Fantastic Four 104
“Our World –Enslaved!”
Published: Aug. 1970
Writer: Stan Lee
Art: John Romita and John Verpoorten
Letters: Artie Simek
Cover: Romita and Verpoorten

Synopsis

To thwart Magneto’s plans and free his hostages, Mr. Fantastic convinces the Sub-Mariner to return to the evil mutant’s side. Then, with the Earth on the brink of defeat, Reed deploys a weapon that turns Magento’s powers against him, saving the day.

What’s going on here

We are now in the second issue of the post-Kirby era and unfortunately this one has a formulaic, paint-by- numbers feel. This is not the first time Earth has been brought to the brink by invading Atlanteans, nor the first time Reed has saved the day by whipping up a gizmo. In all, the plot reads a lot like FF stories from the first two dozen issues.

What I liked

There are some more fun nods to Nixonian geo-politics, including an ironic comment about the US never losing wars. And I loved the design in the climactic panel above.

What I didn’t like

Along with the dull story, the art felt rushed and un-Romita like, making me suspect he only did breakdowns and Verpoorten did the finished work.

Anything else?

Here’s a very early Arnold Schwarznegger ad:

Overall

Just OK. Nothing special.