Fantastic Four #167: Titans Two

1976 must have been a big year for me in the world of comics because so many of the comics that I love come from that year.  Just like Superman #300, Fantastic Four #167 is a comic I remember well and why wouldn't I look at the cover.

 

The Hulk and the Thing versus the F.F. on top of the Gateway Arch!?  What six year old could resist that?

 

The story opens with Ben joining the Hulk against his friends in a great splash page by George Perez.

 The Hulk and the Thing make quick work of Mr. Fantastic and the Human Torch which leaves the Invisible Girl to protect the stupid government folks who are of course out to destroy the Hulk. 

 

Here's one thing that stuck with me about this comic the idea that the Thing wasn't bulletproof.  As a kid I was flabbergasted by this revelation.  

 So Hulk and Thing decide to have a little sword fight with the military's jets and make their escape with Ben piloting.  Meanwhile evil government guy continues to be as one note as possible.

 Flying around St. Louis the Hulk is reminded of the natural stone bridges of the desert by the Gateway Arch.  Isn't this basically the same thing they used in the 1976 version of King Kong?

The F.F. regroup and go back after the Hulk.  This being the 70s we need a lot of talking first.  Hulk being Hulk is unhappy about the possibility of loosing his new friend.

 The Hulk throws a chimney at the F.F. vehicle causing Johnny and Reed to bail out and leaving Sue to crash into the Mississippi.  Sue Storm 50 years of taking care of herself.

 

With Reed incapacitated on top of the Gateway Arch the Hulk decides to finish the job.  Luckily Sue throws up a force-field to protect him but the strain is too great, Ben returns to his senses just in time to save his best pal.

 Now for the awesome the Hulk and the Thing in a titanic battle atop the Gateway Arch when suddenly the Thing begins to revert back to Ben Grimm.

 Johnny saves Ben using a heat updraft and the Hulk is sad again because they always take away his friends.

 

Love the look of Ben having to hold up his Thing pants.  Like I said this comic was tailor made for me.  The Hulk and the Thing, first together and then battling each other what kid wouldn't love that?  And of course the surprise ending with the Thing reverting back to Ben Grimm, really great stuff.