The Fantastic Four
# 21-30
Fantastic Four # 21: "The Hate-Monger!" 
Writer: Stan Lee 
Penciller: Jack Kirby 
Inker: George Bell
Jay's Rating: JJJJ
Synopsis:
A public demonstration by the Hate Monger draws the attention of the FF. The Hate Monger uses his H-rays to turn the FF against each other. Nick Fury tricks the FF into helping him investigate the sudden change of heart of a pro American latin country, San Gusto. The Hate Monger is using San Gusto as a test for the wider application of his H-rays. Fury and the FF stop the Hate Monger's evil scheme, and one of his own guards, under the influence of the H-rays, guns him down. They unmask the Hate Monger and discover that he was Adolf Hitler. 

Jay's Notes:

  • First appearance of the Hate-Monger.
  • Reprinted in Marvel Collector's Item Classics # 15 and Essential Fantastic Four Volume #2.
Fantastic Four # 22: "The Return of the Mole Man!" 
Writer: Stan Lee 
Penciller: Jack Kirby 
Inker: George Bell
Jay's Rating: JJJJ
Synopsis:
Reed discovers the full extent of Sue's powers; she can make other objects invisible and manipulate an invisible force field. The other residents of the Baxter building file complaints about the FF's presence. Reed takes the team to an island, which is for sale, that may solve their problems. Unfortunately, it's a trap set by the Mole Man, who reveals his newest plot to gain control of the world. The Fantastic Four defy his death traps and with the help of Sue's new powers, defeat him.

Jay's Notes:

  • Reprinted in Marvel Collector's Item Classics # 16 and Essential Fantastic Four Volume #2.
Fantastic Four # 23: "The Master Plan of Doctor Doom!" 
Writer: Stan Lee 
Penciller: Jack Kirby 
Inker: George Bell
Jay's Rating: JJJJ
Synopsis:
While the FF are busy arguing over who should lead the team, Doctor Doom assembles a team of criminals with special talents to help him destroy the FF.  One by one each member of the FF is captured. However, once they start working as a team the FF free themselves and battle Doom. Doom tries to trap them, but ends up in the trap himself.

Jay's Notes:

  • Reprinted in Marvel Collector's Item Classics # 17 and Essential Fantastic Four Volume #2.
Fantastic Four # 24: "The Infant Terrible!" 
Writer: Stan Lee 
Penciller: Jack Kirby 
Inker: George Bell
Jay's Rating: JJJJ
Synopsis:
A mysterious alien comes to Earth displaying an incredible ability to alter reality. He's tricked by some mobsters into helping them, but he quickly becomes too much for them to handle. Sue, Ben, and Johnny confront the alien and keep it busy while Reed contacts this alien infant's parents. His parents make their way to Earth and pick up their lost child.

Jay's Notes:

  • Reprinted in Marvel Collector's Item Classics # 18 and Essential Fantastic Four Volume #2.
Fantastic Four # 25: "The Battle of the Century, The Hulk vs. The Thing" 
Writer: Stan Lee 
Penciller: Jack Kirby 
Inker: George Bell
Jay's Rating: JJJJ1/2
Synopsis:
The Hulk learns that the Avengers have replaced him with Captain America and that Rick Jones has also deserted him. Enraged, the Hulk makes his way to New York City, but he's confronted by the Fantastic Four. The Thing engages him in a slugfest and unfortunately learns how powerful the Hulk truly is.

Jay's Notes:

  • Reprinted in Essential Fantastic Four Volume #2.
  • Rather dull, uninspired inking by Bell.
  • The Hulk continually refers to his alter ego as Bob rather than Bruce.
Fantastic Four # 26: "The Avengers Take Over!" 
Writer: Stan Lee 
Penciller: Jack Kirby 
Inker: George Bell
Jay's Rating: JJJJ1/2
Synopsis:
Leaving the FF behind, the Hulk continues his search for the Avengers. The Hulk confronts the Avengers and the FF join the battle. Unfortunately, the FF and Avengers' fighting styles don't complement each other and the Hulk escapes with Rick Jones. The super-teams regroup and team-up to battle Hulk. They rescue Rick Jones and drive off the Hulk.

Jay's Comments:

  • First Fantastic Four/Avengers x-over.
  • Reprinted in Essential Fantastic Four Volume #2.
Fantastic Four # 27: "The Search for the Sub-Mariner!" 
Writer: Stan Lee 
Penciller: Jack Kirby 
Inker: George Bell
Jay's Rating: JJJJ1/2
Synopsis:
Reed finally gets up the nerve to propose to Sue, but the Sub-Mariner, who is also competing for Sue's affections, kidnaps her in hopes of proving his love. Reed tracks the Sub-Mariner down and engages him on his own. Ben and Johnny seek out Dr. Strange and he transports them to Namor's undersea palace. They rescue Sue and help Reed battle Namor. However, it's Sue who deals the Sub-Mariner the most devastating blow by choosing Reed over him.

Jay's Comments:

  •  Reprinted in Essential Fantastic Four Volume #2.
Fantastic Four # 28: "We Have to Fight the X-Men!" 
Writer: Stan Lee 
Penciller: Jack Kirby 
Inker: Chic Stone
Jay's Rating: JJJJJ
Synopsis:
The Mad Thinker and the Puppet Master team-up against the Fantastic Four. The Puppet Master gains control of Professor X and he sends the X-Men to attack the Fantastic Four. The Fantastic Four suspect something is wrong and let themselves be captured. The Mad Thinker and the Puppet Master reveal themselves. However, the Beast destroys Professor X's puppet and the X-Men and Fantastic Four defeat the evil duo. 

Jay's Comments:

  • The Mad Thinker last appeared in FF #15.
  • Reprinted in Essential Fantastic Four Volume #2.
Fantastic Four # 29: "It Started on Yancy Street!" 
Writer: Stan Lee 
Penciller: Jack Kirby 
Inker: Chic Stone
Jay's Rating: JJJJ
Synopsis:
The Red Ghost and his Super Apes set a trap for the Fantastic Four on Yancy Street.  The Fantastic Four are captured and taken to the moon. They escape their captors and hide out in the Watcher's home. They confront the Red Ghost and the Super Apes, but defeat them this time.

Jay's Comments:

  • The Red Ghost and his Super Apes last appeared in FF #13.
  • Reprinted in Essential Fantastic Four Volume #2.
Fantastic Four # 30: "The Dreaded Diablo!" 
Writer: Stan Lee 
Penciller: Jack Kirby 
Inker: Chic Stone
Jay's Rating: JJJJ
Synopsis:
The FF's vacation is interrupted by the villaineous Diablo who uses the Thing to free him from his centuries-old prison. Diablo's alchemy amazes the world, but the FF debunk his ruse. They free the Thing from his influence and defeat him.

Jay's Comments:

  • Reprinted in Essential Fantastic Four Volume #2.
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