Review: Fantastic Four Epic Collection 23: Nobody Gets Out Alive
In my review of the previous volume, I said that Tom DeFalco’s ability to juggle different plots, subplots, tones, and character development reminded me of Chris Claremont’s Uncanny X-Men run, and Nobody Gets Out Alive only cements that feeling. This is such a great run that belongs in the top tier of Marvel comics.
One of my favorite parts of the DeFalco run is that even though the A-plot will typically run for 3-6 issues at a time, each one of the Fantastic Four also has their own B-plots, many of which began in the previous volume and carry on for the entirety of this Epic (Johnny’s constantly evolving relationship with Lyja, for example). The B-plots then will affect the character’s actions during the main plots, which, then, in turn, might inform the subplots. It’s very complex plotting, but it makes for a satisfying read, because it feels like the separate parts are working together in a cohesive and organic way.
These issues are also very good, especially compared to other Marvel titles in the 90’s, in the way that they feel connected to the larger Marvel universe without getting bogged down in constant crossovers or a parade of guest-stars. Both Namor and Ant-Man (Scott Lang) join the team, and there’s a 4-issue crossover with Namor, but otherwise Fantastic Four stands on its own.
It’s worth mentioning that the art once again looks fantastic, and Paul Ryan draws every issue in this volume, aside from the 2 issues of Namor and the Annual. One thing that Ryan does especially well is maintain a nice balance between the Image look that was in trend in the early 90’s and the more traditional Marvel house style of the 80’s.
The only real downside that I can say about Nobody Gets Out Alive is that I don’t think that it would stand very well on its own; DeFalco and Ryan try to offer recaps when they can, but there’s so much going on that you need to have read the This Flame, This Fury (FF 22). To be fair, it’s not convoluted in the way that so many comics were in the 90’s, but I can’t imagine coming into this volume as a new reader.
My only other complaint is that the next volume has yet to be announced. Although I’m a big Fantastic Four fan, I hadn’t ever read any of the DeFalco run prior to this year, and, heretical as this may sound to some, it’s shaping into my favorite FF run ever. I can’t wait to see if DeFalco and Ryan can keep the title at this level, because, if so, I can read this all day.
