Remember the good old days of comics? When every 3 issues our favorite Super Heroes were fighting a new threat, or when Captain America happily punched Hitler in the face? Well I’m only 18 so no not really, but you comic veterans out there definitely should, and as for me I just dream of the good times. But recently on Comicdorkscast, the dorks and I discussed the current run of Fantastic Four, written by Jonathan Hickman, and how this book has brought back an old familiar writing formula and given it a new post modern twist. We all know the equation: team is presented with a problem, team makes a plan, team goes and clobbers problem, happy ending, fan mail, simple and beautiful, just what comic readers love.

Hickman is doing a “fantastic” (couldn't help myself sorry guys) job on this book, along with his partner in crime, artist Dale Eaglesham, who has been nothing short of amazing when it comes to bringing Hickman's scripts to life. The new modern age of comics, we the fans have come across some edgy stories that continue to break from the norm. Books like The Boys, and Walking Dead have certainly made clear that the images and themes used in comic storytelling can occasionally attempt visual assault on the reader. Yes, these books are compelling and moving plotlines, and of course we love reading them, but miss feeling that humanity is something worth being a part of. When’s the last time we saw Superman smile in WONK? Does anyone remember when Green Lanterns weren’t fighting an impending doom? Or Norman Osborn wasn’t trying to ruin the world? Yea me neither… Its that continuing feeling that evil is winning the fight over the good that keeps me wanting something different.

Hickman has accomplished the challenging task of telling a deep and complex story without the use of an extensive 6 issue story arc, once again through the one and only Fantastic Four. This latest issue, #576, the team discovered and underwater civilization of Atlanteans underneath a frozen lake, in Antarctica and upon arriving find that these creatures are intelligent and seek diplomacy with humanity. Text book comic, 22 pages, awesome story, not to mention Eaglesham’s art is so well done Hickman gave him several pages of no text, where we watch the stories action told through panel-by-panel penciled awesomeness. This is the kind of book that doesn’t get nearly as much credit it deserves, Come on people, who doesn’t want to walk into their local fantasy shop, exchange pleasantries with their favorite comics and gaming staff, pick up a new issue, and read a book that delivers its story on Wednesday and not next week, or 6 weeks from then?

The comic universe in its entirety is way too hooked on the next big event, or the latest crisis, (Not to say I don’t love what’s going down with the big guys DC and Marvel at the moment) but when is enough, enough? How long do we have to watch the world get attacked and torn to shreds so we can enjoy reading again? Hickman is telling the world that even though a shadow may be falling, our heroes can still fight the good fight in the glorious fashion of the Golden days with the depth and power of 21^st century writing. So go check out Hickman’s Fantastic Four, and see if you feel the sam way, trust your Dorks, you will not be disappointed. Donut out…