War Zone

I learned to relatively read late in a child's life around 4-5 years old, from a combination of the Old Testament and Marvel Comics. Both have remained close to my heart. I always had a warm feeling for the FF, probably because they seemed the most fallible of the super heroes, and yet somehow the most together, despite agonising personal issues. A bit, I suppose, like some in the Old Testament. Here we have one out of three new novels about them following the successful movie. That is one reason to be grateful for Hollywood. This, as with the other novels, adapts some elements of the movie into its characterisation. One has to accept that as a legitimate starting point otherwise the critique is of something other than the book. In fact, to write this book requires impressive continuity from both series. Greg Cox, of all three novelists, has the best feel for the characters' vernacular and personalities. I am slightly perplexed at some other reviews here but put this down mainly to his choice of villains and plot being less popular as they were not the most well known, as opposed to the skill in his writing which is terrific. The FF characters are not only well captured and sound to the ear authentic but they are evenly treated. Johnny Storm in particular reads-over well from the movie, which benefits his character enormously. There is a superb prolonged sequence when the Baxter Building defends itself well from a fierce attack. I won't reveal the attacker but it is an established FF foe of great power. The creativity in defence provides the durability one would expect of a building designed by a man of Reed Richards' supposed intellect and not the wishy washy sort of knock-overs we routinely read in the comics. (What is the point in having the world's most eminent scientist if he can't defend the building from Spider-Man? FF fans will know what I mean...) Greg Cox has a vivid descriptive power that brings his scenes to life. The plotting is lucid and skillfully paced, unfurling with mini-mysteries. Reed and Ben form a terrific partnership that is impressive in it's portrayal. What I do like in particular is Cox's introducing some brutality and blood-thirstiness, continued in this series by the next two authors, that transcends what comics used to feel they could safely display. This increased realism adds to the cinema of the brain that books - and comics - truly are. This is a cracking read. I've given it five stars for that reason, and not because it breaks new ground. I am really surprised to find it's not had better reviews from others but I think it will do eventually. After a life knowing the FF and thewir comics, and having read all three of these novels, I feel I can give that score honestly and as somebody who really cares about the characters and the stewardship of them for the future. As a published writer myself I hope Greg Cox, who is very accomplished, comes this way again. For me, at least, he stuck to the knitting and delive

War Zone was in my opion a good read.Some other reviews on this book have been bad, but was better then other marvel novels I've read.The bad guys in this book are common Villains in the F.Fs world and stay close to their story lines.I must admit that some parts were boring, but didn't last more than a few pages.I give this book a good review and would tell true F.Fs fans to read this book. I am a fan of the 1960s F.Fs comic and the newer comics of F.F and if you like them then you will like this book.

Fans of the FF will be pleased with this book, especially if you have been a fan for a long, long time. The writing closely relates to Stan Lee's style of the 60's & 70's but does stay current such as with Reed & Sue's children; Alicia no longer dating Ben, etc. I'm at a loss to all the negative reviews here. IMO, this book is enjoyable and offers a new direction for Marvel outside comics and cartoons (and of course the movies). I've been a fan of the FF since the 1970's and being an avid reader this was an enjoyable ride to remember my days of reading these comics and today being able to read more into their adventures. I'm waiting to read the next in this new series! Thanks Greg Cox! And thank you Marvel!