Fantastic Four #511

Mark Waid // Mike Wieringo
May 2004
***

The explorers of heaven are invited to meet their maker, Jack Kirby. Waid lays the schmaltz on thick. It’s odd & a bit phony, since his M.O. on this mag isn’t very Kirby-esque. Waid’s more interested in emotional adversity than anything. Wieringo’s individual style, however, is its own homage to the king.

last issue: Fantastic Four #510
next issue: Fantastic Four #512

also indexed for May ’04
Daredevil #58
New X-Men #154
The Pulse #2
Thanos #7
Thanos #8

The Fantastic Four #10

Stan Lee // Jack Kirby
January 1963
****

Aside from a Lee/Kirby cameo, Mr F is the focus of #10, the first issue to feel truly original. Doom returns from space w/ the ability to swap minds. Now Reed must escape Doom’s body & save his pals from himself! Smarting over Sue’s crush on Namor, his loss of power almost works as a metaphor.

last issue: The Fantastic Four #9
next issue: The Fantastic Four #11

also indexed for Jan. ’63
The Incredible Hulk #5
Journey into Mystery #88: Thor