FANTASTIC FOUR #250
(Cover by John Byrne and Terry Austin)
Published and © by Marvel, Jan. 1981
“X-Factor”
Synopsis: The Gladiator! The X-Men (apparently)! Captain America! Spider-Man! And, of course, the Fantastic Four! This one’s a battle royal.
Writer: John Byrne
Penciler: Byrne
Inker: Byrne
Review: As a kid, this issue was a major disappointment. Your Comics Bronze Age editor hadn’t yet gotten over John Byrne’s departure from X-Men, and it’s apparent very early on that Marvel’s merry mutants aren’t really guest-starring this issue. But, in retrospect, it’s a very fun read. It lacks the depth and plot twists of Byrne’s best FF stories, but this all-out-battle issue is well choreographed (something Byrne is generally very good at). Art wise, Byrne’s figure drawing and storytelling remain strong, but his detailed backgrounds are fast becoming a thing of the past; they aren’t essential, but are missed.
Grade: A-
Second opinions: “… this doesn’t quite knock it out of the park in the way you might hope … 7/10.” — Matt C, Paradox Comics Group. … “… worth mentioning …” — The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition). … “… an entertaining yarn …” — Tony Isabella, Tony’s Online Tips.
Cool factor: It’s Byrne drawing the X-Men. Sigh.
Not-so-cool factor: Oh, those aren’t the X-Men.
Character quotable: “You waste words. Crush him quickly!” — Cyclops. (Wait, that doesn’t sound like Cyclops … .)
Collected in:
I still find it a little disappointing, at least plot-wise. The visuals are incredible and I guess it’s okay every once in a while for Byrne to have put the art first and writing second.