Review: Fantastic Four #70

If anyone ever doubted Mark Waid's direction with Doctor Doom, they need to read this issue and then seriously reassess their criticisms. Poking fun at Doom's new armor aside, Waid's redirection with Doom is nothing short of phenomenal. It's astounding

My serious reading goes back to 1980. I read here and there previous to that, but didn't really get into it full time until early 1980. Now since then I have read back issues and such, but not a full run of any particular comic. Perhaps you could list a particular story-arc or number of issues you think might refute my claim? I'd be happy to keep an open mind.

I was most impressed with the last story arc reproduced in 'Essential Fantastic Four Vol. 2,' guest starring Daredevil. (I think it was issues 39 and 40, but I could be wrong.) To be honest, I wouldn't say that he ever seemed like Reed's equal to me, either. The narration says they're equal, but when it takes Reed 15 minutes to figure out how to defuse a plan Doom spent months putting together, they don't come across as even being close to equal.

Hehe.

I think what I most respect about Waid's work with Doom, is the psychological changes he's introduced to the character. Yes, he's always been Reed's nemesis, but I can't recall him ever being so cruel, so calculating. So devoid of human emotion. He always had a sense of honor surrounding him, but that line has seemingly been erased. He's been made into something larger than he was. At least in my recollection.

honor?[/quote]

Even now he has a code of honor he's following. He gave a means to Reed, that would allow him to escape from prison. Not that what passes for honor now, is what he might have followed previously

Ah, but Doom's code of honor was always defined by convenience. Waid expressed this very well in a fanboy rado interview, IMO.