Fantastic Four #32
1ST APPEARANCE OF MORRAT - DEATH OF DR. FRANKLIN STORM
(VERY GOOD/FINE)
"Fantastic Four #32," published in November 1964, is a classic issue from Marvel Comics' Silver Age, written by Stan Lee with artwork by Jack Kirby. This issue is particularly notable for its dramatic and emotional content, including a significant storyline involving the engagement and tragic fate of Sue Storm's (the Invisible Woman) father, Franklin Storm.
The story titled "Death of a Hero!" delves into the past of Franklin Storm, revealing him as a once-successful surgeon who turned to crime after a tragic accident during surgery led to his wife's death and his subsequent imprisonment. In a bid to make amends and protect his daughter, Franklin secretly becomes the masked villain known as "The Invincible Man," under duress from agents of the Skrulls who have captured him and coerced him into acting against his will.
As the Fantastic Four, unaware of The Invincible Man's true identity, confront him, the dramatic reveal of his identity comes to a head. The issue culminates in a poignant moment where Franklin sacrifices his own life to save his daughter and her teammates from a Skrull bomb, dying as a redeemed hero in the eyes of his family and the world.
Jack Kirby’s dynamic and expressive artwork effectively captures the intense emotions and action of the story, from the dramatic confrontations to the tender familial moments, enhancing the impact of the narrative.
"Fantastic Four #32" is remembered as one of the more moving and character-driven stories in the early Fantastic Four series, exploring themes of redemption, family, and sacrifice. It significantly deepens the background of the Storm family and adds emotional depth to the series' overarching narrative.
