Fantastic Four 173
“Counter Earth Must Die — At The Hands of Galactus!”
Published May 1976
Writer: Roy Thomas
Pencils: John Buscema
Inks: Joe Sinnott
Letters: Joe Rosen
Colors: Phil Rachelson
Editor: Thomas
Cover: Jack Kirby and Joe Sinnott

Synopsis

After Ben unsuccessfully attacks Galactus (while wearing his Thing exoskeleton), the FF, Gorr the Gorilla and the High Evolutionary try to stave off Galactus’s plans to devour Counter Earth. Galactus agrees to consume another suitable world without advanced life if they can find one, and the team splits up to scout two of three planets identified by the High Evolutionary. On the first, Ben and Reed find a city of robots led by Torgo, whom Ben previously battled against and alongside on a Skrull planet in issues 90-93. Torgo apprehends them lest they reveal the planet’s existence to Galactus. On the second, the Human Torch and Gorr find themselves in a medieval-type world, where they too are captured.

What’s going on here?

After a slow start, this story arc is picking up steam, and this is by far the best of the three thus far. There’s a lot of action, some fun and interesting plot twists, a bit of character development, and solid art by penciller John Buscema (Big John will handle this and the next two issues before George Perez returns).

Whenever I see Galactus used as a villain I become worried, since he should be written as god-like and above the fray. When he ends up physically scrapping with the FF, as he did in issue 122, it diminishes the character. Here, even though Ben attacks him (futilely), most of the action is directed elsewhere, as the FF and their allies struggle to prevent the destruction of Counter Earth. Galactus becomes less an antagonist and more of a force of nature that must be defended against.

I have called out Roy Thomas’s tics as a writer several times, including his propensity to call-up obscure characters and events from Marvel’s past. That can often lead to convoluted stories, but in this issue, the reappearance of Torgo is both surprising and well played by Thomas. Ben’s ordeal in the Skrull arena is one of the best stories from the latter years of the Lee / Kirby run, and it’s fun to see Ben reunited with his former sparring partner slash brother-in arms. Even when they end up fighting it’s clear neither’s heart is in it.

The cover is again by Jack Kirby, although it lacks his trademark energy. A bit of a dud from the master.


What I liked

It’s generally fun when the team gets split up and goes on separate missions. Here, the Human Torch and Gorr have an adventure that features a gorilla’s critique of Johnny’s clichés.

I liked this meet-up between Reed and the High Evolutionary, two big brains who clearly have much to discuss.

And this is a nice panel by Buscema evoking some Kirby-esque cosmic grandeur.

I also liked this panel of Ben in his exo-skeleton.

What I didn’t like

As mentioned before, I think it’s silly for the FF to try to physically assault Galactus. This sequence felt like a waste of time.

Sue is again shunted off to the side. At least here Reed comes up with an excuse, even if Sue is skeptical.

Overall

A solid issue. The Fantastic Four as it ought to be.