Fantastic Four #233, August 1981
Continuing our week-long tribute to The Human Torch and Sub-Mariner, in honor of the late summer weather at the California coast.
John Byrne’s 5-year run on Fantastic Four is rightfully considered an all-time classic, and it’s certainly on my short list of “desert island” omnibuses. (I have no idea how these books survive the shipwreck with me, but let’s stay on point.)
I always loved the Fantastic Four – and in fact, although I may be in the minority, I definitely enjoyed Hanna Barbera’s short-lived FF animated series from 1967 a bit more than Spider-Man, which aired in the same block. With a few exceptions, the FF cartoon stories felt much more authentic to the comics than Spidey, although he definitely had the better theme song. FF only lasted 20 episodes, and has never been “officially” released in home video. (So much for staying on point.)
The Human Torch, as the youngest member of the FF, was always the most relatable to me, and always a favorite. (He could fly… He could burn stuff… He could fly…)
Byrne. Fantastic Four. Human Torch. Cover scene. Most of the boxes are checked on this great action page, with Byrne on story, pencils and inks. He rebuilt the FF sandbox —and played in it expertly and creatively.
Flame on!
