It's a eulogy and one that strikes the book with change and a fortitude for a new wheel turning. After a darkly rapturous finale to issue 587, the crescendo drops here in the requiem of the fallen Johnny Storm...and Hickman lays the final symphony in this title. His orchestrations have left tragedy in the wake of lovers of this book...and now, it's how the Marvel Universe deals with the loss of Johnny Storm that Hickman begins to process...while punctuating a new beginning and exclamation point for the Richards' family and future dynasty.
Hickman employs a word-less script for the majority of the issue as Epting hands the artistic tasks off to Nick Dragotta. I didn't find myself fond of him being suited to this book, but I warmed to it after a few reads. His grasp on Ben Grimm most of all overcomes the flaws on his depictions of Sue Storm. If he meant for a frigid and frail Susan, he did well...but at times, she was too depressing and scrawny a sketch. Nonetheless, Nick's art comes over well with Reed as well as the initial robust cameo by a plethora of Avengers who have come to witness the plight. It's a call to arms, but one too late...which is well captured in the essence of Ben Grimm.
While Sue is literally thrown to the realms of despair, it's Grimm that really sets the issue afire as the loss is felt most with Dragotta's depictions of Ben's eyes.
Many have argued that Johnny could have gone supernova and fought off offenders, and yes I am sure we'll see him in a few years reappear, but we can't underestimate the potency of the Annihilation hordes. It's a believable death and one I accept. Doubting Thomas' need look at the eerie panel below, aghast with what I consider the best page in this issue!
The ensuing funerals and memorials bring the Marvel Universe out in sirens and condolences, with a much maligned yet pivotal antagonist even appearing to pay a much earned respect to Johnny! The lack of appearances of Lyja and Crystal of the Inhumans were two that would have meant a lot to me as a fan of this team, but Hickman tries to maintain a focus on the family...and he encapsulates this once again with Grimm taking out frustrations with the aid of a few powerhouse friends. It's no pun and is one of the most memorable points to this story of woe. The manner that Ben deals with his grief...is for lack of a better word...clobbering.
There's an impending sense of gloom and further worry when we see Val's concoctions for the near future and such machinations lend well to the credence of Hickman as he sets seeds upon seeds in those flow-charts of his and we know by now later on down the line (as with 'S.H.I.E.L.D.' and 'Secret Warriors' that all his loose threads intertwine and weave together nicely later on down the road). The think-tank known as the Future Foundation seems to have their eyes set on a certain semblance of revenge and Hickman's the god-sent choice to plot this.
Reed's ploys culminate when he assesses certain threats that he felt the responsibility to quell and it's a nice throwback to those who've endured Hickman's run and to those who are jumping on now and planning to enjoy the ride! It's a nice summary of catastrophe and a kaleidoscope of disaster. And if you want an unsuspecting climax, well let's just say that 'Daddy's Home'!!!
Hickman then uses Mark Brooks' art to scribe one of the most heart-felt and gut-wrenching features I've read as he uses Spiderman, team-mate and friend, of the Richards' family to attest the dire straits of Franklin Richards. It's endearing and a sweet gesture as Peter reminisces and dons the new role of Uncle! It's a simple tour as they scoot for a NY hot-dog run, but what emanates is a well-conceived act of goodwill by Spiderman and a much needed therapy session for Franklin. Even if you're not a fan of the issue, this feature is one that touches the human soul to the fullest degree and waives off any sense of cold within our hearts.
I leave with some material to get invested in below because the Future is both Tomorrow...as it is now! Remember...The Future Foundation...not only bodes a team...but it beckons a concept!
Many threads are dangling and need resolution and come March - FUTURE FOUNDATION # 1 hits stores...and Hickman/Epting are the best duo to continue telling the tale of Marvel's First Family!