Jamess Take on FF #60 and Agent X#2

Some brief thoughts on Fantastic Four #60 and Agent X #2.

S P O I L E R

S P A C E

FF #60- I've never really read FF before, oh I've sampled a few issues here and there but basically was just never really interested in it. Yet for 9 cents, and the fact that Waid and Ringo just seemed so enthusiastic about the book at Heroes Con, I decided to give it a try.

It was nice to see the origin recapped so well for readers like myself, I knew a little of it, but still appreciated seeing the basics once again.

The story telling method of using an outside character to introduce readers to the characters is a good idea. Though at first I wasn't sure how well it was working, as while I liked the 'new reader perspective' character, I wasn't really getting much out of the FF characters themselves.

The 'don't make me turn this car around' bit especially seemed fairly forced, and not very funny. So I was starting to look at the book as yet another not for me experience.

Yet as the book went along I started getting a better appreciation for the characters slowly but surely. Though I didn't realize it had actually happened until the end when Reed was having the talk with this daughter. It had snuck up on me that quickly which surprised me, as it was so subtly done.

For the first time I actually saw Reed as a character, and not magic plot device provider. The reason given for there being a FF was very interesting, and something new that I hadn't thought of before.

I can't say that I'm hooked yet, but I am interested enough to give it another try next issue. Especially if Waid promises not to write any more rap lyrics.

AGENT X #2- Wow a story involving the Punisher that I liked, I don't recall that ever happening before. Anyway off of him, Agent X is just a really fun book. I normally don't like books about weird pyschos who go around trying to kill people, but somehow Gail makes it hilariously good fun.

I do wish that the artist would draw Agent X and Higashi a little more different though. I have to pause everytime the scenes and characters change, as X's scars and Higashi's tattoos aren't that different looking. Add in their body types and hairless heads, makes the similarities even more jarring. (though maybe there is a plot reason for it)

Still I'm not reading this for the art anyway, as the plots so far have been very enjoyable. Gail's dialogue is fluid, and her wit has me laughing out loud in spots. (especially the next to last page this issue)

Humor is something hard to do in comics, yet so far she seems to be setting up her jokes well, and she hasn't gone completely overboard either. (thereby making the book a joke)

Quick question though. Has the Outlaw character been seen anywhere else before? I really liked her and hope we'll see mor eof her down the road.

Outisde of Gail's first two issues (which I liked but never saw any of the issues afterward), i never read Deadpool. Yet it hasn't been necessary so far with this series.

I actually hope there aren't many ties made to DP, as I'm really looking forward to learning more about Alex Hayden, Sandy, and Taskmaster as they are now. If Gail keeps the fun coming like this, then I'll be reading for some time to come.

'James Schee' wrote : Quick question though. Has the Outlaw character been seen anywhere else : before? I really liked her and hope we'll see mor eof her down the road. :

Outlaw showed up in Gail's Deadpool issues, hasn't been around before then.