Fantastic Four #262
Published and © by Marvel, January 1984
Title: “The Trial of Reed Richards”
Synopsis: Lilandra and the survivors of Galactus put Reed Richards on trial for saving the life of the Devourer of Worlds.
Writer: John Byrne
Artist: Byrne
Review: This reviewer took superhero comics very seriously back in the day, making things like Assistant Editors’ Month quite painful. Luckily, John Byrne found a clever way to keep that “event” from derailing his “Trial of Reed Richards” arc. Pressed into service at the behest of the Watcher, Byrne himself is a character in this issue. The gimmick works well, and doesn’t detract from this excellent courtroom drama in which survivors of Galactus seek to hold Reed responsible for saving the world-eater in FF #244 (see review). Other than a rushed conclusion, this cosmic issue is consistently excellent.
Grade: A
Second opinion: “Totally brilliant! Engrossing! Original! Absorbing! Unique! Incredible! A masterpiece of artistic skill and imagination! – I liked it!” – Stan Lee, in an LoC on the “Fantastic Four Fan Page” in Fantastic Four #269, August 1984 … “Well done.” – Gene Kehoe, It’s a Fanzine #21, November 1983 … Recommended by The Slings & Arrows Comic Guide (second edition), 2003.
Cool factor: A morality play staged on a cosmic scale. That, and the Watcher and Galactus holding hands.
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: “How else can I plead but … GUILTY!” – Reed Richards, proving that even the smartest guy in the world can sometimes say dumb things
Editor’s note: This review was originally published by Comics Bronze Age on Jan. 29, 2010.
