Fantastic Four 120
“The Horror That Walks On Air!”
Published Dec. 1971
Story: Stan Lee and John Buscema
Script: Lee
Pencils: Buscema
Inks: Joe Sinnott
Cover: Buscema and Frank Giacoia

Synopsis

After dispatching a band of thugs who invade the Baxter Building, the Fantastic Four confront the Air-Walker, who warns the end of the world is at hand.

What’s going on here?

I’ve been looking forward to this comic for a while. While it’s not revealed in this issue, Air-Walker is a herald of Galactus, and of the main heralds from 60s, 70s and 80s (basically the Silver Surfer, Firelord, Terrax and Nova), he’s the one I’m least familiar with. He eventually gets a long and complicated back story, which I won’t get into here.

Most of the issue, however, is devoted to establishing Air-Walker as a massive threat, and it feels a bit like over-kill. He does very little except float around, and only displays his powers after he’s attacked. Only in the final panel do we really get hint of his menace. Given the build up, the next few issues better deliver.

The other big development in FF 120, which helps explains the long, breathless introduction of Air-Walker, is the return of Stan Lee as writer. After a few issues of Archie Goodwin, and one by Roy Thomas, Stan is back in the saddle for what will be his final stint as lead writer of the FF. The issue feels a lot like a classic Stan and Jack issue, with lots of one-liners and wise cracks from Ben, and comic set-pieces like another squabble with the landlord.

Interestingly, Stan shares writing credits with Buscema here, like he did with Jack. My sense is that, as with Kirby, Stan gave Big John a loose plot, let him work out the details, and then added the script, in the classic Marvel Method. With the other writers, I’m guessing John had less say in the story.

The issue also features the introduction of a new inker, John Sinnott. I’m kidding. It’s clearly an error.

What I liked

More great Buscema art, including this panel:

I liked this use of Sue’s powers (although wouldn’t the bad guy know he was holding the gun?)

And while I still loathe this cover format, this one looked pretty good.


What I didn’t like

As mentioned, there’s a lot of set up in this issue without much pay off (yet). And the sub-plot / shtick with the FF’s landlord remains tedious.

Overall

I’m reserving judgement until we see how this Air-Walker arc plays out.