pierre-reads-comics

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Fantastic Four (1961) #80 — Stan Lee, Jack Kirby

Okay, Kirby, I really didn't need a close-up of Ben's concrete toes.

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Fantastic Four (1961) #79 — Stan Lee, Jack Kirby

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Fantastic Four (1961) #79 — Stan Lee, Jack Kirby

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Fantastic Four (1961) #79 — Stan Lee, Jack Kirby

"And it's gotta work--for Alicia!"

And of course, he changes back for Alicia, aww.

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Fantastic Four (1961) #79 — Stan Lee, Jack Kirby

Okay, so, like, this android belongs to the Mad Thinker and was mistakenly awoken by the police with the mission of tracking down a specific signal. But that signal just happens to be The Wizard's gloves that Ben has, which left me so confused.

I swear, it feels like Lee or Kirby got The Wizard and Mad Thinker mixed up or something.

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Fantastic Four (1961) #79 — Stan Lee, Jack Kirby

"But I don't grab ya--like The Thing did! I can tell by your touch!"

Monsterfucker Alicia confirmed.

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Fantastic Four (1961) #79 — Stan Lee, Jack Kirby

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Fantastic Four (1961) #79 — Stan Lee, Jack Kirby

"That's what hurts! She does have the right to know--but how--how can I tell her?"

[attempts to gaslight her]

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Fantastic Four (1961) #79 — Stan Lee, Jack Kirby

"Our baby--may be born--a freak!"

Reed, what the fuck.

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Fantastic Four (1961) #79 — Stan Lee, Jack Kirby

"Is Ben Grimm gonna love this same girl--feel the same way about her--as he did when he was The Thing?"

Oh hey, this was exactly what I was talking about when reading issue #68, how Ben feels he's "taking advantage" of Alicia being blind as The Thing, and what it would mean for their relationship if he weren't affected by the cosmic radiation anymore? Would he still love her?

Of course, he would, but it's way more interesting for Ben to fear himself being the shallow one instead of Alicia, since that's some good ol' juicy internal conflict and fears to explore.

Really glad it was touched on again, if even for a moment.

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Fantastic Four (1961) #79 — Stan Lee, Jack Kirby

"--And me not recognizin' his voice!"

Oh, hey, I think this is the first confirmation in-universe that Ben's voice is different as The Thing.

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Fantastic Four (1961) #79 — Stan Lee, Jack Kirby

Absolutely adorable. Best these two have been as a couple.

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Fantastic Four (1961) #79 — Stan Lee, Jack Kirby

"Who's jealous? You can kiss anyone you want to--"

Oh?

"Just as long as his initials are Johnny Storm!"

Oh.

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Fantastic Four (1961) #79 — Stan Lee, Jack Kirby

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Fantastic Four (1961) #78 — Stan Lee, Jack Kirby

A shockingly fun issue, despite the tired premise, plus Ben's cure will actually stick around longer than an issue!

I love the setup of Ben being forced to choose, since he's already experienced what it's like not to have his powers in this issue. Will he forsake his powers that can be used for good or refuse them to have a normal life with Alicia and be the man he thinks she deserves?

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Fantastic Four (1961) #78 — Stan Lee, Jack Kirby

"Anyone wanna buy a pair of goofy gloves?"

Johnny, you're a gem.

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Fantastic Four (1961) #78 — Stan Lee, Jack Kirby