Fantastic Four no more

As previously reported, the first family of Marvel Comics – the Fantastic Four – will lose one of its team members to the Grim Reaper in an issue that is to be released today.

Fantastic Four no. 587, written by Jonathan Hickman and illustrated by Steve Epting, is part five of a storyline whose title, “Three,” tipped off an impending change in status for the famous quartet. Fans of the series have been endlessly speculating which of the heroes would go. Stop reading now if you do not want to know. Ready?

Say goodbye to Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, whose sister, Susan, is the Invisible Woman.

The Torch goes down fighting against a horde of insectoid minions released by the super-villain Annihilus (see: above). It is just one of the threats the Fantastic Four face in the issue and part of a master plan that Marvel has in store for the heroes.

“The death of the Human Torch is the first major move in this incredibly exciting evolution of the legendary Fantastic Four franchise and a necessary part of the larger story we will be telling featuring the beloved characters moving forward,” said Tom Brevoort, the senior vice president of publishing at Marvel Entertainment.

The next issue, No. 588, will be the final issue of the series. Fantastic Four No. 1 went on sale in 1961.

(Via ArtsBeat)