Fantastic Four 185
“Here There Be Witches!”
Published May 1977
Writer: Len Wein
Pencils: George Perez
Inks: Joe Sinnott
Letters: Gaspar Saladino
Colors: Glynis Wein
Editor: Len Wein
Cover: Perez and Sinnott

Synopsis

In search of missing Franklin and Agatha Harkness, the Fantastic Four track their whereabouts to a small town in the Rocky Mountains. Despite several indications that something is amiss, the town seems normal until Harkness alerts the FF to its supernatural nature. The town is then revealed to be a haven for witches and the FF battle stone gargoyles before succumbing to the power of the coven’s leader, Nicholas Trask.

What’s going on here?

This is a solid comic that introduces Nicholas Trask and sets the table for the debut of the Salem Seven, who will appear next issue and in a subsequent annual. Having the FF battle supernatural foes is an interesting idea, since they are very much a science-based team. Over the years Reed, in particular, struggles with sorcery and it creates an intriguing challenge.

The notable aspect of this comic is the looseness of George Perez’s pencils, and it appears he really only did breakdowns, because Joe Sinnott’s inks really dominate the panels. Here’s an example:

Compared to last issue, which was Perez as the peak of his powers, the difference is jarring. There’s much less detail, the panel designs are less intricate and it’s all a bit bland. My guess is that Perez was still getting used to the demands of a monthly comic, and fell behind, so Sinnott picked up the load for him.

What I liked

Sue gets a nice action sequence, and it seems like Len Wein sees more potential for her powers than previous writers.

Wein also gives Johnny a speech that, while out of character for the Torch, reads like Wein’s declaration of principles for the FF. (It also feels like it could have been in the new Fantastic Four movie).

I liked this sequence, although it should have been bigger in the comic:

What I didn’t like

Reed seems to think the location where metal is mined is also where it is manufactured. Pretty sure that’s almost never the case.

Johnny can apparently assemble a sports car from its parts in a matter of minutes:

And there seems no getting rid of the Impossible Man:

Overall

A perfectly fine comic, although a let down after last issue