Fantastic Four #51

Featuring: Fantastic Four
Release: March 10, 1966
Cover: June 1966
12 cents
Writer: Stan Lee
Penciller: Jack Kirby
Inker: Joe Sinnott
Letterer: Artie Simek
20 pages

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Fantastic Four #50	Reading order	Strange Tales #146
Fantastic Four #50	Fantastic Four	Fantastic Four #52

He paid the full price– and, he paid it– like a man!

After introducing the Inhumans, and then introducing the Silver Surfer and Galactus in perhaps the best and most iconic FF story ever immediately after, you’d think Stan and Jack would want a break from the iconic stories that will be remembered for decades to come.

But this is perhaps the most iconic issue of Fantastic Four ever. It’s perhaps the best Fantastic Four comic ever. It might be the best comic Stan and Jack ever made.

It might be the best comic anybody ever made.

The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine indeed.

I won’t ruin this image with my clumsy words. You can just appreciate the opening page for yourself. I just suggest that you take a minute with it.

This picks up from last issue in a couple ways. Alicia and the Silver Surfer grew close during the events, enough to make Thing jealous and wander off morosely. There were even newspaper headlines about Thing being seen wandering the streets feeling sad. We saw a mysterious man reading those headlines. We didn’t learn his name, but we learned he intends to destroy the Fantastic Four.

We see that man again. Thing was somehow drawn to his neighborhood and his flat. The man invites him in.

This man. This monster. That’s the title. Of course that suggests the question, who is the monster and who is the man?

This man is a scientist, jealous of the wealth and fame of Reed Richards. And he has a plan. The plan involves absorbing the Thing’s powers and turning himself into the Thing.

In the process, the Thing reverts to his human form of Ben Grimm. A man invited a monster in. The man became a monster, and the monster became a man.

“Now I am the monster– and not he!” proclaims the man who is now the Thing.

This man. This monster. That’s the title. Of course that suggests the question, what makes a monster and what makes a man?

Reed and Sue have been having the same argument for a few issues now. He’s thrown himself into this work, often neglecting his own health and hygiene, as well as his marriage. Once again he is skipping dinner, and Sue is not happy.

The battle with Galactus, and how helpless Reed felt in that battle, has left him more desperate than ever. Without the Silver Surfer and Watcher, Earth would have been doomed. For all his power and science, he was completely outmatched. Earth needs defenses, weapons that can beat back even beings like Galactus. And this is consuming all of Reed’s time and mental energy.

The “Thing” shows up, but so does Ben Grimm. It’s been a while since they have seen Ben Grimm in human form, and are surprisingly unperturbed by the encounter. They are confident the Thing is their friend, and that this man is a stranger who looks like Ben Grimm. Perhaps they think it’s easier for someone to look like Ben than like the Thing.

This faux Thing has done his homework. He even knows about Ben’s Aunt Petunia.

Or perhaps Reed really is too busy, his mind preoccupied with the task before him. “You know I’d trust you with my life! In fact, that’s just what I’m about to do!” Really, Reed should have thought much harder about the mystery of two Ben Grimms before putting his life in this one’s hands.

Reed plans to explore Sub-Space. This is the key to interstellar travel, as Galactus, the Watcher, and the Silver Surfer seemed to travel. The FF have used technology that must be somewhat similar in principle before, because they’ve made it to Planet X and the Skrull Homeworld. The Skrull world they made it to through a warp in space-time. The ship that took them to Planet X was described as faster than the speed of light.

Last issue, we inexplicably met Coach Thorpe and Whitey Mullins. Whitey is a bully, and he and Johnny almost have a fight at Metro College.

We’d also met Wyatt Wingfoot, the first Native American character we’ve met in our reading. He had something that makes him notable, but Johnny didn’t learn what it was. We now learn he’s the son of Will Wingfoot, the country’s greatest Olympic Decathlon star.

Will Wingfoot is almost certainly inspired by sports legend Jim Thorpe. So the premise for Wyatt is basically that he is Jim Thorpe Jr.

The fake Thing begins to see the world differently, now that he sees Reed up close.

I always thought he was just a glamor-pants– out for all the dough and glory he could get! But he’s tacklin’ a job that won’t get him a plugged nickel– And he’s doing it without any fanfare– or any publicity!

Reed is endangering his own life with this experiment. He’s not seeking wealth or glory. He’s trying to protect the world, and to advance the knowledge of the human race.

I’ve done it! The universe seems to be tearing itself open– falling apart–! I’ve shredded the very fabric of infinity– where all positive matter is transposed into negative form! And now– I’m plunging through the resulting void which I’ve created into the space-time dimensional barrier!! It’s almost more than human eyes can bear! I’m actually witnessing a four-dimensional universe– but the effect of seeing it with three-dimensional vision is indescribable! The line which is tied to me is my only contact with reality! If that should break, I’d be lost forever! Everything is moving faster now! The universe has become a vast kaleidoscope of sight and sound!! There’s only one explanation– I’m finally approaching my goal! I’m at the very edge of Sub-Space! I’ve done it!! I’m drifting into a world of limitless dimensions!! It’s the crossroads of infinity– the junction to everywhere!

That’s a lot of technobabble, but there’s a fair bit to unpack within it. First, the visuals and the description of a “kaleidoscope of sight and sound” remind me very much of the wormhole scene in 2001: A Space Odyssey, which would be released two years later.

The references to space-time suggest this is related to the warp they used to visit the Skrull Homeworld in the Andromeda Galaxy. Also, it suggests this is related to how the Silver Surfer travelled. After the Surfer’s rebellion, Galactus removed his “space-time” powers, denying him the cosmos.

The Watcher also described the method of Human Torch’s travel to Galactus’ world as “space-time distortion”, which took the Torch to the “center of infinity”, perhaps quite similar to what Reed is describing as the “crossroads of infinity”. Reed may have been able to duplicate with his science the same method of travel used by the godlike Watcher.

One more reference worth noting. Reed describes that “all positive matter is transposed into negative form”. That makes is sound like this Sub-Space realm he is entering could be described as a “negative zone”. The barrier that sealed off the Inhumans was described as a Negative Zone. Perhaps there is some connection there as well.

We know Reed is seeking to unlock interstellar travel and equip Earth for menaces such as Galactus. But perhaps he is simultaneously seeking to understand the technology that traps the Inhumans, and that separates Johnny from his newfound love Crystal.

Lee provided most of that flowery technobabble above. Kirby the images. But the next image is Kirby’s trademark, and perhaps his best use of this photo/art collage technique yet.

Let’s see a modern recolored version.

We get more science, but also great danger. Again, it’s important that the matter of Sub-Space is negative. However, when negative matter collides with positive matter, it apparently explodes. And the negative matter of Sub-Space is being drawn toward the positive matter of Earth. Reed has come as far as he can and must retreat.

He depends now on his friend the Thing to pull him back to reality and save his life. Kudos to Kirby and Sinnott for the look of desperation and fear on Reed’s face in that last panel.

Unfortunately this Thing is not Ben Grimm and he has not come here to save Reed Richards, but to destroy him. And now all he has to do to defeat his hated rival is… nothing.

It’s worth pausing to breathe here. Appreciate where we are, where we’ve come. In a brief span of time the Fantastic Four have visited the Great Refuge of a race of Inhumans who have evolved parallel to mankind, and left there only to find the sky filled with fire, leading to a confrontation with the Silver Surfer and Galactus. The battles were won, but there was fallout.

Johnny has lost the love of his life. Reed was faced with the enormity of the threats mankind may face and his own impotence in the face of them. Sue feels she is losing her husband to his obsessive work. And Ben has struggled for a long time with accepting his form. Perhaps the only thing that got him through it was Alicia’s unconditional love for him, despite what he is. But when he thought he saw Alicia flirting with the Silver Surfer, this has left him in a despondent state.

And then entered this mysterious man, a failed scientist jealous of the success of Reed Richards. Who inadvertently has given Ben Grimm a new beginning and now is ready to destroy the object of his malice.

Or is he?

He’s tugging! All I gotta do is ignore him, and I’ll have beaten the one man I always envied– the one man no one else could ever defeat! But– all of a sudden, I don’t envy him anymore! I- I never knew how brave he was– how unselfish–! All these years– when I thought I never got the breaks–now I know the truth! It was my fault– nobody else’s! I wouldn’t work hard enough– I wouldn’t make the sacrifices that a Reed Richards would–! I never saw things so clear before! It– it’s almost like I’ve really become the Thing– not just an imitation! I never did a worthwhile thing in my whole life!! But now– I’ve finally got the chance! I can really be Ben Grimm! I’ve gotta do it! I’ll save Richards!!

I’ve made no secret that I think the Spider-Man comics have been far and away the best of these. But a lot of that comes down to how well the series balanced and integrated its character drama and superhero drama. And this issue represents the pinnacle of that balancing act for the Fantastic Four. Because this issue could just be about Mr. Fantastic exploring Sub-Space, and you’d still have this cool and trippy sci-fi adventure story. But his journey into infinity is just a centerpiece for the character journeys these four have been on. And the journey of self-discovery and perhaps redemption this faux Thing has taken.

Unfortunately, despite his intentions, this Thing had hesitated too long. And it’s too late to save Reed. The line had snapped.

In his desperation to recover the line, he ends up sucked into the void. He failed to save Reed, but will now die alongside him in the attempt.

Brace yourself, Ben! We did the best we could– one can do no more! You– you were the greatest partner a man ever had–!

This Thing is stirred by Reed’s words, and realizes there is one thing he can do to set things right.

That’s the guy I spent years hating– being jealous of!! I- I ain’t even worth his little pinky!

He’s not certain he can save Richards, but he can try. He hurtles Reed back in the direction of home, and resigns himself to his fate.

As for me, I’m not gonna feel sorry for myself! Not many men get a second chance– to make up for the rotten things they’ve done in their lifetime! I guess I’m luckier than most–! I got that chance! For, I finally learned– what it means to have– a friend!

I appreciate how he just sits down on the rock. A humble sight. Almost pathetic-looking if it weren’t so darn noble.

Which brings us back to Ben Grimm and his second chance. For the first time, he’s going to greet his lady as a man. And not a monster.

Unfortunately, he goes to knock on the door just as the other Thing meets his demise. And the effects immediately fade.

I’m a walkin’ livin’ monster again! Maybe this is the real me! Maybe Ben Grimm is nothin’ more than– a dream!

The true Thing returns home just in time to hear Reed and Sue eulogizing him. Not everyone gets to attend their own funeral like Tom and Huck.

So what makes a monster and what makes a man? Lots of great quotes this issue, but it’s the last line that nails it.

We’ll never know what monstrous things he had done in the past– or, what monstrous plans he’d made! But, one thing is certain– he paid the full price– and he paid it– like a man!

This man. This monster.

In his spotlight on great quotes, my friend Brian Cronin recently did a write-up on this issue and its final line that you can read here.

OK, so after introducing the Inhumans, Stan and Jack immediately told the greatest two FF stories ever. Now I’m sure they’ll slow it down a bit. How many famous issues can be back to back.

Let’s see what it says at the bottom… “Next issue… The Black Panther!”

Huh.

Here are the letters pages.

Here’s a cool ad for sweatshirts and t-shirts.

Including an FF t-shirt. Here’s a modern recoloring of the same shirt image. The art is by Jack Kirby and Frank Giacoia.

And here’s an ad that hits too close to home.

Rating: ★★★★★, 98/100
Significance: ★★★★★

Right near the top of the Best We’ve Read, displacing the other half of Strange Tales #142, the Dr. Strange story from that issue having just fallen off last time.

Characters:

• Thing/Ben Grimm
• That man/other Thing
• Mr. Fantastic
• Invisible Girl
• Wyatt Wingfoot
• Johhny Storm
• Whitey Mullins
• Sam Thorpe
• Belle Thorpe
• Alicia Masters

Story notes:

• Thing is sad.
• Mysterious man offers Thing coffee that will make him drowsy.
• Man believes he’s the superior of Reed Richards, that he just needs Reed’s fame and assets.
• Man has created duplication apparatus, and short-range subliminal influencer to lure Thing to the room.
• Sue knows Reed has had crews working all week building machines, one in a lead-lined room.
• Reed needs Ben to move meson particle-smasher.
• Reed wants to master space-time principle to speed faster than light to any part of the universe. Galactus, Watcher, Silver Surfer… all prove it can be done.
• Huge radical cube is designed to create a dimensional entrance into subspace.
• Wyatt and Johnny at Koze Kampus Koffee Shop
• Whitey pours water on the Torch.
• Wyatt is son of Will Wingfoot, greatest Olympic Decathlon star in the country.
• Wyatt not interested in athletics.
• Sam Thorpe and Will Wingfoot had been teammates. He’s got to make Wyatt play.

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Fantastic Four #50	Reading order	Strange Tales #146
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