I've never seen anything like this book. It is a full-volume, total deconstruction of a single issue of a single comic book series. That series is Fantastic Four and that issue is number one. Maximum Fantastic Four was actually put together by designer Paul Sahre who takes the pages of the debut issue of the FF and breaks it down into individual panels and sets of panels allowing each image to shimmer in new and curious ways. The intention seems clearly to make the reader confront the story again for the first time, to demand that the reader focus on a tale which has likely grown all too familiar with time and repetition. And speaking as a reader who has encountered the debut issue many times, I have to say it works. For a closer look check out this link.
In addition to this novel way of transmitting the classic tale by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee we get some extras. Walter Mosely is a mystery writer of some repute who spearheaded the production of this volume and who discusses his own ardor for the early days of the Fantastic Four. He first met the team with its fifteenth issue but soon became a fan. Also we have a piece by Mark Evanier who puts the development of the significant debut into historical and personal perspective. Also included is the infamous typed plot summary by Stan Lee. In the never ending battle among fanboys about the contributions of these two titans, this has been the strongest evidence for Stan's case, while the comic itself always argued best for Jack's.
If you have not seen this one, I recommend it. Like me, I imagine most everyone who'd happen on this review has read Fantastic Four #1, perhaps many times. Here's a good chance to read it again like never before.
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I bought this book back when it first came out, and though interesting, there were a few things that disappointed me. First, the binding. It feels as if the spine will crack and the pages come loose unless one is incredibly careful with it. Second, the layout is a bit chaotic, with some panels printed on their sides over a double-page spread, when the right way around on a single page would've served them perfectly well. Third, some panels are cropped, as is the lettering in some instances, and there's even one panel that is spread over three pages, meaning that the reader has to turn the page to complete his view of it. It could've been so much better with a little more thought, and I wish Marvel would ask me to rearrange the panel layouts to improve the reading experience. I actually thought that the book's imperfections were more likely to impede the reader than enable him to enjoy the story in a 'new' way. Essentially, it's a novelty gimmick, and not one that works. The essays are interesting, but the book needs redesigned.
ReplyDeleteForgot to mention that one panel is sized in such a way that it would've easily fitted on one page, but is instead spread over two with the spine running through the middle of it. Consequently, the panel is dwarfed by the amount of blank space around it, suggesting that the layout was chosen more to spread the book out over a greater number of pages than it was to best serve the presentation of each individual panel.
DeleteYour criticisms are well considered. I don't think the new arrangements impede the fresh reading though, I agree a few panels seem oddly placed at times. The spinning of the book to read some of them is part of the new experience I think.
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Well, I'm with Kid, but even more so.
ReplyDeleteA comic book is a continuity project,
and taking every single item out of
context simply doesn't work for me.
D.D.Degg