Comments on: A Year of Cool Comic Book Moments – Day 177

By: Mary Warner

Mary Warner — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 01:42:32 +0000

Crystal had a Driver’s Licence?

By: Carl

Carl — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:59:09 +0000

Don’t you just love the big orange lug? Obviously, this is a theme that’s been oft repeated over the years with the Thing. He’s one of Marvel’s truly most heroic characters, because he always eventually chooses to help others over his personal happiness.

I do, however, believe the ending was overly down. This is because I believe a big part of Ben loves being the Thing. Sure he’d prefer to look human, but he really comes alive brawling with the likes of The Hulk. Like Peter Parker, he couldn’t simply call for help when trouble arises. His true nature requires him to do all he can to protect others.

By: Mark McD

Mark McD — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:05:29 +0000

Also showed the evolving dynamic between Johnny and Ben; from resentment and continual pranking to brotherly love and respect. Johnny may be hotheaded, but if Benjie’s in trouble, that takes priority over the chance for some Inhuman action. Another example of character growth that got pushed aside once other writers took over and tried to re-create the way they remembered the characters acting in the early 60′s.

By: Callum

Callum — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:57:21 +0000

Great final panels both art and dialogue-wise.

By: Omar Karindu, with the power of SUPER-hypocrisy!

Omar Karindu, with the power of SUPER-hypocrisy! — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 21:16:41 +0000

*l*ends, not ends.

By: Omar Karindu, with the power of SUPER-hypocrisy!

Omar Karindu, with the power of SUPER-hypocrisy! — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 21:03:54 +0000

This is also the issue that ends the most support to John Byrne’s later take on the reason Ben couldn’t return to human form. Alicia’s reaction to the now-human Ben one the two or so pages before the ones posted here is striking.

By: chad

chad — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 20:30:53 +0000

th emoment has to be where Ben showing how much he loves Alica turns on the gloves and becomes the thing sacrificing his chance to remain as Ben. and Johny has always come off as hot headed part of the dynamic of the thing and the torch.

By: Michael P.

Michael P. — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 16:09:06 +0000

Johnny’s kind of an asshole.

By: Wraith

Wraith — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:10:54 +0000

In this issue: “Thoroughly erroneous declaration about The Thing, courtesy of Reed Richards” #14, in a 92-part (and counting!) series.

Collect ‘em all.

By: Martin

Martin — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 15:03:54 +0000

My favorite FF stories are #45-87. Didn’t care for this issue, though — the android was a pretty dull, run-of-the-mill design. My favorites past #67 are the Subatomica, Inhumans and Dr Doom stories.

By: Rob Barrett

Rob Barrett — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:47:18 +0000

Random Stranger: that storyline is the moment for me where Lee and Kirby’s FF really takes off. You’ve got Sinnott on inks finally, and Lee and Kirby really nail the relentless momentum of Ben’s progress toward Doom and the just desserts the villain has merited.

By: Random Stranger

Random Stranger — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 13:26:45 +0000

The version of this same plot device (which Lee and Kirby used a few times) that I prefer is in the Battle of the Baxter Building when Reed is forced to change Ben back when he doesn’t want it and then Ben takes out his rage on Doom. It’s got the same melodrama of Ben losing a cure but in that case it’s cruelly yanked away by a friend and the beatdown that follows it is spectacular.

By: Joe S. Walker

Joe S. Walker — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 12:47:27 +0000

The Lee/Kirby FFs were past their peak after the Him storyline in 66-67, and declined sharply from the 80s on – basically Jack Kirby had put an enormous amount of invention into the book’s previous few years and been screwed for his trouble, and he got sick of it. Best of the issues yet to come is the two-part Mole Man story in 88-89.

But yeah, that’s a memorable ending – I read it as a kid and found it really upsetting. Note Stan’s reserve in just letting the story stop, with no closing narration or even “next issue” caption. I think that’s unique for Marvel in the Sixties.

By: Chris Bloom

Chris Bloom — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:40:24 +0000

I’m working my way through the Essential FF volumes, and just read this one. I hated FF when I was younger, and thought Lee and Kirby sucked, but I’m coming to realize just how amazing these comics are. Thanks, Brian!