(For those who are not aware, the real reason H.E.R.B.I.E. replaced Johnny was that the Torch was tied up in another licensing deal. One that, like so many Marvel deals, never came to fruition.)

Such a powerful issue. This has to rank near the top of any list of best Fantastic Four stories ever.

I love the way you handle Johnny here, JB. It's nice to see him portrayed as a three-dimensional person capable of a full range of emotions like grief and guilt. His reaction at the hospital is great - the normally confident Human Torch doesn't know what to say or do in this situation. Just a perfect bit of storytelling.

I'd forgotten that The Beyonder was using a copy of Steve Rogers' body.

JB: Did you consciously draw The Beyonder that way? I figure the absence of blonde hair presented a challenge.

This story was always my favorite issue of John's run on FF.  Most human story I have ever read.  Very moving and was the story that made the biggest impression on me.  I thought of this issue all the time growing up and how sad it was....but that is what made it so wonderful.  It really was a heartfelt story and by far your best in my opinion.

And let me add that as an 11 year old, I could appreciate the depth, workmanship and heart of the story just as I can a 33 year old.  Find a story written today that can appeal to that wide of an age range....