Note - If you want to read full comic please visit Marvel
Fantastic Four #8: Prisoners of the Puppet Master! (1961)
Overview:
Fantastic Four #8, published in November 1962, is a comic book issue written by Stan Lee, with artwork by Jack Kirby. This issue features the Fantastic Four—Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Sue Storm (Invisible Girl), Johnny Storm (Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing)—facing off against the villainous Puppet Master.
Plot Summary:
The issue begins with Reed Richards working on a new device designed to potentially cure Ben Grimm of his monstrous appearance as The Thing. However, before they can fully explore the invention, they are interrupted by the sinister Puppet Master. This new villain has created lifelike puppets of individuals he wishes to control, using a mysterious clay that grants him telepathic manipulation over his targets. His first victim is a prisoner, whom he forces to break out of jail.
Meanwhile, Alicia Masters, the stepdaughter of the Puppet Master, is introduced. Blind but possessing a kind heart, she becomes a key player in this story. The Puppet Master uses his powers to take control of the Fantastic Four, setting in motion a plan to dominate the world. His ultimate goal is to control Reed Richards, as he sees him as the greatest threat to his ambitions.
Under the Puppet Master's influence, the Fantastic Four members begin to act against their will. Sue Storm, feeling conflicted, attempts to resist the manipulation but finds it difficult to overcome the Puppet Master's hold. Reed and Johnny, too, are drawn into the villain’s plans, but Ben Grimm manages to retain some sense of control due to his deep connection with Alicia.
The climax of the issue sees a battle between the Fantastic Four and the Puppet Master. Despite his schemes, the villain’s plans are foiled when Alicia, realizing her stepfather’s evil intentions, tries to stop him. In a moment of chaos, the Puppet Master accidentally falls out of a window, seemingly plummeting to his doom. The issue ends with the team regaining their freedom, and Ben’s affection for Alicia grows deeper as she remains a symbol of compassion amidst the chaos.
Fantastic Four #9: The End of the Fantastic Four! (1961)
Overview:
Fantastic Four #9, published in December 1962, is a comic book issue written by Stan Lee, with artwork by Jack Kirby. This issue features the Fantastic Four facing off against their arch-nemesis, Namor the Sub-Mariner, as they are plunged into a tale of financial ruin and betrayal.
Plot Summary:
The story begins with the Fantastic Four facing an unexpected crisis: bankruptcy. Due to the high costs of maintaining their headquarters, the Baxter Building, and their various adventures, the team finds themselves financially ruined. Desperate for funds, they are forced to sell their equipment and assets, and Reed Richards even considers taking on odd jobs to keep the team afloat.
As their fortunes dwindle, they receive a mysterious offer from a movie producer, inviting them to star in a film. Eager to restore their financial standing, the team accepts and travels to Hollywood, where they meet the producer—who, unbeknownst to them, is actually Namor the Sub-Mariner in disguise. Namor, still holding a grudge against the Fantastic Four, particularly Sue Storm, who he has romantic feelings for, uses the opportunity to lure them into a trap.
Once in Hollywood, the team is separated, with each member given their own role to play in the “film.” Reed, Johnny, and Ben each find themselves facing deadly challenges that Namor has orchestrated. Reed is trapped in a dangerous underwater scenario, Johnny must battle a group of flying monsters, and Ben faces off against a massive robot. Each battle is a carefully designed trap meant to test the limits of their powers and wear them down.
Meanwhile, Namor confronts Sue Storm, hoping to win her over and convince her to leave the Fantastic Four. He offers her a place beside him as the queen of Atlantis, but Sue is conflicted. Though she is intrigued by Namor’s offer and his passion for her, her loyalty to Reed and the team ultimately prevails. Namor’s hopes of winning Sue over are dashed when she rejects his advances, choosing to remain with the Fantastic Four.
The issue reaches its climax when the team reunites and confronts Namor. Despite the Sub-Mariner’s strength and cunning, the Fantastic Four manage to outwit him. In a final battle, they overpower Namor, and he reluctantly retreats to the ocean, vowing to return one day. With their financial woes temporarily resolved, the Fantastic Four return to New York, ready to face their next challenge.
Comments
Post a Comment