The Invasion of the Super-Skrull!

The Super-Skrull is one of those villains who can be plugged into practically any story and make it an entertaining read, though it always seems to be a foregone conclusion that he's going to go down. And since he possesses all the powers of the Fantastic Four, and none of their restraint, you have to wonder how this guy is constantly coming out on the losing end of a fight.

Sometimes it's easy to forget just how "super" the Super-Skrull was created to be, as well as why the Skrulls would devote so much time and effort into creating his unique abilities. The answers can be found in 1963, when work has been completed on this project and the new Super-Skrull is finally presented for inspection:

Since the Skrulls devote the bulk of their economy and resources to their military logistics, it's interesting that all of those resources have been diverted to the creation of the Super-Skrull, particularly since his mission is to seek revenge for the defeat of three Skrull operatives at the hands of the Fantastic Four. Assuming you prevail over the one(s) you're retaliating against, revenge has a short shelf life--so we can probably assume that the Skrull emperor would have further plans for the Super-Skrull in the field once his initial task was completed. His tactical value for the Skrull empire would no doubt justify the depletion of the planetary treasury--a sacrifice made for greater value down the road.

So, what exactly can the Super-Skrull do that will give him a substantial edge over his targets? For one thing, he can stretch much, much farther than Mr. Fantastic:

He also has greater, more durable flame power than the Human Torch, as well as considerably more destructive capability:

As for the Thing, it stands to reason that the Super-Skrull's strength surpasses that of Ben Grimm:

(No, I don't know how the Super-Skrull is actually lifting this unit. His posture gives the illusion of him lifting--but unless the guy can tie in his strength with the ability to levitate, there's no way for him to be actually pulling something out of the ground and be lifted upward with it.)

Which leaves only the Invisible Girl:

"You must outdo her! You must be her superior!" Not exactly a tall order, is it? Sue didn't yet have her force field power when the Super-Skrull was deployed--but either way, he could probably accommodate his Emperor's wish without too much trouble. And it appears the Skrull scientists have given him an ace in the hole, which we'll learn of later.

So the Super-Skrull not only has the FF's powers, but has them many times enhanced--as well as added abilities which will allow him to completely overwhelm his four targets. Can anything save the FF from the retribution of the Skrulls?



In 1963, the Skrulls didn't bother with secret invasions--they pretty much put their cards on the table on arrival:

It doesn't take the FF long to respond--but the Super-Skrull is their match, and then some!

The Super-Skrull has already been doing what the FF might want to think about doing more of--using his powers together, instead of attacking with one power at a time. And as we've seen, he also has the advantage of using his own shape-shifting powers. The FF have their work cut out for them.

Regrouping back at the Baxter Building, Reed has put two and two together and discovered the Super-Skrull's Achilles heel:

But when the time comes to put Reed's plan into effect, the Super-Skrull decides to uncork the additional power he was provided with--and as badly as he had the FF on the ropes, it's all but game over when he begins to use it:

Thanks to Sue, the FF now have a fighting chance against a Skrull who must depend on his shape-shifting power to prevail. But the FF's plan goes further than cutting off the transmission of the beam of power that made him the Super-Skrull:

I wouldn't count on the Super-Skrull being imprisoned in that crater too long--all he has to do is remove and destroy Reed's jamming device. But Loki, the God of Mischief, isn't about to wait around to see if the thought occurs to the alien--because he'll soon sic the Super-Skrull on the God of Thunder! That should put a dent in this guy's bill from the Skrull treasurer.

Fantastic Four #18 Script: Stan Lee Pencils: Jack Kirby Inks: Dick Ayers Letterer: Art Simek

Bonus!

From What If #21, the battle with the FF as laid out by writer Bill Mantlo and artist Gene Colan.

(Featuring a surprising fourth FF member!)