Johnny Storm is dead.
Depending on how big a fan of the Human Torch you are, after finishing issue 587 of the Fantastic Four, you’ll either be looking for a tissue to dry your tears, or the world’s smallest violin.
Leading up to his death, the Torch wasn’t nearly as important a character in the Marvel universe as he has been in the past. Nevertheless, it’s hard to doubt his overall popularity and what his death will do to the group.
The final part of the five-issue “three” mini-series, Jonathan Hickman’s writing has a nice pace to it with three separate scenes being pushed simultaneously, but there’s never the slightest feeling that Reed or Sue Richards’ lives are in danger. Aside from that, there’s not much in the uber cool department. Sure, there are some witty moments between Namor and Sue that do a great job of breaking up the action, but they don’t captivate the same way as the scenes with Ben and Johnny.
After a few pages, it becomes abundantly clear that either he Thing or Torch is doomed.
While it doesn’t ruin the issue, it makes you want to fast forward to see what the situation with Ben and Johnny actually is. From the first time we see them in this comic, there’s a level of desperation and sincerity that simply pulls at you.
Ultimately, while Hickman’s writing and pacing will be remembered here, Steve Epting’s pencils will stand the test of time and are inspiring. The last few pages of this issue are the type even the most casual of comic book fans will be impressed by and are almost tear-inducing. It’s no easy task to draw the death of one of Marvel’s most beloved characters, but Epting is up to the task in a beautiful splash page.
Capturing the emotion perfectly, if this is indeed Johnny Storm’s last stand, (is he dead, or “Bucky” dead? Does Bucky dead mean anything anymore?) the art of Epting has done his final moments justice.
Many people would have rather seen a Fantastic Four where Sue was on the dating scene, with Ben and Johnny playing matchmaker, but that’s not going to be the case. For at least the time being, Marvel’s most premiere group has lost its wit and charisma. With questions remaining as to who will fill that void, or if it will be filled at all, Marvel may have disappointed some of its biggest fans, but has created more drama around its signature series than it has in years because of it.
Mission accomplished.
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