Fantastic Four #285 Review

Issue Review
Fantastic Four #285

Direct Market Release Date: August 27, 1985

Credits

Title: Hero
Script: John Byrne
Pencils: John Byrne
Inker: Al Gordon
Colorist: Glynis Oliver
Lettering: John Workman
Editor: Michael Carlin
Editor-in-Chief: Jim Shooter

Summary

Note: This issue takes place between pages 22 and 23 of Secret Wars II #5, and after Dr. Strange #74.

Thirteen year old Tommy Hansen is obsessed with the Human Torch, despite the taunts of bullies and the concern of teachers. Frequently left home alone by his workaholic parents, Tommy visits his only friend, and older man named Joss who flies model airplanes from their apartment building's rooftop. Joss heads for work, leaving Tommy Hanson alone yet again, this time with a canister of fuel that could "turn ya into another Human Torch".

Meanwhile, Mr. Fantastic is overseeing the construction of the Fantastic Four's new Headquarters when Johnny Storm arrives. The two discuss both the danger posed by the Beyonder's existence and his potential for good, when they are interrupted by the arrival of Dr. Janet Darling. She informs Johnny Storm that one of his biggest fans, who happens to be Tommy Hansen, is in her burn ward. Johnny agrees to go and visit him.

Upon arriving at the hospital, Johnny learns that Tommy doesn't have much time left to live. Johnny Storm's appearance inspires Tommy Hansen to speak for the first time in days. His dying words are, "I only did it to be like you". Tommy's parents angrily lay blame and responsibility for their son's death on the Human Torch.

The Beyonder abducts Johnny Storm and takes him back in time to see Tommy Hanson's life. Johnny realizes that the Beyonder isn't doing this to torture him, but to bring peace to his soul, as he comes to realize the happiness that he and his adventures brought to Tommy's lonely life. The Beyonder states that it was through Johnny that Tommy Hansen lived.

Quotes

Jarvis: The Human Torch? No, I'm afraid Mr. Storm is not here at the moment. May I take a message?
Tommy Hanson: No. I guess not. Just tell the Human Torch that Tommy Hanson called. That's right H-A-N-S-O-N. No, Sir, he doesn't know me. I... Just wanted him to know my name.

Johnny Storm: A kid died today, Sue. Died because of me. Because I never stopped to consider what the Human Torch might mean out in the REAL world.
Sue Storm: I... Don't understand, Johnny.
Johnny Storm: Don't you? No, I suppose you don't. It's not easy to understand. This kid - Tommy Hanson was his name -- he was a fan of mine. A big fan. Maybe the biggest fan I ever had. And a month ago, he poured rocket fuel all over himself and put a match to it. Because he wanted to BE me!
Sue Storm: ...oh... Ohh Johnny!
Johnny Storm: You see now, Sue? You see what's happened? While we've all been running around playing at being HEROES... Chasing all over the galaxy, fighting menaces most of the world never even heard of... Kids... People... Like Tommy Hanson have been dreaming about us, like we were bloody movie-stars! Dreaming about us. About ME, wanting to be like me... Wanting to BE me. And that's why... Why I can't be me anymore. I can't risk it happening again, Sue. From now on there is no Human Torch... The Human Torch is DEAD!

Johnny Storm: Wh-Why have you brought me here, Beyonder? Didn't I feel awful enough before? You've gotta rub my nose in it?
The Beyonder: You still do not understand? Look at this lad, Johnny. Look at the joy in his eyes as he consumes each detail of your exploits. Look at his room. Contained within these four walls is a virtual shrine, in your honor. He was a small, sad life, Johnny. Without friends. Without true parental love and guidance. The death of this boy is not a burden for you to bear. He did not die because of you. It was THROUGH YOU that Tommy Hanson LIVED!

Commentary

The Beyonder puts himself to good use in this issue, using his limitless powers to travel through time and space to help heal Johnny Storm's guilt over the death of a young fan. The issue almost reads like a response to the now-classic Roger Stern story, "The Kid Who Collects Spider-Man", in that it revolves around heroes interacting with fans who face death. The similarities end there, as both stories approach their subject matter from completely different directions and moods, but each seems to play the same heart strings.

Byrne's art perfectly depicts Tommy Hansen's lonely life. Perhaps the best moment features Tommy's silhouette next to the rocket fuel that eventually kills him. Byrne wisely places emphasis on Tommy's decision rather than the actual act of him setting himself ablaze in a masterful, wordless panel.

Like many Byrne Fantastic Four issues of this time, the issue ends with an appropriate literary quote, "Show me a hero and I will write you a tragedy" from American author F. Scott Fitzgerald that no doubt inspired the issue's story.

This issue works best being slotted between pages 22 and 23 of Secret Wars II #5, and after Dr. Strange #74. For most of this month's crossovers, the Beyonder has been in a confused and depressed state of mind. Here, a calm and focused Beyonder is helping Johnny Storm through the grieving process, and appears to be taking the advice given to him by Dr. Strange in Dr. Strange #74 to heart. The Fantastic Four are also featured in an issue ending battle versus the Beyonder in Secret Wars II #5, and this issue makes more sense being read before that fight occurs. (For a full breakdown of this month's tie-in reading order see the Commentary section of the Secret Wars II #5 page).

This issue also proves difficult to place in the wider Marvel Universe. According to Fantastic Four Annual #19, this issue takes place before Avengers #261. The Avengers' appearance during Tommy Hansen's phone call to Avengers mansion in this issue contradicts that timeline, placing Fantastic Four #285 after their return to Earth in Avengers #261. Little continuity blips like this shouldn't affect the reading of the Secret Wars II storyline, but I thought I'd mention it for anyone reading all books from the era.

Up next...

Secret Wars II continues in Secret Wars II #6!