BEAUOLOGY 101: fantastic FOURWARD

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Beau Smith-The only family You Need.

by beau Smith

Is there really anything wrong with being older?

Understand, there’s a difference between being older and being elderly. Not everyone you know in your life is really young, just as everyone you know isn’t really ancient. Why can’t mainstream comic books give us, the readers, some top tier characters that hover around the age of say, 50?

The ageless fantastic Four. Art by Jack Kirby.

In my opinion, a great place to start this would be The fantastic Four. The fantastic Four, once the flagship characters for marvel Comics, the springboard for other major characters such as The Black Panther, The Silver Surfer, The Inhumans, Galactus, The Sub-Mariner, as well as iconic villains such as The Frightful Four, The Red Ghost, The Mole Man, The Puppet Master, and the once Alpha super villain of all, doctor Doom. To me, The fantastic four should be the elder statesmen of the marvel Universe, by that, they should be the known as the first regular humans that received super powers in the marvel Universe. I see nothing wrong with Reed Richards being 50 years old, sue Richards hovering around 45, Ben Grimm, being a college pal of Reed’s should be around the 50 year mark, and Johnny storm coming in around 30-35 years old. Franklin Richards could represent the younger end of the FF at say, 17 years old.

Reed Richards – inventor and so much more. Art by Jack Kirby.

The fantastic four should be the group that has “seen it all” in the marvel Universe. They should be the ones that up and comers should come to for advice, tips, and insights. other more established heroes should see the FF as respected peers that can always be counted on. Reed Richards should be the mind that never sees limits with what can be done or invented. I remember Reed Richards more of an inventor than just a scientist. His work ethic when the chips were down was what made him always come through when things seemed so dark. He never gave up and would always put his own safety aside to save others. Reed harkens back to when a man could be a scientist, an explorer, a warrior, an inventor, and a family man and still have room to grow.

Sue shields herself, Reed, and Ben. Art by Jack Kirby.

Sue Richards has always been the protector of The fantastic Four, much like her invisible force shield, she protects the family in so many ways. She was always the leash that would pull Reed back when he would get too close to the edge, either with work or self sacrifice. She protected Johnny not only from his impulsive ways, but from his own powers as well. Where The Hulk could crush Ben Grimm’s arm, she could never shatter Ben’s fighting spirit. Ben’s own tragic dealings with remaining a “monster” in order to help others, the person that kept Ben from going too far down into his own self darkness was Sue. She was the rope that pulled him back to the top. She was the voice of reason, not only in The fantastic Four, but within the marvel universe as well. She wasn’t empowered by others; she was self-empowered. sue Richards should always be the model to other women in the marvel universe on how to be strong and caring regardless of gender or super power

The Fantastically funny Four. Art By Jack Kirby.

Johnny Storm, impulsive, yes, reckless, at times, but his core fire has always been stoked by those around him. He has learned to use the strengths of his fellow family members and injects them into his own life. Johnny storm has prospered from the example teachings of his sister, his brother-in-law, and his “Uncle” Ben. Johnny storm has grown, and knows that he still has more growing to do. He also realizes that he needs to be a living example to his young nephew, Franklin.

Ben Grimm-Funny guy and The other end Of The Joke.

Ben Grimm should not only be the muscle of The fantastic Four, but also the heart. Some on the outside see him as a pit bull, all muscle and ferocity, but in reality he is much more, he is the heart of the fantastic Four. like a family guard dog, Ben Grimm will do everything he can to protect his family. Ben should also regain his place as the sense of humor for The fantastic Four. I always believed that The thing and Spider-Man were the most enjoyable heroes to listen to in an all out fight with a bad guy. From Paste Pot Pete to doctor Doom, nobody could keep up with these two wisecrackers. I believe they were/are inspirations for the battle humor of today’s funny guy-Deadpool.

The fantastic four attend their movie premiere. Art by Jack Kirby.

I don’t mean for this column to be a nostalgic tribute to The fantastic Four, I mean it to be a suggestion to what the fantastic four could be again for The marvel Universe. everyone screams for more diversity in comic books. Well, this is a perfect opportunity to enrich and expand it with The fantastic Four. let other newcharacters spring from new fantastic four stories. let The fantastic four be the foster family for new character to rise above. let The fantastic four be all they can be. It’s not complicated, it’s brilliant in it’s simplicity – let The fantastic four be the first family of The marvel Universe. I promise, if you do, the success will be reflected in the fantastic four the world will see in film as well, and we all know, if the film is a hit, then the comic book will reap rewards as well.

Don’t get me wrong, being 18 years old is great. There’s a lot to look forward to and learn, but 50 and older, you know a lot and look forward to learning more.

It’s not just The fantastic Four…It’s The fantastic FourWARD!

Your experienced amigo,

Beau Smith

The flying Fist Ranch

@BeauSmithRanch