“The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine!” Fantastic Four No. 55

Tags

1966, Fantastic Four, Fantastic Four 55, jack Kirby, Joe Sinnott, Silver Surfer, Stan Lee

Fantastic Four 55
“When Strikes the Silver Surfer!”
Published: July 1966
Story: Stan Lee and Jack Kirby
Script: Lee
Pencils: Kirby
Inks: Joe Sinnott
Letters: Sam Rosen
Cover: Kirby and Sinnott

Synopsis

Much like last issue, there are two parallel stories in FF 55. In one, the Human Torch and Wyatt Wingfoot continue their quest to rescue Crystal and the Inhumans from the negative zone that surrounds their city. Johnny and Wyatt travel to a valley in the Himalayas, where they encounter Lockjaw, the Inhuman’s teleporting dog.

The other story, which takes up most of the issue, revolves around the Thing, who after his trip to Wakanda, visits his girlfriend Alicia. Unbeknownst to Ben, the Silver Surfer has chosen that moment to visit (quite the coincidence!) and when Ben discovers the two together, he assumes the worst. The two spend most of the issue fighting before Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Girl settle Ben down. Ben grudgingly apologizes and the Surfer chalks it up to the strange behavior of earthlings.

What’s going on here?

Not much! As a story goes, this issue is pretty thin. It moves some chess pieces around, setting up the eventual return of the Inhumans, and reintroducing the Silver Surfer, essentially establishing him as an ongoing character.

But most of the issue is devoted to the silly fight between Ben and the Surfer, all of which—like almost all super hero fights—is based on a misunderstanding that could have been cleared up in two seconds. To a certain extent, yes, it does reveal how plagued Ben is by his insecurities and fear of losing Alicia. But mostly it’s an excuse for a massive fight. Jack and Joe do not disappoint—the fight is full of amazing art—but it’s all pretty much in the service of nothing.

The fight kicks off with this great sequence, one of the best combinations of script, art and timing in the Lee/Kirby run:

Comic relief

There are more gags than usual in this issue, including this sequence:

And this rim-shot worthy line from Ben

Crazy Credits

Another Forbush mention:

Weird science

Reed seems to have invented a Ring home security system

Zit!

A fun sound effect, unless you’re a self-conscious teenager.

Joltin’ Joe

Check out Sinnott’s inking in these panels

Dig that Kirby Krackle

A lot to choose from, but here are some highlights:

Another great fight sequence:

And this is just awesome:

Next issue: The return of Klaw!