Fantastic Four (Vol. 2)

## Solicitations

FANTASTIC FOUR #0

Written by KELLY SUE DECONNICK

Plot by CAPTCLEGHORN

Art by TOM GRUMMETT

“Richards Four – the Movie”

The problem: a rogue meteor or comet is going to eventually strike Earth causing an extinction level event. However, there is a solution. A device has been created that can adjust the direction of meteors or comets to make them miss the planet. But it needs to be tested and an asteroid is passing close enough to Earth to test the device on without danger to the planet. But a cosmic ray storm is coming and all space flight has been cancelled for the duration. Because adhering to the ban would allow the asteroid to escape the test of the device an alternative plan is needed.

The plan: Dr. Reed Richards, smartest man on the plan, inventor of the asteroid defense device is going to steal another of his great inventions, the space going Pogo Plane. Richards, in order to get access to a protected spacecraft and take off with it needs a crack team of experts to help him do this.

Richards’ girlfriend, the beautiful Dr Susan Storm, a first year resident at Central City Med and expert on the effects of cosmic rays on the human body will accompany Richards.

Storm’s younger brother, the precocious and handsome Johnny Storm, a veritable child prodigy and the only man capable of operating the asteroid defense device goes along for the ride.

An old college friend of Richards, the brutish Ben Grimm, giving up joining the NFL draft for a career as an Air Force pilot rounds out the crew for comedy relief.

Stealing the ship and taking off goes well for our team, but the cosmic ray storm has unknown effects on them. What price will they pay for finding a way to save the planet?

So goes the movie proposal, titled Richards 4, Johnny Storm makes to a big wig studio executive. How did it really happen? You’ll have to read this issue to find out.

20 PGs./ Rated T...FREE

FANTASTIC FOUR #1

Written by KELLY SUE DECONNICK

Plot by CAPTCLEGHORN

Art by TOM GRUMMETT

“Welcome to Area 44”

Reed Richards, Mr Fantastic.

Susan Storm, the Invisible Woman

Johnny Storm, the Human Torch

Ben Grimm, the Thing

A space flight and exposure to cosmic rays have given these four adventurers fantastic abilities. Headquartered in the US Government’s restricted Area 44, the Fantastic Four are our front line in making the unknown known.

We check in with the four on an average day (for them anyway). Reed is in New York appearing on a late night talk show with his professional rival Michio Kaku and the two face a challenge to their scientific knowledge on live TV from a woman known only as … the Thinker.. Sue Storm is in negotiations with tech titan Baintronics for not only a sponsorship contract, but a big government contract to produce next generation spacecraft. Johnny Storm is trying to pair himself off with young Baintronics CEO Sunset Bain, much to his sister’s chagrin. And Ben Grimm encounters the buff seven foot tall amazonian known only as Thundra. Our creative team says they fight, but since this IS a highly classified area, you’ll have to buy the book to find out.

Like we said, a normal day for the Fantastic Four.

32 PGs./ Rated T...$3.99

FANTASTIC FOUR #2

Written by KELLY SUE DECONNICK

Plot by CAPTCLEGHORN

Art by TOM GRUMMETT

“For your viewing pleasure…”

Gregory Gideon is arguably the world’s richest man. And trust us (we’re comic book creators), that’s a much of a fearsome superpower as flight or x-ray vision. He’s set his sights on that the US Government is doing at Area 44. It may be premature, but he’s hired the Thinker, Rhona Burchill to develop a plan for this scientific facility. What’s the plan? In true Gideon fashion, you’ll have to buy the issue to find out. Rhona’s signed a non-disclosure agreement, you see.

Tonight on AOMNU-TV, TMZ has exclusive coverage of the LA date between Human Torch Johnny Storm and ice sculptress supreme Wendy Winter. CNN has an indepth look at the upcoming 25th anniversary of State U’s Year of Titans (copyright). This, as you probably know is the class including Reed Richards, Ben Grimm, Gregory Gideon, and some mysterious European leader.

And what’s up with Sue’s powers? Why can’t she get wet in the shower?

32 PGs./ Rated T?...$3.99

FANTASTIC FOUR #3

Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick

Plot by CaptCleghorn

Art by Tom Grummett

"CAN'T TOUCH THIS"

Sue Storm’s occasional inability to be touched has gotten out of control. The crew at Area 44 have therefore summoned the only other person experiencing a similar situation, naturally hoping problems can be worked out with multiple test cases. The problem here is the other person is a mutant terrorist named Unus the Untouchable who really has not desire to help our heroine or even politely stick around. The good news is that you will see Red Alerts at Area 44 and that is something to behold. Watch Reed, Ben, and the all-new Invisible Woman in action against the mutant none can lay a hand on.

Gregory Gideon has also added a local senator to his employ. Senator Paul Hart, an outspoken member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee might be a thorn in our heroes’ sides, but only if a mutant terrorist were to attack the facility from the inside or something. Oh, crap.

And what’s up with Wendy Winter’s latest exhibit? You’d think ice monsters would be easy pickings for the Human Torch, but guess what? They aren’t!

32 PGs./ Rated T?...$3.99

FANTASTIC FOUR #4

Written by Kelly Sue DeConnick

Plot by CaptCleghorn

Art by Tom Grummett

“ONE TRUTH AND MANY LIES”

Senator Paul Hart is dead, killed in the fracas caused by Unus’ escape last issue. Seriously, you shoulda bought and read the book.

As a result, Ben, Reed, and Sue have been summoned to Washington DC to testify before a Congressional committee regarding the breach of security on a US installation, the resulting death of a US Senator, and the escape of a mutant terrorist (Unus). Because testimony scenes are terribly boring, our writing staff is ripping off Rashomon and tweaking each story just a bit. Who’s being truthful? Who’s lying? WE WILL be letting you know the real story, but YOU WILL have to buy the book. That’s how we roll.

Meanwhile, Johnny, in LA dealing with the Wendy Winter problem last issue wasn’t on base so he’s free from needing to testify. But he’s home alone when Thundra returns looking for someone. Who? That’s a surprise!
There are two shock endings to this issue. The first, Paul Hart’s successor is selected. And that result ain’t good for our heroes. The other surprise ending is the Villain reveal we’ve been building towards since day one.

32 PGs./ Rated T?...$2.99

FANTASTIC FOUR #5

Written by KELLY SUE DECONNICK

Plot by CAPTCLEGHORN

Art by TOM GRUMMETT

“FF 2.0”

Theme song: Various - " Anything You Can Do (I Can Do Better)”

Start here directly from last issue’s shock ending and the introduction of the Fierce Foursome. Led by Rhona Burchill, alias the Thinker, the team also consists of Unus the Untouchable and his mutant powered force field, Wendy Winter with powers over snow and ice, and Thundra, super-strong Amazonian warrior. Area 44 will see the battle to end all superhero battles. Winner takes up residence at Area 44. Loser leaves.

“But wait,” you ask, “aren’t the Fierce Foursome villains?” Yes, yes they are. But they are there, supposedly reformed, at the behest of appointed Senator Gregory Gideon. See, you shoulda read last issue. See what you miss?

Generally, we’d give you the lowdown on other events happening in this issue but in this issue, we have a big fight scene. The Fantastic Four take on the Fierce Foursome for Area 44. The teams are assembled and sides have been assigned. Get your refreshments now because once the action started we will not be allowing anyone to get up or to sit back down.

32 PGs./ Rated T...$2.99

FANTASTIC FOUR #6

Written by KELLY SUE DECONNICK

Plot by CAPTCLEGHORN

Art by TOM GRUMMETT

“CARRYING DOOM’S BOOKS”

The Fantastic Four are homeless. They have been banished from Area 44 and are now in need of a new place to headquarters themselves. Or at least four couches to crash on.

Isn’t it a lucky break that Reed and Ben have an old college classmate with a few empty rooms in his castle. Yes, we said castle. The classmate in question is Victor Von Doom, the first Chancellor of Latveria, who had recently overthrew the existing monarchy of that Eastern European country.

Reed and Ben talk with their old school mate and in return for temporary lodging and help in reclaiming their US standing and status, the Fantastic Four will do Chancellor Von Doom a “small” favor. That favor? A simple matter of getting a few library books. That library, however, is the Library of Alexandria, one of the seen wonders of the ancient world. History tells us that library burned to the ground with all books being lost. All eyes will, of course, be on Johnny Storm.

You may have guessed, but this ending is NOT what you’d expect. Buy the book and find out for yourselves!

32 PGs./ Rated T...$2.99