While Fantastic Four annual #2 was divided into two stories in the issue; they go together so well that reviewing them separately would do the volume injustice. The first story titled “the fantastic origin of Doctor Doom!” Deals with Dr. Doom’s backstory, as we have never seen it before this issue. It is in these pages that we are first exposed to his nation Latveria, as well as get a true look  at exactly what makes Dr. doom the villain that he is.

The second-story’s title is “the final victory of Dr. Doom”  and it is a fitting follow-up to the opening tale. Although it is not without its criticisms that are discussed in more depth below.

Artwork

the drawing as well as the lines in this issue where top notch. In both stories as well as in the pin-ups in between, I am offered little to be disappointed with. One of my favorite panels was with the Fantastic Four and the banquet hall of the embassy. This panel offers an incredible amount of detail to be enjoyed.

Characters & Development

There can be no doubt that there was significant development in Fantastic Four Annual #2. From the 1st appearance of the nation Latveria, with retroactively including it in Dr.Doom’s -now enhanced- backstory . Then making Dr. Dooms monarchy A key part in the second story. We effectively have the introduction of the key part of the Marvel universe. In fact Latveria may be one of the greatest things to come out of this issue.

Not every story hook in this issue is one that made a lasting impression. The suggestion that Dr. Doom and Rama-Tut are the same person (or at least they believe they are) never seemed to stick. Although that largely could be due to the significant fault of logic that leads to that allows conclusion by the characters. I in fact astounds me that to the tool characters come to that conclusion. To quote the there conversation:

“You mean you yourself might have traveled to the 25th century… taken my name… and you might actually Be me?” Rama-Tut

“Or perhaps during one of your trips to the mast, you became the gypsy who became doctor Doom! we could be the same man, living in two different ages!” Dr. Doom

While the idea of them being the same man does not greatly defy typical comic book logic. The idea that neither one of them couldn’t know for certain that this is the case – without any reasonable explanation as to why – does surpass my suspended disbelief.  In fact I  consider quite fortunate to only three pages of this epic tale are wasted on the suggestion of the connection between the two villains.

Originality & Continuity

“The fantastic Origin Of Doctor Doom!” fits in wonderfully with the already  established backstory of the villain. Then despite my already fore mentioned character flaws, the second story is up to all reasonable expectations of continuity. It also offers a battle of wits between Mr. Fantastic and Dr. Doom that feels quite original. In some ways the biggest flaw here is Dr. Doom falling for the same trick -in a way- that he used on the Fantastic Four earlier.

Story

Collectively this story is an exceptional comic book, offering a grand story in its own ways had an everlasting effect on the Marvel universe. While my issues with this volume Will keep me from calling a masterpiece, I am far from unhappy with the overall story.