Unspoken Issues #162 - Fantastic Force #1

This week on Unspoken Issues, the poll loser becomes the poll winner as the crew dives into 1994’s Fantastic Force #1 — a shiny, gimmick-cover slice of peak ‘90s Marvel experimentation. Born out of Tom DeFalco’s Fantastic Four run and released during a turbulent era for the franchise, this issue asks a bold question: What happens when the Fantastic Four are gone… and someone else has to step up?Enter Psi-Lord — a future version of Franklin Richards clad in psycho-armor and carrying the weight of destiny. Alongside the fierce Huntara, the vibrationally gifted Wakandan warrior Vibraxas, and the volatile Inhuman Devlor, a fractured new team begins to take shape. But they’re not exactly polished heroes. Internal tension, distrust, and raw inexperience define their first outing — and when Klaw attacks, it becomes painfully clear they’re not ready for prime time.Evan, Chris, and Jesse break down the very ‘90s aesthetic, the X-Men-adjacent vibe, and the broader context of Marvel trying to shake up the Fantastic Four brand. Is this a bold reinvention? A product of its era? Or an overlooked gem hiding in the bargain bins? From shiny covers to team dynamics to Black Panther swooping in at the last second, the hosts unpack what works, what doesn’t, and whether Fantastic Force deserves another look.