surfer's limitless powers, and you have ample excuse for repeatedly blowing stuff up. That is before massive craters appear across the planet, created by a mysterious "Silver Surfer", in preparation for the arrival of the planet-devouring Galactus. The Thing (Michael Chiklis) might have found his rock in girlfriend Alicia (Kerry Washington), but Invisible Woman (Jessica Alba) and Mr Fantastic (Ioan Gruffudd) are in knots over their impending wedding, and the Flaming Torch (Chris Evans) is getting hot under the relationship collar. Life is complicated for the Fantastic Four they've come to terms with their superpowers, but struggle with the accompanying fame and responsibility. The film, which casually mingles heroes' personal problems with the threat of global annihilation courtesy of an intergalactic planet-eater, rides on the crest of sense-slurping effects, but at times, it loses sight of the original's sense of fun. But while Rise Of The Silver Surfer offers a shiny promise of spin-off potential in the Silver Surfer, it comes in on a par with its predecessor.
But here in the decluttered out of continuity story Galactus is once more an imposing, seldom seen figure.The rule for big screen comic book series seems to be that the second film is the best (see Spider-Man 2, X2, Superman II). A character who I felt was overused in recent years as writer after writer expanded his backstory, origin and more.
Not only has Russell shown he can juggle the complex dynamics of the Fantastic Four’s domestic trials and tribulations but he certainly knows how to builds up dramatic tension too worthy of a foe like Galactus. An event this whole series has been building up to issue by issue. No-one can miss this guy coming.īut, with the coming of the Silver Surfer, the inevitable is now nigh upon us.
The colouring of Nolan Woodward in this particular scene contrasts hugely with the more subdued colours of Earth and really brings the fireworks and drama to this double page spread. In this comic his explosive first appearance is emblazoned with a cosmic array of colours that help herald his arrival in style.
His entrance is nothing short of spectacular as he bursts from the page courtesy of the stellar artwork of Isaakse. a far spikier version that that of the 616. A great choice, as the change is mostly unnoticeable, offering the reader a smooth, consistent reading experience expect for this one minor distraction.īut the main event – well, other than Franklin Richards wedding, I suppose – has to surely be the entrance of the Silver Surfer. While Sean Issakse is the lead artist he is aided and abetted by Francesco Manna. I’m assuming that’s due the swap round of artists during the run of this issue. But at other times she seems far younger. When first we meet her she seems of a similar age to the FF middle aged. The Thing seems to have finally made peace with himself and even started dating a certain Alicia Masters who is rather incongruously presented in this issue, I have to say. Considering we witnessed Johnny Storm’s death last time round, Mark Russell instills this issue with a rather upbeat tempo.