A fascinating mini-series, but not without its' flaws. Sebastian Girner seems to have a detailed knowledge of samurai-era Japan, and incorporates man A fascinating mini-series, but not without its' flaws. Sebastian Girner seems to have a detailed knowledge of samurai-era Japan, and incorporates many themes of the time into his story: family rivalry, disputes between clans, the role of women as tools in a male-dominated society. Add a hefty mix of political intrigue, deceit, manipulation, and trickery - - flavor with some unexpected but well-done supernatural side-plots - - making for compelling reading. Sad to say that as ambitious as this is, it falls down somewhat in execution. The story would have benefited for a more-insightful editor providing direction. For one, the story hops around from past to present without notice, sometimes in the middle of a battle, and tends to pull me out of the story until I can sort out when the scene actually occurs. There are plenty of twists in the story, but it would have benefited from a bit more clarity. Also, the art, while it has its moments of bloody brilliance, is uneven - - especially in the depiction of female characters who all seem to have the same face. The only way you can identify them is by their clothing or when they are addressed by name in the dialogue. A noble effort overall, but this could have been so much more....more
This is a fun read with alternate versions of familiar characters set during the days of William Shakespeare, who plays an important role within the This is a fun read with alternate versions of familiar characters set during the days of William Shakespeare, who plays an important role within the story. However, it's more of a throwback to the early 1960's adventures of the Fantastic Four than it is something brand new and fresh like the original work by Neil Gaiman was. The FF act exactly like the FF of old, with Doctor Doom, the Frightful Four, Sandman, and Namor also reprising their roles albeit in period-looking costume. The only significant difference is with Medusa, who now has the ability to turn folks to stone with her gaze (like the original figure of Greek mythology). The story has a few twists to keep things interesting and include some subtle comments on the more selfish impulses of humanity. However, it pales in comparison to the original Marvel Knights MARVEL 1602 eight-issue 2003-2004 maxi-series from Neil Gaiman and Andy Kubert. That work was fresh and magical, and presented familiar Marvel characters in an entirely different light. MARVEL 1602: FANTASTICK FOUR reads more like an alternate/what if FF story. While I did enjoy it, I couldn't help making those comparisons and wishing this to be more like the original. I believe the old adage "too much of a good thing . . ." applies here. MARVEL 1602 was spun off into six mini-series. I suspect the others may be like this one, entertaining reads but lacking the magic. ...more
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