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Fantastic Four #12: The Incredible Hulk (1961)
Overview:
Fantastic Four #12, published in March 1963, is a comic book issue written by Stan Lee, with artwork by Jack Kirby. This issue features the Fantastic Four teaming up with the Hulk as they face off against a mysterious menace threatening a government facility.
Plot Summary:
The story begins with the U.S. military contacting the Fantastic Four for assistance with a top-secret mission. General “Thunderbolt” Ross, head of the military’s efforts to track down the Hulk, believes the Hulk is responsible for the destruction of a government facility that has been subjected to sabotage. Ross requests the team’s help to capture the Hulk and prevent further chaos. The Fantastic Four, intrigued by the possibility of facing the monstrous Hulk, agree to join the investigation.
Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm travel to the desert to meet General Ross at the facility. Tensions rise as Ben Grimm (The Thing) expresses his eagerness to prove his strength against the Hulk, whom he sees as a worthy opponent. As they begin their investigation, the team is divided on whether the Hulk is truly responsible for the sabotage or if something more sinister is at play.
The Fantastic Four soon find themselves deep in the desert, where they encounter Bruce Banner, the alter ego of the Hulk. Banner warns them that he is not responsible for the recent attacks, but before they can learn more, he transforms into the Hulk, leading to a dramatic confrontation between the Hulk and the Thing. The two powerhouses engage in a fierce battle, each testing the limits of their strength. The clash is intense, with neither side gaining a clear upper hand.
Meanwhile, Reed Richards uncovers the real culprit behind the sabotage—an underground alien presence using advanced technology to destabilize the area. The team realizes that the Hulk is not their enemy but rather a misunderstood figure caught in the middle of a larger plot. The Fantastic Four and the Hulk join forces to defeat the alien invaders, using their combined strength and intelligence to thwart the threat.
After the battle, the Hulk retreats into the desert, unwilling to fully trust the Fantastic Four or the military. General Ross remains skeptical of the Hulk’s innocence, vowing to continue his pursuit. The Fantastic Four return to New York, having earned a new respect for the Hulk, despite their unresolved conflict. The issue ends with the team reflecting on the complexity of their new adversary-turned-ally and preparing for their next adventure.
Fantastic Four #13: The Red Ghost and his Incredible Super-Apes! (1961)
Overview:
Fantastic Four #13, published in April 1963, is a comic book issue written by Stan Lee, with artwork by Jack Kirby. This issue features the Fantastic Four facing off against the villainous Red Ghost and his Super-Apes, while also marking the first appearance of the mysterious cosmic entity known as the Watcher.
Plot Summary:
The issue begins with Reed Richards announcing to the Fantastic Four his latest project—an experimental rocket ship capable of taking them to the Moon. Excited by the prospect of space exploration and hoping to further investigate cosmic radiation, Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben prepare for their journey. However, unbeknownst to the team, a Soviet scientist named Ivan Kragoff, known as the Red Ghost, is also preparing a similar mission. Obsessed with harnessing the same cosmic rays that gave the Fantastic Four their powers, Kragoff brings with him three trained apes, planning to use them as test subjects.
As both rockets blast off into space, the Fantastic Four and Kragoff's team are bombarded by cosmic rays, leading to Kragoff and his apes gaining incredible abilities. Kragoff gains the power of intangibility, while his apes develop various powers: super-strength, shapeshifting, and magnetic control. The Red Ghost and his Super-Apes land on the Moon, where they plan to confront the Fantastic Four.
Upon arriving on the Moon, the Fantastic Four encounter an ancient city of advanced technology, where they meet the enigmatic Watcher, a cosmic being who observes the events of the universe but is sworn never to interfere. The Watcher warns the team of the Red Ghost’s arrival and his intentions to use his newfound powers for global domination. The Fantastic Four, eager to stop the Red Ghost, prepare for battle.
A dramatic confrontation ensues as the Red Ghost and his Super-Apes attack the Fantastic Four. Using their combined powers, the apes challenge each member of the team, leading to intense one-on-one battles. Reed uses his intellect to neutralize the ape with magnetic powers, while Johnny’s flames counter the shapeshifting ape. The Thing goes head-to-head with the super-strong ape in a brutal brawl, while Sue’s invisibility allows her to outmaneuver Kragoff himself.
During the battle, the Watcher observes silently but ultimately helps the Fantastic Four by revealing critical information about the Red Ghost’s weaknesses. With this knowledge, the team is able to defeat Kragoff and his apes, forcing the villain to retreat.
The issue concludes with the Fantastic Four victorious but awed by the presence of the Watcher. The cosmic entity departs, leaving the team to ponder their place in the universe and the vast unknowns of space. The adventure also solidifies the Fantastic Four’s role as Earth’s foremost explorers of the cosmos, setting the stage for future cosmic encounters.
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