Fantastic Four (1961) #2-3 Explained

Note - If you want to read full comic please visit Marvel

Fantastic Four #2: The Fantastic Four Meet the Skrulls from Outer Space! (1961)

Cover Copyright Marvel.com

Overview:

"Fantastic Four #2," published in January 1962, continues the adventures of Marvel's first superhero team, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. This issue introduces the Skrulls, an alien race that becomes a recurring threat in the Marvel Universe.

Plot Summary:

Skrull Invasion:

• Impersonation Plot: The issue begins with reports of the Fantastic Four committing crimes, including robbery and vandalism. The public and authorities are outraged.
• Captured Heroes: The real Fantastic Four members are confused and try to clear their names. They are eventually captured by the military but manage to escape.
• Revelation: They discover that their impersonators are Skrulls, shape-shifting aliens planning to invade Earth by discrediting its heroes.

Confrontation:

• Skrull Base: The Fantastic Four locate the Skrulls' hidden base. They fight and defeat the Skrulls, forcing them to reveal their invasion plans.
• Infiltration: Reed Richards devises a plan to impersonate the Skrulls and infiltrate their spaceship. He convinces the Skrull commander that Earth is too dangerous to invade by showing images from comic books, portraying Earth’s defenders.

Resolution:

• Victory: The Skrull commander calls off the invasion, and the Fantastic Four return to Earth with three captured Skrulls.
• Disposal: Reed hypnotizes the captive Skrulls and convinces them to assume the forms of cows, ensuring they won't pose a threat again.

Significance:

"Fantastic Four #2" is significant for introducing the Skrulls, who become major players in Marvel's cosmic stories. The issue continues to develop the team's dynamics and establishes their role as Earth's defenders against extraterrestrial threats. The innovative plot and the clever resolution showcase the creativity of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, solidifying the Fantastic Four's place in comic book history.

Fantastic Four #3: The Menace of the Miracle Man! (1961)

Cover Copyright Marvel.com

Overview:

"Fantastic Four #3," published in March 1962, continues the early adventures of Marvel's first superhero team, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. This issue introduces the team's iconic costumes and their headquarters, the Baxter Building, as well as their Fantasti-Car.

Plot Summary:

Introduction of Costumes and Headquarters:

• Costumes: The issue begins with the Fantastic Four donning their now-iconic costumes, designed by Sue Storm. These costumes help establish their identities as superheroes.
• Baxter Building: They also move into their new headquarters, the Baxter Building, a skyscraper equipped with advanced technology and labs for Reed's experiments.

Introduction of the Miracle Man:

• Miracle Man's Debut: The story introduces a new villain, the Miracle Man, a stage magician whose powers seem almost limitless. He claims he can transform objects and perform incredible feats.
• Crime Wave: The Miracle Man uses his abilities to launch a crime spree, stealing a giant statue and causing widespread havoc. The Fantastic Four confront him but are unable to stop him initially due to his powers.

Confrontation and Defeat:

• Weakness Revealed: During their battles, the team discovers that the Miracle Man's powers are not supernatural but derived from hypnotic suggestion. His ability to manipulate perceptions makes his illusions seem real.
• Victory: Johnny Storm (the Human Torch) blinds the Miracle Man with a bright flame, breaking his concentration and nullifying his powers. The team captures the villain and hands him over to the authorities.

Team Dynamics and Conflicts:

• Internal Struggles: Throughout the issue, the Fantastic Four grapple with internal conflicts and misunderstandings. Ben Grimm (The Thing) feels frustrated with his monstrous appearance, leading to tension within the team.
• Johnny Leaves: After an argument with Ben, Johnny decides to leave the team temporarily. He finds refuge in a local garage, working on cars.

Significance:

"Fantastic Four #3" is significant for several reasons:

• Costumes and Headquarters: It establishes key elements of the team's identity, such as their costumes and the Baxter Building.

• Character Development: The issue explores the personal struggles and dynamics within the team, adding depth to their characters.

• Introduction of a Villain: The Miracle Man, while not as enduring as some other villains, demonstrates the variety of threats the Fantastic Four face.

Editors Note:

The next part Fantastic Four (1961) #4-5 are now released, visit here. If you have a favorite comic that you'd like us to explain in detail, feel free to leave a comment! You can also reach out to us on Instagram, Discord, or email us at comicexplainedofficial@gmail.com. Don’t forget to follow our page for more comic explanations and updates!