Fantastic Four #49, Vol. 1

"If This Be Doomsday"

Writer: Stan Lee
Penciling: Jack Kirby
Inks: Joe Sinnott
Color: George Roessos
Letters: Artie Simek

Original Price: $0.12
Current Value: $200.00

History Behind Issue: Continued from Fantastic Four #48, the Action Comics #1 of Silver Surfer fans.

Plot: Galactus has landed on Earth. The Watcher tries to persuade him into leaving the planet, but Galactus must devour Earth in order to survive, even if it means life must suffer. Thing and Human Torch each try to attack the devourer of worlds, but both fail to even harm Galactus.

Meanwhile, the Silver Surfer falls into the apartment of Alicia Masters. The blind Alicia senses the Silver Surfer is not of this world, but she also senses nobility in him. She offers him food, but the Silver Surfer doesn't need to eat. Instead, he converts the items into pure energy, so no gram of energy will be wasted.

The Fantastic Four prepare to attack, but are stopped by the Watcher. The Watcher explains exactly what Galactus plans to do with Earth and how the Human Torch can stop him. While the Fantastic Four attack Galactus, the Watcher explains to the Human Torch what he must do to obtain the Ultimate Nullifier. The Human Torch travels time space distortion through the universe into the center of infinity, till his destination: a gargantuan space station which serves as the home of Galactus.

Meanwhile, Galactus' watchdog, "The Punisher," defeats the Fantastic Four, who are powerless as Galactus begins the destruction of Earth. Suddenly, the Silver Surfer finds something in Alicia Masters, in humanity, worth protecting. He will betray Galactus! His betrayal may disrupt the Watcher's plan and cause the destruction of Earth!

Concluded in Fantastic Four #50

Comments: What can I say about a classic???  Story by Stan Lee, art by Jack Kirby...'nuff said.

Review written by James Pedrick