Fantastic Four #265
Published and © by Marvel, April 1984
Title: “The House That Reed Built”
Synopsis: The Fantastic Four aren’t home, so it’s up to the Baxter Building to lay down the law to the Trapster.
Writer: John Byrne
Artist: Byrne
Review: Writer/artist John Byrne serves up a simple tale featuring the Trapster’s efforts to infiltrate the Baxter Building. The plot’s primary purpose is to introduce readers to the inner workings of the Baxter Building, and it does its job well. But, considering the cover, it’s a bit of bait and switch.
•••
Title: “Home Are the Heroes”
Synopsis: Mister Fantastic and the Human Torch return from Secret Wars with new FF member She-Hulk in tow.
Writer: John Byrne
Artist: Byrne
Review: Up until the cliffhanger ending, this backup feature doesn’t offer much action either. Altogether, a rather ho-hum issue of FF.
Grade (for the entire issue): B
Second opinion: “NOBODY tells a story like you do! ‘The House That Reed Built’ was a little gem. Loved it!” – Stan Lee, in an LoC on the “Fantastic Four Fan Page” in Fantastic Four #270.
Cool factor: Welcome She-Hulk …
Not-so-cool factor: … maybe next issue you’ll have something more to do.
Notable: She-Hulk replaces the Thing as a member of the Fantastic Four. … First appearance of Lyja (as Alicia Masters).
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: “If Mister Fantastic, the Thing, and the Human Torch indeed entered that object … they are no longer on Earth.” – The Vision
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on March 31, 2010.
