Retro Review: Fantastic Four #52

Throughout the long and storied history of comics, there have been a number of momentous debuts. In this Retro Review, we take a look at one of the most significant character introductions of all time; when Marvel Comic’s first family met Marvel’s first Black superhero.

On April 12, 1966, Fantastic Four #52 was released. Mr. Fantastic, The Invisible Woman, The Human Torch, and The Thing are invited to the mysterious African nation of Wakanda to meet its even more mysterious leader, the Black Panther. But once they arrive, things immediately go sideways and the team is ambushed. The Black Panther then proceeds to give the Fantastic Four the business. Systematically stalking and taking down each member of the family one-by-one in some ingeniously cunning ways. Imagine this being your first introduction to the Black Panther not knowing if he is friend or foe yet.

The entire comic is something very different from what one will find in a comic book shop today. The issue features plot moving panels from a non-character narrator, something that has been mostly abandoned in the comic industry. The panels are busy, very busy. There is a lot of action, a lot of exposition and a lot of dialogue packed into every square inch of the issue. The narrator is pretty entertaining and quick to break the fourth wall. And this reviewer is absolutely convinced the narrator is just Stan Lee being Stan Lee.

Speaking of Lee’s writing, Lee really gives readers their money’s worth. Each of the Fantastic Four are their usual smart, paternal, cocky, and tough selves and their family interaction is as funny and genuine as it always is. The Inhumans even make one of their earliest comic appearances. But The Black Panther character really gets to shine here. He talks his talk to each of the Four verbally beating them almost as badly as he does physically. The Black Panther would’ve made a pretty fly villain. Also, the 1960’s lingo is thick, there’s a “gimmie five” reference and a “gosh” for that extra wholesome feeling.

Legendary comic artist Jack Kirby does his thing in this issue. What he creates in these early Marvel comics are the images that define these characters. Call it retro or call it classic, but Kirby’s work is some of the most iconic of the Silver Age and his design for the Black Panther is still one of the character’s best.

Simply put, Fantastic Four #52 is a must read for any serious comic book fan. While indeed a Fantastic Four issue, The Black Panther steals the show in this nearly perfect character debut. Yes, he’s got the money, power, and respect, but most importantly, he has honor. All of these traits have accompanied him for nearly 60 years and has made him one of the most popular and important characters in comics and all of popular culture.

Writing – 5 Stars
Art – 5 Stars
Coloring – 5 Stars

Overall:
5 Stars

Written by; “Smilin’” Stan Lee
Art by; “Jolly” Jackie Kirby
Colors by; “Gentleman” Joe Sinnott
Letters by; “Hammy” Sammy Rosen
Published by; Marvel Comics

Original unused cover for FF #52:

Author Profile

Christopher R. Ford

Writer, author, and blogger. Published author of three children's books and also writes for the boy Creators For The Culture. Part-time sneaker head, full time nerd.