1987 - Fantastic Four vs. the X-Men

Fantastic Four vs. the X-Men (4 issue miniseries)
Feb 1987 - June 1987
Writer: Chris Claremont
Artists: Jon Bogdanove and Terry Austin

This series took place after the Mutant Massacre story line (circa Uncanny X-Men #209-213).

The X-Men seek out Reed Richard of the Fantastic Four to help restore Kitty to her human form. However, Reed can’t help because he’s too distracted by an internal conflict among the Fantastic Four. One of his old journals surfaces with evidence that he planned the exposure to the cosmic rays that gave the Fantastic Four their powers. The X-Men are then forced to turn to Dr. Doom, who conveniently shows up and is able to help. The Fantastic Four get their act together and confront Doom, which leads to a battle with the X-Men. The battle comes to an end as Kitty’s condition worsens and Reed and Doom work together to save her.

While Bogdanove did a decent job with the art, his style was a bit too cartoony. However, Terry Austin did a miraculous job with the inking and made the overall art impressive. His fine detailed inks solidified Bogdanove’s simple style.

The most notable part of this miniseries was Claremont’s story and characterization. The Fantastic Four took center stage in this series and were treated in the usual Claremont fashion that we’ve come to know in The Uncanny X-Men. He focused on a key character trait that made each member of the Fantastic Four who they are. This technique worked surprisingly well. Although it may have something to do with the fact that it was applied to the Fantastic Four rather than the X-Men and seemed fresh.