Editor’s note: This review was originally published on Feb. 2, 2009.
WHAT IF? #6
(Cover by Rick Hoberg)
Published and © by Marvel, Dec. 1977
[Buy from Mile High]
“What If the Fantastic Four Had Different Super Powers?”
Synopsis: Cosmic rays give birth to a team of heroes known as the Fantastic Four: Big Brain, Dragonfly, Mandroid and Ultra-Woman!
Writer: Roy Thomas
Pencilers: Jim Craig and Rick Hoberg
Inker: Sam Grainger
Review: Alternate takes on classic stories and characters are like crack to comic-book fans. And, for many years, Roy Thomas was the form’s preeminent dealer. His deep knowledge of continuity provided a firm foundation, while his love of such tales imbued his efforts with energy. A prime example is What If? #6, featuring Thomas’ remix of Marvel’s first family. This foursome is fantastic in their own right, with well-thought-out powers and a strong team dynamic. The art is solid, too, though a mid-issue switch of pencilers is jarring. While most What If? worlds were clearly throwaways, this one deserved another visit.
Grade: A-
Cool factor: Big Brain’s Baxter Building full of pneumatic tubes is soooo Reed Richards.
Notable: This adventure took place on Earth-7712.
Character quotable: “It is counter to Latverian protocol to mock one’s betters!” — Doctor Doom
Collected in: What If? Classic Vol. 1 TPB [Buy from Mile High]
I loved What-If as a lad, and this issue stands out in my mind as a favorite.