The combination of Mark Waid and Neal Adams together on a comic alone is something that catches my interest. While Waid has tackled the Fantastic Four before, Fantastic Four: Antithesis is the first time Adams has taken on Marvel’s first family. Unfortunately, Fantastic Four: Antithesis #1 doesn’t quite excite enough to match the build up of these two titans teaming up on a series.

Much of Fantastic Four: Antithesis #1 is a set up for what and when this take on the Fantastic Four takes place. It’s a “retro” story in that it’s quite some time ago when Franklin and Valeria are young kids. And the fact it takes place some time ago is possibly the most intriguing part of it.

After a battle with Annihilus the team is faced with a threat of an object hurtling to Earth and specifically New York City. The team has to spring to action to save the city and from there, it’s a mystery that gets the series really moving.

There’s nothing terribly bad with Fantastic Four: Antithesis #1 but there’s also nothing terribly exciting either. Waid’s writing is reminiscent to his past runs on the series with a “classic” feel to the team. His style for the series has more in common with runs from the 80s and earlier than in recent years.

Adams art, with ink by Mark Farmer and color by Laura Martin, is fine as well. The character features that “Adams” style and he gives some sweeping visuals that bring excitement to Waid’s story. But, like the story itself, the visual again feel a bit like a throwback. The art is a bit better than recent outings from Adams with DC but it’s definitely not the Adams of the past.

Fantastic Four: Antithesis #1 is just fine. After the first issue, the comic feels like it’d be a much better read as a graphic novel than monthly release. There’s a throwback quality to it that’s fun and having a story that doesn’t feel like it immediately impacts the modern Marvel continuity is nice. It’s that standalone that’s not quite one. It comes off as a shelved script that Waid didn’t work into his run on the series.

While not bad, Fantastic Four: Antithesis #1 is one for the hardcore Waid and Adams fans.

Story: Mark Waid, Neal Adams Art: Neal Adams
Ink: Mark Farmer Color: Laura Martin Letterer: Joe Caramagna
Story: 7.0 Art: 7.0 Overall: 7.0 Recommendation: Read

Marvel provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Purchase: comiXology – Kindle – Zeus Comics