Today, across the Nation, Marvel Entertainment released issue #587 as the sun sets on The Fantastic Four’s epic journey. Back when we here at Comic Booked first heard that Marvel Entertainment was going to kill off a member of our beloved Fantastic Four, Colin Bell asked us all who we thought it was.
While discussing strengths and weakness I tossed in my Doc Doom love with a sad statement that it always bothered me that he never ever got to really beat the The Fantastic Four. This statement was met by acknowledgment and the recognition that Victor Von Doom had been able to kill off all of the members of The Fantastic Four at least once.
All of the members of the Fantastic Four it seemed, except one. Upon hearing this I swiftly replied “Which one? Because that’s where I’m casting my vote.”.
The answer, was none other than Johnny Storm and I am both proud and greatly saddened to say that we completely nailed it.
I now reveal to you Marvel’s words on the subject as they were forwarded to me.
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Marvel Entertainment Extinguishes The Fantastic Four’s Human Torch
RENOWNED SUPER HERO KILLED IN HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED FANTASTIC FOUR #587 SIZZLING INTO STORES WEDNESDAY
New York, NY – January 25, 2011 – “FLAME OFF!” In a move sure to shock comic fans worldwide, Marvel unveiled that its ever popular super hero the Human Torch will meet his demise and die heroically in Fantastic Four #587, hitting stores tomorrow (Wednesday, January 26th). Concluding the “Three” storyline that captivated the mainstream media and industry press alike, this issue and the death of such a renowned character from the First Family of comics signals the beginning of major changes for the Marvel Universe as the Fantastic Four lose one of their founding members.
“Jonathan Hickman [writer of Fantastic Four] came to us two years ago with a vision for evolving the characters and concepts introduced to fans 50 years ago in Fantastic Four #1 – and quite frankly his vision blew us away,” said Tom Brevoort, Marvel Entertainment SVP of Publishing. “The death of the Human Torch is the first major move in this incredibly exciting evolution of the legendary Fantastic Four franchise and a necessary part of the larger story we will be telling featuring the beloved characters moving forward.”
But the story doesn’t end there– February’s Fantastic Four #588 brings the long running series to a conclusion as the Fantastic Four disband and the surviving characters must discover their new roles in the Marvel Universe. Just what’s next for the surviving members of Marvel’s First Family?
Fantastic Four #1 debuted in 1961, kicking off the “Marvel Age” of comics and dramatically increasing the popularity of super heroes. As the progenitor of Marvel Universe, the Fantastic Four set a new tone for super hero comics with its nuanced characterization, reflection of real world fears and progressive depiction of super heroes. Through the years, the Fantastic Four have been involved in many of comics most important & memorable storylines, from the introduction of Galactus to the chart-topping Civil War and now the upcoming event Fear Itself.
It all begins with the shocking death of the Human Torch in Fantastic Four #587, in comic stores Wednesday, January 26th, 2011!
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These final gripping issues of the Fantastic Four’s Saga that remain, will be Written by Jonathan Hickman and Arted by Steve Epting and Nick Dragotta. The Covers will be handled by Alan Davis, with a very special spoiler variant by John Cassaday. A must have for any true Fantastic Four lover and collector.
Farewell Johnny Storm, and may the remaining three of our beloved Fantastic Four find new ways to carry on without your great warmth.
Now, as always, I shall leave with you with the official technical details as they were forwarded to me. Enjoy. – N
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FANTASTIC FOUR #587 (NOV100584)
Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN
Penciled by STEVE EPTING
Cover by ALAN DAVIS
Rated A…$3.99
On Sale – 1/26/11
FANTASTIC FOUR #587 SPOILER VARIANT (NOV100585)
Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN
Penciled by STEVE EPTING
Cover by JOHN CASSADAY
Rated A…$3.99
On Sale – 2/2/11
FANTASTIC FOUR #588 (DEC100592)
Written by JONATHAN HICKMAN
Penciled by NICK DRAGOTTA
Cover by ALAN DAVIS
Rated A …$3.99
FOC – 1/31/11, On Sale – 2/23/11
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Holy crap! Are they actually gonna do it? Or will we find Jonny Strom in the Neutral Zone in 6 months? I kinda hope for the latter…
Time will tell! I figure he will be out of commission for a bit but eventually they will find a way and a place to bring him back.
As long as they don't bring in a clone.
February 2012 is when Fantastic Four #600 comes out. I'll expect his return then along with the return (again) to original numbering.
I don't expect to be getting it myself though. As I've said before, Marvel's handling of this was disrespectful to the fans of this series and those who had no way of getting it before they 'leaked' to the media who died.
Very dirty pool.
What if it was a genetically altered female clone?
I understand your pain and I made sure to wait until after midnight this morning as a massive effort not to spoil it for anyone. If it's a good tale, you will get the hits regardless.
In my book it should always be about the writing, arting, and fellowship first, not your hit/sales count.
PS- And all of those other sites had the same option, so I really don't blame Marvel on this one.
Have we really seen the last of him? Isn't the next issue called "Johnny's Last Stand" or something. At any rate it was quite the event and nice to get something new on Tuesday. My shop had a limit of one of the poly-bagged little suckers, and they went fast. Here's hoping people actually read them instead of keeping them sealed up in the bag forever. Sure we shall see you again Torch.
I know. I have mine all special and mint. I rarely collect things but I really love the look of it all sealed in it's big plastic package with the bold 3 on the front. So awesome.
I went to a different shop and picked one up for my neighbor. He usually only likes silver and bronze age books but found lots of old story line references and liked this book. Something for everyone here.