This story picks up as the Fantastic Four—powerless and aided by Daredevil—continue their mission to reach the Baxter Building. Upon arrival, the team discovers the building is surrounded by police forces, but thanks to Pentagon intervention, the Fantastic Four get first crack at stopping Doctor Doom.

Inside, the heroes must navigate their own defenses, now commandeered by Doom himself. Fortunately, Daredevil provides a critical distraction, giving the team a chance to advance. Midway through the issue, Mister Fantastic retrieves his power stimulator and restores the abilities of himself, Sue, and Johnny Storm, allowing them to finally take the fight to Doom.

The real turning point comes when Ben Grimm—whether he wants it or not—must once again become the Thing. This sets the stage for the issue’s climax: a brutal, one-on-one showdown between the Thing and Doctor Doom. The fight is raw, explosive, and deeply personal, ending with Doom’s defeat. But victory comes at a cost—Ben Grimm, overwhelmed by his circumstances, chooses to quit the Fantastic Four.

Originally & Continuity

This issue raises a question that is impossible to ignore: Why didn’t Reed use the power stimulator earlier? Instead, the team wasted time on makeshift devices and robotic stand-ins. Even the explanation that the stimulator “needed time to charge” feels flimsy at best. At a minimum, Reed should have been more transparent with the team: “This is just temporary…”

Another moment that sticks out is Daredevil with the strange “gun.” It’s not quite a firearm—but with its bizarre scope and design, it’s jarring to see. It doesn’t align with Daredevil’s established character or the aesthetics of his solo title. Moments like this pull you out of the story and leave you thinking, “What the…”

Character & Development

The Thing’s complex relationship with his powers takes center stage here, and it’s the emotional core of the issue. First, he loses his abilities and experiences what it’s like to be “normal” again. Then, he’s forced—against his will—back into his monstrous form, all for the greater good. It’s a devastating arc for Ben Grimm. He doesn’t even have time to process what’s happening before he’s thrown into combat with Doom. The weight of his transformation lingers well after the fight, culminating in his decision to leave the team. It’s powerful, bittersweet storytelling.

Story

The narrative flows seamlessly from the team’s desperate approach to the climactic battle, keeping readers engaged throughout. The pacing feels natural, and the stakes are palpable. Watching the showdown between the Thing and Doctor Doom take center stage is incredibly satisfying. Doom’s eventual defeat feels earned, especially since Reed’s strategy here resembles a chess match—meticulously planned not just to win the day, but to secure peace for as long as possible

Artwork

The artwork throughout the issue is strong, but Page 14 steals the spotlight. Three panels: a face-down Ben Grimm, a mid-transformation crawl, and finally a kneeling Thing, newly reborn. It’s a masterful sequence that delivers an emotional gut-punch and sets the tone for the rest of the issue. Sometimes, a single page can overshadow everything else—and this is one of those moments.

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Final Thoughts

This issue delivers a mix of action, emotional stakes, and iconic moments, with Ben Grimm’s journey standing out as the highlight. While some continuity hiccups and questionable creative choices (looking at you, Daredevil’s “gun”) slightly dampen the experience, the powerful storytelling and standout artwork ensure this is a memorable entry in Fantastic Four history.