“FF” #9 Review

FF #9

Written By: Matt Fraction
Art By: Joe Quinones
 

FF #9 continues the series as the absolute delight it has been consistently, month-to-month. Fraction’s high-concept scripts, along with Allred and Quinones’ pop art-inspired visuals, combine to make a comic where anything can happen. But at the heart of all the craziness is an ensemble cast of genuine characters that never disappoint comedically, and continually grow.

This issue starts from the perspective of Bentley-23, who fills the role of the worst kind of young villain – an arrogant filmmaker. Bentley-23 films the Future Foundation’s trip to Julian Industries for a pool party, seeking to learn more about the Uhari race of Vil and Wu.

The situation proves that despite the cavalcade of alien races, the FF kids at heart, are just kids. They know how to inherently goof-off in a pool, and even the stoic Ahura shows off his cannonball powers.

The main plot point established is of Charles Cotta, an alien that was once helped by the Fantastic Four, who offers his technology to find them. Fraction welcomes obscure characters from the Four’s past, and in doing so, contributes to the insanity of the ensemble.

Quinones fills in once again for Allred, and seamlessly matches the tone of his work. Quinones sells the comedy in Vil and Wu’s fishy faces, and brings to life odd moments like Cotta releasing the intestine-shaped pink gas from his mouth, weaving it between panels.

FF #9 thematically matches previous issues in proving the commonalities between the diverse cast of characters. While there wasn’t an emotional punch, like any of the Scott Lang dream segments from other installments, the issue made up for it with an abundantly fun premise.

Score: 9.1/10