Fantastic Four (1961-1998) #51

Fantastic Four (1961)

by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby (Artist)

Ben Grimm, transformed back to a human! There’s an imposter Thing amidst the Fantastic Four, and Grimm is struggling to alert his teammates! What has caused the Thing to lose his rock-like form? And what does this mean for his future with Alicia Masters? Plus, Reed Richards enters the Negative Zone!

Genres: Comics, Marvel, Comic Book

23 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 10, 1966

About the author

Stan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber) was an American writer, editor, creator of comic book superheroes, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics.

With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.

Reviews

[Sophia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This issue, someone else becomes the Thing and Ben Grimm is returned to his human self! The impostor does too good of a job and the rest of the FF don't realise that it's not really Ben (even when the real Ben shows up and tries to convince them that he is the real Ben and the Thing is not - too confusing?). After the real Ben Grimm has left, having been unsuccessful in convincing the FF that he is the real Ben, Reed Richards, who has created a new machine that will allow him to explore the unknown world of sub-space (or the Negative Zone) decides to test it out, needing the help from the Thing! This does not go as planned and the guy that took over being the Thing (who once hated Reed before seeing Mister Fantastic do something so noble and brave), actually saves Richards life and sacrifices his own! Ben, unaware of the danger his best friend is facing, makes his way to Alicia's home. But before before they meet, he is returned to his orange-skinned state and he runs away, afraid that the blind woman would never be able to love him as a monster. As a sub plot of this issue, Johnny is hanging out with friends at a cafe near the collage he is now attending, although it doesn't go smoothly when the star of the football team tries to start a fight with the Human Torch. Johnny's new found friend, Wyatt Wingfoot and the football coach step in and stop fists from flying. Overall, a story that didn't need to be written but was interesting none the less! I am very excited about the next issue as that is the first appearance of the Black Panther!!

[Myles Likes Tacos and Rice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reason for reading: X-factor writing Legend Peter David, mentions this as perfect example of a three act comic in Writing for Comics and Graphic Novels with Peter David.

This is a random website post I found that better explains than I could http://aboutcomics.blogwyrm.com/?p=541

Even if you can't get past 60s comics cheesiness, think this is a good issue to dissect whether you are aspiring creator or just a fan. Obviously stuff today is much better, but this is like learning to make a layup before attempting a dunk.



Other highlights
- story and message are sweet
- glimpse into Johnny's 60s college life

[Anna Quilter · Rating 3 out of 5]

THIS MAN THIS MONSTER
June 1966

"Occasionally a tale needs no introduction..."
great title and great first panel...The Thing standing drenched in the rain..

though the story goes a little sideways when after seeing Alice enamored with the Silver Surfer he falls into the hands of a Scientist and duplicates him....taking his place in the FF.

"I've shredded the very fabric of infinity!" When Reed creates yet another unintelligible crisis...he has to rely on Fake Thing to save him!!

[Shane Stanis · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Marvelous Year Five: 1966 pt1

Sometimes the one shots between big arcs come off as throw always, but I actually really enjoyed this little post Galactus breather.

Read for big Thing action, and a bitter scientist learning what it means to be a hero.

[Sean Korzinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

While Ben is walking the streets after last issue he is drawn to an apartment where he is drugged by a man who wants to prove he is better than Reed Richards. The man uses a machine he made to transfer the Thing's power to himself. Reed is developing means to protect the Earth from another alien threat since Galactus just attacked. He is working on a faster than light means of travel and needs the Thing to pull him out if their are problems. The real Ben Grimm now in human form confronts his doppelganger and Sue and Reed side with the doppelganger. Ben walks out to go see Alicia now that he is human again. The fake Thing is going to let Reed die but is infused with Ben Grimm's goodness as well as his Thing powers. He instead gives up his own life to save Reed and the end is that once the fake dies Ben gets his powers back and leaves before Alicia can see him.

[Shevek · Rating 2 out of 5]

Un número extremadamente naíf de principio a fin. La trama se centra en la suplantación de La Cosa por parte de un villano ignoto obsesionado con Reed Richards. Como aspecto positivo, se puede destacar la compresibilidad de la narración. Hoy en día haría falta al menos una arco argumental para desarrollar esto. Por lo demás, es una historia muy tontorrona que culmina con un deus ex machina como un castillo para redimir al villano por desconocer la inmensa bondad y pureza de Mr. Fantástico.

[Joselyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una historia muy bella. Tocó mi corazón y me dejó pensativa.

[Luiz Santiago · Rating 4 out of 5]

A ideia é ótima e muito bem executada na arte. Quem reclama do Stan Lee como roteirista, deveria ler os textos dele no QF.

Fantastic Four (1961-1998) #51

[Marcos_e.e · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nota 7,75.
Ótima história do grupo.
Um excelente exemplo da índole do Senhor Fantástico. E uma história de redenção bem feita de um vilão invejoso.