General Information
Title: Fantastic Four #18
Author: Stan Lee
Illustrator(s): Jack Kirby (pencils) and Dick Ayers (inks)
Cover Date: September 1963
Cover Price: $0.12 US
Detailed coverage of all applicable issues of all Secret Invasion related titles can be found at this address.
Premise
Retaliating from their initial defeat, the Skrulls create the Super-Skrull to have amplified versions of all of the team's powers, as well as hypnotism and a Skrull's natural shape changing ability. This Super-Skrull comes to Earth in hopes of taking over.
High Point
Popping over to Waikiki.
Low Point
Drawing on external power from another dimension seems like a massive design flaw to me.
The Scores
This was an original take on the Skrulls, and the first step towards making them a unique threat instead of a standard riff on "Invasion of the Body Snatchers." Though he wasn't yet named, Paibok would soon become a major player in his own right. I give it 5 out of 6.
The artwork is classic Kirby; details could be improved, but the storytelling is fantastic. I give it 4 out of 6.
The story works well enough, if we accept the idea of the power supply. I give it 4 out of 6.
The characterization of the team is as strong as its ever been. The Skrulls were still pretty shallow, though. I give it 4 out of 6.
The emotional response was strong enough, with the team dynamic propelling the story through the weakness in the opponent. I give it 4 out of 6.
The flow was great. Kirby really shines here. I give it 6 out of 6.
Overall, this is a decent issue, once again telling a simple story with a complex team. I give it 4 out of 6.
In total, Fantastic Four #18 receives 31 out of 42.
