Fantastic Four #165
Published and © by Marvel, December 1975
Title: “The Light of Other Worlds!”
Synopsis: The inability to secure a bank loan sends the Crusader (né Marvel Boy) on a ferocious rampage seeking vengeance.
Writer: Roy Thomas
Penciler: George Pérez
Inker: Joe Sinnott
Review: There’s a fine line between endearing character traits and flat-out annoyance, and this issue sees every member of the FF on the wrong side of that line. Mr. Fantastic is gruff and arrogant, the Thing is an ill-tempered brute, and the Torch is an emo horndog. Meanwhile, the Invisible Girl spends multiple internal monologues contemplating how to be more submissive to the men in her life. Yuck. The Marvel Boy/Crusader reboot is just OK; the ferocity of his quest for vengeance is a little off-putting and the conclusion feels rushed. But George Pérez’s visual storytelling is solid.
Grade: B-
Cool factor: It’s already clear George Pérez is going to be a great fit for the FF.
Not-so-cool factor: The Crusader is a jerk. The FF are an unpleasant lot here. This one needs a likable character to root for.
Notable: The “Baxter Building Bulletins” letters page includes an LoC from future Marvel writer Peter B. Gillis.
Collector’s note: According to the Grand Comics Database, there is a 9p British variant and a National Book Store variant of this issue. … According to MyComicShop.com, there is also a Mark Jewelers variant.
Character quotable: “I was detained on Earth – by a hard-hearted banker’s rubber stamp!” – The Crusader, who apparently doesn’t take rejection well
Editor’s note: This review was written Oct. 25, 2021.
I had this issue a long time ago, but don’t not still currently own it. If memory serves, the Marvel 1975 calendar makes a cameo appearance in this story. I believe Reed Richards circles the dates when the Crusader appears ( in the story).
Please correct me if I am wrong.
Considering Marvel re-printed the 1975 calendar for this year, thought it would be worth a mention.
I just checked and Reed does indeed, on the fifth story page.
Not surpisingly, I have the reprinted calendar hanging on the wall here in my office. Thrilled that they’re going to be reprinting the 1976 calendar for next year!
FYI, I finally got the last Killraven review posted. Truly an underrated run!
Cheers,
TAW