So for my next course of "epic catchup" I'm reading volume 3 of FF, right when they return from the Heroes Reborn universe. I only read this series starting with the Pacheco arc in the mid-30s so I decided to finally read at least all the Claremont/Larroca issues heading up to it and possibly beyond. It's pretty good so far, reminds me of when Claremont was good. Such a shame that when they got done working on this they worked on X-Men titles again and it just didn't live up.
The first 3 issues were ok, I'm actually liking Claremont's stuff.
I am intrigued by something I never heard before. In issue 13, Johnny focuses his flame to create a sword that allows him to practice fight against a real sword. Has he ever done that since?
Don't forget, this was goodClaremont and not shoddyClaremont. Made a bit more sense:
"For the Human Torch, as well, he must focus his flames enough to keep his own blade solid while ensuring the touch of the blade does his opponent no harm. Even so, he figures this to be an easy win."
Only time I've ever seen him use his flames to create something solid like that, very odd...
Looks like Claremont sure does like to reuse old ideas. The story is the FF are crossing over into different realities, which is very similar to the huge arc he did on Excalibur called The Cross-Time Caper where they travel to different realities. Starting to get old...