Ultimate Fantastic Four #54 - Marvel

Well, in the aftermath of the whole "cosmic-cube" thing, we've got a few things going on. First, and foremost, is the tension between Reed and Sue. He did some things, while working on the cube, that would be unforgivable in most relationships. Fortunately, or unfortunately, theirs is not a "normal" relationship. As their lives or their experiences are nowhere near "normal" either. So, to distance herself, Sue has gone to Oregon, at the request of Josie, to investigate what looks like a giant egg that's been hatched some 2 miles underground. We don't get a whole lot of details this issue, other than we see that something has followed Sue back to the Baxter Building. Reed has delved back in to his various experiments, and Johnny and Ben are up to some of thier usual shenanigans. On top of all this, SHIELD has sent in a social psychologist, Col. Agatha Harkness, to talk to Doctor Storm. "I'm here to review your program and report back to SHIELD. A report on fitness for purpose. My goal is to optimize this facility to meet the needs of its young assets. I'm sure you'll agree . . . it's time they were taken in hand." She begins sessions with everyone. To say they're suspicious, or aprehensive, would be under-stating it. But, for now, they have to go along with the process. Although when it comes to Johnny, it seems as if Dr. Harkness is taking a special interest. We don't really know if this is real . . or if she's just playing him. Also, in thier abscence, Salem has gotten it's own group of super-heroes . . the Salem Seven. At the end of the issue, when the FF go to investigate a local occurance the Seven are there. "We are the Seven. And this crisis belongs to us." It doesn't look like they're going to get off on the right foot together. Mike Carey writes this series, and Tyler Kirkman is illustrating the current story. Mike, I think, has done a fantastic job with this series. He's really secured this group firmly within the Ultimate Universe. The artists change with every chapter. Tyler isn't one of my favorites, but he definitely has talent. In the long-run, it's nice to have different people's interpretations of the team.