“Kang, that’s NOT how you pick up women!”
Fantastic Four #323
Marvel Comics (February, 1989)
“Orphan Of The Storm” WRITER: Steve Englehart PENCILER: Keith Polland INKER: Rmeo Tanghal COLORIST: George Roussos LETTERER: Ghastly J. Workman EDITOR: Ralph Macchio
During the “Inferno” event, Johnny, Ms. Marvel, and the Thing (currently the only members of the Fantastic “Four”) are on patrol when they find Mantis being attacked by parking meters. After that “epic” fight, Mantis seeks the FF’s help in recovering her son and reveals she no longer has the powers of the Celestial Madonna. Then Kang shows up, hoping to use the powers Mantis no longer has to awaken a Celestial. The FF follow Kang to California to rescue Mantis but she disappears during the battle and Johnny’s power issues nearly kills him and damages Kang’s ship. Also, a rouge watch name Aron is plotting the next event and some apparition is also watching both Aron and Johnny.
What they got right: The art is pretty good.
What they got wrong: I’m not sure when the editorial mandates started affecting Englehart’s story but there is way too much going on, and none of it involves the Inferno going on in New York except for the attacking parking meters, the rooftops all on fire, and Torch’s power issues, which apparently isn’t affected by moving away from New York. Kang goes on about all the other Kangs, and it made my head hurt. Then there’s the bit with Aron and Dragon Man that feels forced in there. There’s just too much stuffed in here. Also the story title makes no sense to me.
Recommendation: Like I said, I don’t know if this is when Englehart was having trouble with the editors so I don’t know who to blame for what. All I can say is this story loses me more than once and beyond my lack of interest in the Fantastic Four I really can’t push for this comic.
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