FF Memories & Memorabilia

[Malus]

A little history for the newcomer:

This thread started out October 30th of 2006 as a "Cover Countdown" to the premiere of Fantastic Four:Rise of the Silver Surfer on June 15th, 2007.
But it gradually evolved into much more; a place for fans of all types (From fans of the earliest comics to those just discovering the FF via the films) to discuss any type of FF-related subject in a laid-back, friendly atmosphere.
Or, to paraphrase Bill O'Reilly (and I can't believe I'm doing that):
This is a non-flame zone. (Unless we're talkin' about the Human Torch's powers. )

If you're new to the thread, feel free to browse back over the last 8 months of FF imagery and fan discussion. There's bound to be some images you've never seen before or discussions about the FF you'll find entertaining.

The main emphasis here is on Fantastic Four memorabilia, anything from vintage coloring books and halloween masks to candy to trading cards, anything and everything Fantastic Four-related.
So if anyone out there has anything FF-related that you think wiould be of interest, please feel free to scan it or take a digital picture and upload it to any of the popular image-hosting services. (Many of these services are free, and will provide the image URL to paste into your Hype post.)

Like I said, this is a non-flame zone, so everyone please play nice. In the 8 months this thread has existed, there hasn't been a single problem. Let's not get into any "versus" subjects, like "who is stronger, Thing or Hulk" - okay?
Everyone treat others and their opinions with the courtesy you yourself would like. If you're making a declarative statement of opinion, like "I thought Simonson's FF stunk" please take care to include those all-important words "I think." "in my opinion," "IMHO" and all those work well, too.
Potential troublemakers be aware: I may not be a Moderator, but I do cut a moderator's grass on Wednesdays. t:
Basically, please be nice.
After all, the Fantastic Four is all about family, and in a way we fans are also one big family.
At least, that's how the folks around here feel.

Thanks!
Malus
FF Fan since April, 1971

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Now here's the very first post from October 30th, 2006, back when this thread was going to be a simple cover count-down...


So here's the deal. Every day, from now until June 15th, I'll be posting the cover of the FF issue that corresponds to that day in the countdown.
June 15th will be Fantastic Four #1 and so today's cover is...
Fantastic Four #229:

I've had this idea for several weeks, and finally found the time to start it up today. Unfortunately the wonderful John Byrne issues started at #332, so we just missed those.

Strangely, #229 just happens to be the first time one of my fan letters appeared on the letters page of FF. (And I kid you not, I did not plan to start this thread on #229; right hand to God. It really is just one of those neat "synchronistic" thingies.)

Considering my affection for the John Byrne era that was yet to begin, it's ironic that a portion of my letter complained about John Byrne's art style being unsuited to the FF. (Pretty embarrassing now.)
Though in all fairness to the 1979 me, Byrne's previous work on FF had been inked by Joe Sinnott, whose otherwise classic inks had slowly evolved to give Benjy a sort-of rounded teddy bear look. I was very happy to be proven wrong about Byrne a few issues later when he took over, inking his own pencils and giving us a much more craggy and monstrous-looking Thing.

I've got all the cover scans to post, all in great condition, but of course anyone's welcome to post one themselves.

 

[TripleF]

Along with the covers, could you give a short synopsis for those of us who are not avid readers of the comic.

 

[Malus]

Along with the covers, could you give a short synopsis for those of us who are not avid readers of the comic.

I'll do my best, but I don't have most of these issues sitting next to me. (And I'll be honest, some of these issues, like the one above, I've tried to forget.) There may be others who have a good synopsis handy, or maybe they've got some trivia about an issue that isn't generally known.
I'll try, though.

 

[TripleF]

I'll do my best, but I don't have most of these issues sitting next to me. (And I'll be honest, some of these issues, like the one above, I've tried to forget.) There may be others who have a good synopsis handy, or maybe they've got some trivia about an issue that isn't generally known.
I'll try, though.

It doesn't have to necessarily be you only, some may know of websites that have a good information. I, unfortunately, don't have time to go to these sites to get the information, but if some can, or have the information readily available, it would be appreciated.

 

[The Apatow Crew]

Hey this is a cool idea. Thanks for taking the time to do this.

 

[Willie Lumpkin]

VERY cool idea!

 

[Carp Man]

VERY cool idea!

Indeed. What a wounderful idea. t: WTG Malus.

 

[Franklin Richards]

I loved that story. I wish him and that chick he was with would make a comeback. What happened to them again? I don't have my 44 years of FF with me here.

 

[Lightning Strykez!]

Schweet!

 

[antariksh]

TWO THUMBS UP!!!

for they guy who started the thread.

 

[MattC]

Great idea And a hell of an undertaking lol

 

[Carp Man]

First 19 years of FF comic covers. t: Actually the sequel was officially confirmed October 22, 2005, so that would be 602 covers.

 

[gerbstat]

It doesn't have to necessarily be you only, some may know of websites that have a good information. I, unfortunately, don't have time to go to these sites to get the information, but if some can, or have the information readily available, it would be appreciated.

Go To FF Plaza for each issues synopsis.

CLICK HERE

 

[Malus]

First 19 years of FF comic covers. t: Actually the sequel was officially confirmed October 22, 2005, so that would be 602 covers.

Well that woulda been a problem, since FF is only up to #540. t:

I'm just bummed that I didn't start this in time to include some of the wonderful John Byrne covers from the 80's. In fact, the first half dozen or so covers that we're about to see are some of my all-time least favorites.

 

[Franklin Richards]

I liked the art in this era. Not as bad as some of that post byrne crap.

 

[Malus]

Okay, I can't stand it...I'm got to post a few of these Byrne covers anyway. I think it will be obvious why.
If I'd started this thread just 15 days ago, we would have been looking at this:
Fantastic Four #244: Frankie Raye becomes the herald of Galactus.

 

[Malus]

FF #238-The Secret of Frankie Raye Revealed.
(With a light-hearted but dynamic cover by John Byrne.)

 

[TripleF]

Go To FF Plaza for each issues synopsis.

CLICK HERE

Yeah, my GF has used that some, I was really hoping to see some here since as far as my internet fun time, this place is pretty much it.

 

[Malus]

FF#239- Frankie Raye unofficially joins the team.
We see her show a little instability almost right off the bat, when she has to be restrained from frying a alledged child-abuser.

The "Most unexpected guest star of all time!" was none other than Ben's Aunt Petunia, who turned out to be a real looker and not the crone we had always assumed.
"What in the name of Aunt Petunia?" was a popular saying of Ben's throughout the Lee/Kirby years and beyond.

FF243: "Everyone" battles a weakened Galactus...

Frankie is clearly awed by the presence of Galactus, and in #244, as seen a few posts above, she will volunteer to give up her humanity to become his new herald.
Norrin Radd became Galactus' herald as a selfless act, in order that Galactus would spare his planet; he never relished the job. By contrast, it appears Frankie will not find it a moral dilemma to lead the Big G to populated worlds.

Okay, that's all the John Byrne stuff that may pertain to FF2...

 

[Fantastic-Boy]

Until the great release!!!

 

[Malus]

228 days and counting...
Fantastic Four #228 (March, 1981) "Ego Spawn"
by Doug Moench & Bill Sienkiewicz; Inks by Joe Sinnott.

 

[Retroman]

Great idea Malus. Hype! forum member Flamehead has a thread like this in the Ghost Rider forums as well.
http://www.superherohype.com/forums/showthread.php?t=191932

 

[Malus]

Synopsis for today's issue (#228) from the excellent database at FF Plaza (http://www.ffplaza.com/library/?issue=ff228):
"Ego Spawn"
At the Baxter Building, Johnny tries to impress Ben with his enthusiasm for his imminent date with Lorrie Melton, but Ben feigns disinterest. At the same time, Reed and Sue discuss the re-emergence of Franklin's powers and, with Sue and Franklin's blessing, he makes contact with an old colleague, Professor Abe Jankovitz, in the hope that by running some tests on their son they will learn more about the nature of his abilities and Franklin to begin to control them.

When Lorrie arrives at the Baxter Building, Johnny agrees tat they will take their date in Massachusetts with Reed, Sue, Ben and Franklin and all six board the Fantasticar and head north.
At Seaboard University Franklin begins some tests of his psychic abilities under Dr. Jankovitz's supervision, but they prove nothing out of the ordinary. Jankovitz surmises that Franklin's powers may be triggered by stress, and Reed and Sue agree to let the professor try out a new biofeedback device on their son. Johnny and Lorrie, meanwhile, make their apologies and take the Fanasticar to a local drive-in diner. Johnny flames on and takes Lorrie on a flight around the area in an attempt to impress her, unaware that his actions have caught the attention of another diner by the name of Franco who is unimpressed by Johnny's showing off and says as much to his girlfriend Betty.
Meanwhile Reed, Sue and Jankovitz are monitoring Franklin's progress as he sleeps under the biofeedback helmet, when suddenly the boy unleashes a brigtly coloured ball of psychic ectoplasm that passes through the walls of the room and streaks off into the night.
Meanwhile, Johnny conducts an impromptu fireworks display in the night sky that enrages Franco, who confronts Johnny and threatens him with physical violence. Just as the two are about to come to blows, the psychic ectoplasm transforms Franco into a super-powered being who appears more than a match for Johnny. Lorrie pilots the Fantasticar back to the University and brings back reinforcements in the form of Reed and Ben, leaving Sue and Jankovitz to try to shut down the feedback helmet without harming Franklin, but the boy resists until Jankovitz can distract him long enough for Sue to turn invisible and cut the power to the helmet.
Franklin emerges from under the helmet unscathed and with no recollection of the events that just happened. Jankovitz is optimistic of future success with the helmet but Reed counters that Franklin's powers are too dangerous to risk exposing any more members of the public to them, and with that they take their leave.
______________________________________________
FF Plaza is a terrific site. You can find all kinds of neat stuff there, including pics of vintage FF toys and other merchandise.
Highly recommended.

 

[fantastic fifth]

This is such a great idea. I love the artwork from this era - I believe George Perez?

I must say that I did not like the John Byrne version of Sue at all - the short flipped hair.

Thanks for doing this Malus!

 

[TripleF]

This is such a great idea. I love the artwork from this era - I believe George Perez?

I must say that I did not like the John Byrne version of Sue at all - the short flipped hair.

Thanks for doing this Malus!

Yeah, I have to agree, I like the versions of her recently, much more.