Originally Posted by
Crimz
There needs to be change. The FF books for too long have been coasting on what Lee/Kirby did and barely developing the team or creating new adventures/threats. They've stagnated in many ways. Like when was the last time any of them used their powers in a creative and new way? It's a small thing, but important in these kind of books. The current run is too focused on the domestic aspect of the team and not in an interesting way. In doing so it has neglected the other important characteristics of what makes the FF - cosmic adventure and super heroics.
Other books are leaving them in the dust. The X-Men shouldn't be having more cosmic adventures and stories than the Fantastic Four. Venom's previous book had more of an impact and influence on the Marvel universe than the FF have had in years. Hickman was the last to give them stories that effected more than just what was in the FF book.
Their powers seem to be at the bottom of the list of things writers care to develop. The only exception is Sue at times because that is the only development she ever gets.
There was a time Ben was considered one of the big guns in the MU alongside Hulk, and while Hulk maintained his status Ben has fallen.
You used to often see Reed contort his body in unique and interesting ways, but now he just pulls an invention out of his ass and stretches.
Johnny's nova used to be his last resort that was compared to the sun, but now it's an attack most shrug off and leaves him unconscious and useless.
Sue usually escapes this pitfall as, like I've said above, power developments is the only thing she gets. But Slott's run doesn't even give her that. This has been the most ineffectual she's been in a long time.
Things need to change because the team has been lacking for a while now, even before Slott.