Fantastic Four 117
“The Flame and the Quest!”
Published Sept. 1971
Writer: Archie Goodwin
Pencils: John Buscema
Inks: Joe Sinnott
Letters: Sam Rosen
Editor: Stan Lee
Cover: Buscema and Sinnott

Synopsis

The Human Torch launches a desperate search for Crystal, and with the help of Agatha Harkness, discovers she has fallen under the control of Diablo, who is using her powers to take control of a Central American dictatorship.

What’s going on here

After the giant-sized extravaganza of last month, it makes sense to have an issue that allows the team and readers (and creators, presumably) a chance to catch their breath. There’s not a lot that’s notable in this issue. Johnny going on a crazed search for Crystal feels pretty familiar at this point, and we’re seeing a lot of Agatha Harkness lately.

Archie Goodwin returns as the writer and introduces Tierra Verde (called Terra Verde here), a stereotypical banana republic that makes a few appearances over the years, including in Goodwin’s own run on Wolverine in 1989.

On a personal note, this issue was published the day I was born in 1971. Happy birthday to me!

What I liked

Diablo is a fun villain, and it’s good to see him back. Buscema delivers his usual excellent art, and the story hangs together well.

Here’s a fun sequence from Big John:

And while it’s a bit of a cliche, I liked the depiction of dictator General Robles and his lackey:

What I didn’t like

I really dislike this cover format. I better get used to it because it will be with us for another dozen issues or so.

Anything else?

Study computer programming? I dunno, seems like a gimmick to me.

Overall

A perfectly serviceable issue.