Fantastic Four #264
Published and © by Marvel, March 1984
Title: “Inferno”
Synopsis: The Thing and Human Torch team with Mole Man to stop Alden Mass’ plan to supercharge Earth’s core.
Writer: John Byrne
Artist: Byrne
Review: Much as with the first half of this two-parter (see review of FF #263), this issue is a rather down-to-Earth affair. Half the team is again relegated to the background, as Sue struggles with her pregnancy and Reed detects evidence of the forthcoming Secret Wars. Meanwhile, the Thing and the Human Torch team with the Mole Man to stop a C-list villain’s plot to heat up the Earth’s core. There’s never any real sense of danger here, but Byrne turns in an enjoyable story that gives him an excuse to draw giant Kirby monsters and Disneyesque cartoon characters.
Grade: B+
Cool factor: The cover is an homage to Fantastic Four #1, one of several John Byrne has drawn over the years.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 75¢ Canadian variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.
Character quotable: “Don’t go all delicate on me now, Torchie.” – The Thing, himself a delicate flower
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on March 30, 2010.
