Superman/Fantastic Four: The Infinite Destruction

Fantastic Four: One-Shots

by Dan Jurgens (Author/Illustrator), Art Thibert (Illustrator), Bill Oakley (Letterer)

Superman and The Fantastic Four in: The Infinite Destruction.

Genres: Comics, Superman, Graphic Novels, Dc Comics, Comic Book, Superheroes, Marvel

63 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Dan Jurgens is an American comic book writer and artist. He is known for his work on the DC comic book storyline "The Death of Superman" and for creating characters such as Doomsday, Hank Henshaw, and Booster Gold. Jurgens had a lengthy run on the Superman comic books including The Adventures of Superman, Superman vol. 2 and Action Comics. At Marvel, Jurgens worked on series such as Captain America, The Sensational Spider-Man and was the writer on Thor for six years. He also had a brief run as writer and artist on Solar for Valiant Comics in 1995.

Reviews

[Alejandro · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Last Son of Krypton and the Marvel’s First Family meet!


In this particular case, I did buy this comic book but I will read it again since, I did buy the “DC vrs Marvel” Omnibus Vol 1, and this story is featured there. I’ll do a review of the omnibus later, but I want to make individual reviews of each crossover stories contained there.


Creative Team

Writer & Illustrator: Dan Jurgens

Cover: Alex Ross


THE INFINITE DESTRUCTION

Besides having in the omnibus edition, I have this in its original publication, and it’s gorgeous since it’s an enlarged comic (that currently is quite often to find titles using that format, but back in 1999, it was quite rare and only Alex Ross’ involved one-shots had that format (that I have several of them too)).

In this story, conveniently, Superman and the Fantastic Four exist in the same universe (this is kinda confusing that sometimes they are in different dimensions and other times don’t).

Superman finds a crystal that it’s supposed to be from Jor-El telling him that the destruction of Krypton was because of Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds! He decides to look for assistance for the Earth’s experts on the matter of Galactus, hence the Fantastic Four, that currently, they have their headquarters on the Pier Four at New York City.

Superman is familiar with the Fantastic Four but meets for the first time with Franklin Richards who has a Superman action figure as toy (later, at the end of the story, Franklin will be able to have a way, way, way cooler ítem from Superman). Reed analyzes the cristal but soon enough they are attacked by the Cyborg Superman!

Cyborg Superman explains that the crystal is in reality a trap from Galactus to make Superman his new herald. In the middle of this, Superman and Reed Richards are trapped by the crystal and teleported to the presence of Galactus where Superman is brainwashed, imbued of cosmic power (as if he’d needed to be more powerful!) and turned into the new hearld of him.

Back, at Earth, the remaining members of the FF, Susan, Johnny and Ben made an uneasy alliance with Cyborg Superman to look for Superman and Reed (where Cyborg Superman is in secret looking for being the herald of Galactus).

I won’t detail any further to avoid spoiling the fun of reading this truly great crossover comic book, that I totally recommend.

´Nuff Said!

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just 'geeked' out on this one: you have to read this for one reason - SUPERMAN AS HERALD OF GALACTUS! What could anyone do against them? Who would be able to stop them? Just go in the corner and cry is all! Marvel/DC - COULD WE PLEASE HAVE A JOINT ELSWORLDS/WHAT IF FOLLOW UP COLLABORATION ON THIS!

[Dan · Rating 3 out of 5]

When evidence surfaces that Galactus was behind the destruction of Krypton, Superman heads to the Marvel Universe for answers and enlists the aid of the Fantastic Four. But the devourer of worlds has another purpose in mind for Superman...

I bought this back in the day and decided to give it a reread in honor of the Fantastic Four's impending return. My feelings about it didn't change much in the past nineteen years.

Inter-company crossovers are a mixed bag. This one worked better than a lot of them. Dan Jurgens has a love for both properties so the crossover felt a lot more natural than it could have. The art has a nineties feel but not glaringly so. The old treasury edition size adds something, makes some of the cosmic shots have a little extra majesty.

The villain of the piece is a product of the time but is well used here, probably because Dan Jurgens created him, if I'm not mistaken. The conflict between Galactus and Superman went about as expected. I really liked that Superman was fictional in the Marvel Universe and Franklin Richards was a fan.

I wouldn't say Superman/Fantastic Four: The Infinite Destruction is an essential read or even an essential crossover read but it's still fun. Three out of five stars.

[Benji's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's...Clobbering time?

After finding out Galactus had something to do with the destruction of his home planet, Krypton, Superman sets out to track him down. He eventually runs into the Fantastic Four and together, they face off against Galactus (and Cyborg Superman, since it was the 90s and he needed to show up).

Recommended.

[John Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little crossover that pits Superman and the Fantastic Four (and Cyborg Superman, randomly) against the cosmic might of Galactus. Unlike previous crossovers between Marvel and DC, this comic actually shows both characters existing in two different universes, instead of pretending that they were always together in one universe. Superman being a cartoon in the Marvel universe in this book is kind of brilliant, and kind of reminds me of when Barry Allen was reading the adventures of Jay Garrick back in his first appearance (back when there was a Earth-1 and Earth-2 in the Silver Age). I love how Dan Jurgens took the opportunity to highlight the main difference between how Marvel and DC treat radiation in their stories through a simple exchange between Cyborg Superman and the Fantastic Four. While the art by Dan Jurgens and Art Thibert is competent, for the most part, a lot of the time it kind of failed at sequential storytelling. Like when Galactus captured Superman and endowing him with the power cosmic, everything was just so chaotic, I could barely tell what was going on. But, other than that, this was a really fun crossover, and exactly what I wanted from a book teaming these iconic names together!

[Quentin Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still remember when superhero crossovers were a novelty. Then it seemed like we saw one every month until it lost a little of the magic. Now we dont see it as much from Marvel and DC.

I thought this was a decent crossover. It's in the oversized treasury format, which I really don't like. I do like Dan Jurgens' art, but honestly his style isn't the hyper-detailed style that would benefit from the treasury format, so it was almost a waste in that regard. The art is good, but would have been just as good at regular comic size.

The story itself feature Galactus and the Cyborg Superman in a storyline where Superman becomes the herald of Galactus and the FF have to save him and the rest of the universe while they're at it.

Overall not bad, and if you are a Superman and Fantastic Four fan you may want to check this one out. It's nothing groundbreaking, but not bad for a fun read.

[tony dillard jr · Rating 4 out of 5]

Superman and the Fantastic Four. It became a viral movement to see both films in the theater in one sitting much like Barbie and Oppenheimer a couple years back. I didn't watch Superman and First Steps in one sitting. I don't think my back could take it. But I managed to see them both within the same week. Little did I realize that I could have experienced a meeting of the two icons at one time years ago.

In 1999, DC Comics and Marvel mingled their two universes together for one of their last co-published works in Superman/Fantastic Four: The Infinite Destruction. Just like when Superman meet Spider-Man in 1976, this book was published as a super-sized tabloid. Only the cover would be slick and thicker like a paperback. Written and illustrated by Dan Jurgens, with additional artwork by Art Thibert, the concept has Galactus crossing dimensional barriers absorbing the energies of Krypton as it explodes. As the planet dissipates, a tiny rocket flees the destruction but not without the notice of the world consumer.

Years later, Superman intercepts a Kryptonian drone bearing a message from his father Jor-El stating that Galactus was behind the destruction of his home planet and that the Man of Steel's Earth is on the menu. This leads Superman to travel to the Earth-616 universe, seeking assistance from the Fantastic Four. While in that universe, it's discovered that an enemy from Superman's world crossed barriers as well and has plans to become the next herald of Galactus. But before that happens, Superman is captured by the Devourer and blasted with immense energy. Now welding the power cosmic, Superman has become the new herald of Galactus and with his incredible powers added to the mix, not even Kryptonite can stop the Man of Tomorrow!

I knew I had been holding on to this work for a reason! It was a great way to capture off the Summer of 'Super Fantastic'! I must say that the format with the deluxe edition paper and cover, being so gigantic, it was a bit unwieldy. I'm pretty sure I damaged the spine some as the sturdier paper would bend terribly against the book binder used. Age, size and wear definitely will prevent this from remaining a pristine mint book in your collection no matter how careful you are.

I thought this book would have worked better if it was jointly published as a joint What If.../Elseworlds. Readers are supposed to go into this book with the fore-knowledge that Superman and the Fantastic Four know each other. Presumably, from the crossovers DC Vs. Marvel and/ or the All Access minis. Also I don't think Superman crossed paths with Reed, Sue and company in his 1996 meeting with the Silver Surfer.

If you are new to comics and you came across this book, you'd probably be wondering about how these two icons are acquainted since it's been over 2 decades since entities from both worlds were in a comic book together. Though you won't have to wait much longer as Deadpool and Batman are set to meet for the very first time later this November.

Another thing is the choice of villain. No, not Galactus. He was perfect for this. It's the DC baddie selected for this book: the Cyborg Superman. Yeah, he's evil and ruthless. Plus, since he has to participate in the ubiquitous reluctant pairing of protagonist and antagonist in order to help the Fantastic Four minus Mister Fantastic find Galactus, having someone more powerful in this story just wouldn't work. But could you imagine how epic this story would have been if DC and Marvel had decided to pair Galactus with Brainiac?!

Jurgens (and Thibert) did a fine job. The artwork was classic 1990s Superman and I like how they worked in that Easter egg for the Superman: The Animated Adventures toon into the mix. I was just disappointed from the cover. It's illustrated by Dan Jurgens. But it's painted by Alex Ross. He's know for several oversized one-shots starring members of the Justice League. I was hopeful based on which that the interior art was also by Ross. Alas, it wasn't to be.

Wanna actually experience both Superman and the Fantastic Four on the same set together? Plus the presence of First Steps for Galactus? Then this is your book. You might have to go out in the wild to find a copy of get lucky on something like eBay..Though if DC and Marvel were smart, they'd refuse this book in time for the holiday shopping season. It's the pairing social media has been clamoring for all Summer long!

[Mervi · Rating 3 out of 5]

While cleaning up, I found a stack of old comics and decided to read through them to see what I’d keep.

This was short, fun read. It came out in 1999. Frustratingly, this doesn’t seem to be the first time that the FF and Superman have met because they already know each other.

While Superman is dealing with a bunch of terrorists who have brought a nuclear bomb to Metropolis (not a bright group), he receives a message crystal from his father, Jor-El. Jor- El reveals that Galactus was responsible for Kryton’s destruction! Superman wants answers and he heads to Access where he can apparently cross-over to the Marvel universe.

The Fantastic Four are happy to see him again, especially Franklin who loves to watch Superman cartoons and is very happy to really meet his hero. The FF are no longer living in Baxter Building but on Pier Four in the harbor. Suddenly, a bright light comes from the crystal and the FF’s equipment start attacking everyone. Also, the Cyborg Superman appears, boasting that he took over the machines. Before the machines can be smashed, a strange satellite appears and bathes Superman is a clear light and makes him into Galactus’ herald! Reed tries to interfere and the satellite kidnaps them both. Cyborg Superman has a way to modify the FF’s space ship so that they can travel to Galactus. Very reluctantly, Susan, Johnny, and Ben agree to work together with the metallic villain and they head into space.

Hank Henshaw, the Cyborg Superman, craves Galactus’ power and thinks that he can get that by becoming Galactus’ herald. He’s furious that Galactus chose Superman instead of him. He constantly taunts the FF. Susan and the rest of the FF are determined to get Reed back and also to rescue Superman, if they can.

This was a fun little story. It was very nice to the heroes working together rather than fighting against each other, usually over some silly misunderstanding, as they’re far more likely to do in cross-overs, both inside a company and especially between companies.

[Bruno Poço · Rating 3 out of 5]

Galactus está envolvido na destruição de kripton e deixa uma sinaletica na nave de kal el , no presente superman descobre do envolvimento de Galactus e parte para a terra Marvel de encontro com o quarteto para o ajudar , o supercyborg infiltra se na tecnologia de reed ao mesmo tempo q Galactus finalmente convoca superman como seu arauto e partem , a única solução do quarteto é unir se ao supercyborg para encontrar kal el e liberta lo das amarras de galactus

Muito divertido , com ótimo desenho , muita ação , apenas o final teve algumas conveniências e os normais aumentos de capacidades de personagens menores e diminuição dos mais poderosos mas algo normal em histórias onde tem de se contrariar um ser de poder imensurável como galactus , há pouco espaço para improvisar

Ahhhh e no começo a cena do super aguentar uma rajada que supostamente corta adamantium tb é bem forçado

[Your_Average_Magical_Girls_Fan · Rating 1 out of 5]

The blurb on the frontpage says "this is by the guy who wrote the Death of Superman", and it shows in full. Terrible crossover on all fronts, except for some tenous characterization of Sue Storm as a woman in full control of the situation (I love women in control). Other than that, I'm baffled at the idea that Dan Jurgens was allowed to touch Superman for a decade if this and the Toilet of Superman...sorry, I mean the Death of Superman are an indication of his standards. Oh, and the Cyborg Superman thingy sucks ass, plain and simple. Avoid this trash with no remorse whatsoever.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eminently disposable & dispensable crossover but still better than it has to be thanks to the Jurgens-Thibert art & some well-timed Kirby-esque Superman poses. Some understandably dog Jurgens for including Cyborg Superman, but the metatext of Cyborg Superman being a FF-Superman hybrid in a Superman v. FF crossover is too good to pass

[H · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s Superman and the Fantastic Four teaming up against Galactus. What more do you want from it? It gives you exactly what you want. The art isn’t anything to write home about but, hey, it’s a fun little (oversized) story. Kinda hits a little differently after both Superman and the FF were in major blockbusters this summer. Enjoy!

[Brian Spath · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun premise that is slightly underserved by loose pencils and skipped panels. The oversized presentation works well within the context of this what if style story, which plays with all the familiar tropes of the Big Two’s iconic creations.

[José Miguel (TheHudson) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Una historia (de las tantas) que es secuela de los eventos de DC v/s Marvel.

Siempre será interesante una aventura crossover de este tipo.

Una buena dosis de entretención sin mucha complicación en el argumento.

Para eso son los cómics, no ?

[Erick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Asi se ve este més de julio.
Que curiosidad encontrarme con esto mientras bucaba algo para adentrarme a los cuatro fantasticos, no es la cosa más pensada de la historia pero está interesante leer este tipo de crossovers.

[Andrew Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

That was a really good story. The heroes worked well together. The villains didn't fight each other without reason. The plot was really interesting too (which is difficult to do with Galactus as the main villain).

[David Dalton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had this extra size comic book for 26 years plus, but never read it until today. Fitting since both the Fantastic Four and Superman have movies coming out in July. Perfect choice for the villains: Galactus and the Cyborg Superman. A fun read that certainly deserves more than 3 stars.

[Tony Petry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Jurgens is one of the best writers to ever write for Superman, and this crossover with the Fantastic Four was a brilliant move. This is a very good story as well. I highly recommend it.

[Desire Manara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Crossover de Superman y los Fantastic Four. Se publicó tanto en España como en México.

[Pietro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Achei bem legal, só queria mais participação do superman

[Tony Calder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back in the 80s and 90s, DC and Marvel used to produce cross-over events, featuring the biggest stars of each company - in this case Superman and the Fantastic Four. Dan Jurgens is both the writer and artist on this graphic novel and his artwork is better than his story.

The artwork is of a consistently high standard, but I found the story to be inconsistent in places. In other cross-over events, the Marvel and DC heroes have existed on the same Earth, but in this one they are in separate universes, although Superman and the Fantastic Four are clearly aware of each other, presumably from dimensional travel that one or both of them have done previously.

Galactus also has visited both universes, and this provides the basis for the story, as well as provided a possible answer to a question often asked among comics fans - who would win in a fight between Superman and Galactus? And of course, as usually happens when different superheroes meet, there ends up being a fight between them :)

[Rick · Rating 2 out of 5]

The notion that Galactus devoured Krypton is delicious. Sadly, our storyteller just let it slide though the narrative fingers and disappear. The characterizations feel off, and the whole thing is just so rushed. There are even several moment where it almost feels like a page was missing or pages were printed out of order. Just not a good example of what comics can delivery, and the oversized Treasury format is wasted on something this mundane, this yawningly below average. The whole thing is disappointing. It’s not terrible, but disappointing? Yes. Disappointing.

[B · Rating 3 out of 5]

This probably could have been more fun, but I don't know if there's anything wrong with it. It seems to exist as a sequel to Marvel vs. DC. As a fan of that series, I wish there were more, but then I would say there's been too much.

The characters did not have time to show much personality.

Once powers hit the scale described in this book, it's hard to tell a story without resorting to something like "They moved faster than the eye can see, and when it was over . . . ."

So, fine.

[R.faustinihsph.org · Rating 4 out of 5]

hey every one i want to talk about my book my book is superman and the fantastic four i like this book because it a comic and i love comic in the tv and reading usually ricardo faustin don't like to read but if is a comic about spider man super man all the marvel character i will read for my all like any way the reason i like this book is because is a comic

[Michael Mills · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a neat bit of cross-continuity dovetailing to have Galactus responsible for the destruction of Krypton, but little is done to capitalise on the idea. By 1999, these crossovers had lost any feeling of being special. The dialogue is Stan Lee stilted and the uber-pumped characters ridiculously dated. Shame.

[El Neo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read! Interesting concepts explored and the character-dynamics are well-played.

[Devero · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nell'epoca dei crossover a perdere tra personaggi di case editrici diverse, questo è uno dei più perdibili.

[Little Timmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great crossover between DC and Marvel characters. Recommended

[Max Solis · Rating 5 out of 5]

¿Qué es más épico que ver a Superman y Fantastic Four juntos contra Galactus? Y escrito por un experto como Dan Jurgens. Tremenda historia.

[Fercatodic · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bueeeno, no está mal. Como curiosidad puede valer. Pero es bastante flojo.