Dan Slott is accompanied by big names in the third compilation volume in its time in Fantastic Four, a deluxe volume published by Panini Comics in the Marvel Deluxe line
The reader already knows what awaits him when he opens one of the comics. 4 Fantastic signed by Dan Castello: chaos, humor, science fiction pulp and lots and lots of family heart. In the third volume of the line Marvel Deluxe who publishes Panini Comics We get a particularly fun section in the screenwriter’s scene, with interplanetary weddings, resurrections, mischievous villains, portals that threaten to swallow universes and, above all, that feeling that the First Family From Marvel Comics It is made for excess. The volume comes to us with the title of Marvel Deluxe. Fantastic Four 3 – The Eternal Portal by Dan Slott.
universes collide
The plot that gives the volume its title revolves around a mysterious portal that connects different realities and times, and which transforms the lives of both Reed Richards and his family as the balance of the multiverse. Mr. Fantastic try to understand everything, Sue Richards try to maintain a minimum of family sanity, and Johnny Storm Yes BenGrimm They end as always: in the midst of disaster, but with style.
In this section we will have fast dialogue, crazy ideas and a sense of adventure that reminds us of the good times of Stan Lee Yes Jack Kirbybut filtered by a modern rhythm. This story arc gives us a narrative excuse to talk about exploration, the unknown, and that drive for curiosity that has always defined these characters. And nothing more classic than this. But if there’s something Dan Slott can’t be accused of, it’s that he doesn’t know the history of the comic perfectly. The House of Ideas.
Doctor Doom is getting married
But in reality the most notable arc of this volume is, if only for its initial approach, the one in which Victor von Doom gets married Only Slott could construct a story that begins with the villain sincerely in love, ready to put his grudge behind him, and ends with the most glorious disaster possible. But everything is doomed to failure as we see at the end of the first issue what is probably the most uncomfortable and inappropriate proposal in history Marvel Comics.
After announcing his commitment to Zora Vukovicalso known as Victorioushis faithful general and protégé, the story proceeds until Zora’s slip-up with Johnny Storm raises the tension to unsuspected levels. The wedding turns into a war and the romantic drama is intertwined with chaos and destruction. It’s an exaggerated story, yes, but delightful in its excess. Slott handles the tone masterfully, alternating between humor and tragedy without creaking. Johnny appears more human than ever, Doom more theatrical than a villain William Shakespeareand readers enjoy the show with a guilty smile.
Plus there’s a curious nod: the bow plays with that tradition “grandes bodas marvelitas” that always end badly, from Reed and Sue to Peter Parker Yes Mary Jane Watsonand he does it with an irony that is appreciated. There’s no obvious moral, but there’s a sense that deep down, no matter how much power they have, the characters are still vulnerable to their own feelings.
The heart behind the show
The best thing about the volume, though, isn’t the portals or the impossible marriages, but the way Slott continues to delve deeper into family dynamics. Reed and Sue, after many years, function as the moral axis of the group. His dialogues are simple but full of affection and complicity. Johnny goes through a small personal crisis, more emotional than heroic, and Ben is once again the soul of the team, the boy who defends his people without thinking too much, but who knows more than he seems.
There is also room for Franklin Richards and his sister Valeria Richardsthe prodigy children of the clan, and their space is made to reflect on identity and self-esteem. Indeed, one of the great successes of this section is that, among the fireworks displays, there are very genuine moments of humanity, whether it is a conversation between brothers, a dinner gone wrong or an awkward silence after an argument. Slott doesn’t forget that this group works best when it resembles a real family, not a team of perfect superheroes.
Talent in drawing
In the graphics section, the volume is a feast for the eyes. We will not only appreciate people with the talent of R.B. Silva or Paco Medinabut we will also have a couple of issues drawn by two of the best artists you can find. One is a classic, Giovanni Romita Jr.and the other has been doing it for years but has only recently started to be recognized as the big star that he is: Javier Rodriguez. As for Silva and Medina, both are a guarantee of energy and dynamism. Each page is alive, with bold framing and expressive figures. Silva shines above all in the scenes with cosmic backgrounds and impossible geometries, while Medina, on the other hand, shines more in the human part, in the discussions, gestures and looks between the characters.
The color deserves a special mention. The tones of Mars Grace and company balance the contrasts between bright scenes (battles, laboratory, space) and more intimate moments very well, with soft and warm palettes. It’s an attention-grabbing comic, and in the Marvel Deluxe format it’s even more enjoyable. The paper, printing and format enhance the spectacular nature of the double pages.
A party with fireworks
This third volume is, above all, pure fun. It has everything you expect from the First Family: impossible science, comedy, romance, adventures and domestic squabbles. But it also has heart. Slott understands these characters. He knows that the key lies not in the villains or the infinite portals, but in how the protagonists face the chaos together. And while its tone can sometimes be light-hearted or melodramatic, it’s this mix that makes it work.
Is it the best stage in the group’s history? No. Maybe it’s not even a particularly noteworthy comic. Is it an enjoyable read that leaves you wanting more? Decidedly. Furthermore, this volume presents one of the most memorable arcs of the entire scene, that of Doom’s wedding, which alone justifies its purchase.
Him tome published by Panini Comics In hard cover it contains 352 color pages with a format of 17 x 26 cm. and includes the translation of the American edition of issues 25 to 35 of the regular series The Fantastic Four, In addition to all the covers of the included issues, an introduction written by Pedro Monje and at the end a large gallery of variant covers. The recommended retail price is €42 and it went on sale in August 2025.
Marvel Deluxe. Fantastic Four 3 – The Eternal Portal by Dan Slott
A new era for the Fantastic Four. New artist (none other than R.B. Silvathe artist of Powers of), new villains, new uniforms and a new situation for The First Family. Then comes the most important link in the history of the Marvel Universe. Much more important than that flimsy marriage between Reed Richards and that other woman. This is the wedding of our beloved leader, Victor Von Muerte. Attendance is mandatory under penalty of death. Also: The entire Kang lineage sets out to destroy each of the Fantastic Four’s eras, when sixty years of The Fantastic Four 1 United States.
Authors: RB Silva, Luca Maresca, Paco Medina, Dan Slott, John Romita Jr., Juanan Ramírez, Paul Renaud, Mark Waid, Zé Carlos and Javier Rodríguez
