The Fantastic Four Get a Hilarious Roast

The Unforgettable Roast of the Fantastic Four

Fred Hembeck, known for blending humor with superhero antics, left a vibrant mark on the comic world. This anniversary, let’s revisit his iconic roast of the Fantastic Four. The tale combines Marvel’s wittiest creators, offering a playful homage to the superhero family.

Fred Hembeck’s journey into Marvel’s universe is notable. He began with "Dateline: @!!?#" in The Buyer’s Guide for Comic Fandom during the mid-70s. This project was Hembeck’s comedic take on superhero interviews. It resonated so much that he landed a gig at DC, contributing to The Daily Planet in 1979. By 1981, Marvel recognized Hembeck’s unique voice. This led to his involvement in the Fantastic Four’s milestone celebration.

Fred’s Foothold in Comic Lore

As Marvel explored unconventional one-shots and miniseries, Hembeck emerged as a perfect fit. Teaming up with Jim Shooter, he crafted The Fantastic Four Roast in early 1982. Hembeck penned the script with Shooter’s help, using layouts that allowed various artists to pencil their respective characters. Naturally, John Byrne took charge of drawing the Fantastic Four. The story opens with an amusing scene of the Thing in a bathtub. It sets the tone for a night of roasting rather than straightforward celebration.

The party kicks off with Spider-Man’s humorous jabs, depicting the event’s playful spirit. When Sandman interjects, the banter only adds more laughter to the room. Everyone gathers to roast the team, providing a rare blend of comedy in iconic superhero settings. Hembeck utilizes each superhero’s quirks, making comic legends both memorable and hilarious.

A Roasting Spectacle of Heroes

Notable Marvel figures like Captain America and Iron Man make their presence known, each bringing humor to their appearances. Hembeck cleverly highlights Iron Man’s roller-skate phase, poking fun at its apparent absurdity. Hulk’s moment was a comedy goldmine—his refusal to acknowledge laughter, amid corny jokes, is sheer genius.

The roster of talent contributing to this issue showcases Marvel’s depth. Frank Miller’s approach to Daredevil highlights noir elements with subtle wit. Throughout this playful roasting, a mysterious threat lingers, adding suspense to the laughter-filled event. Surprisingly, it’s revealed that Willie Lumpkin accidentally turned villainous due to one of Reed Richards’ inventions.

With this issue, Hembeck carved a long-lasting niche within Marvel. His partnership continued on Marvel Age, with Brother Voodoo humorously reappearing. The roast stands as a testament to his skill, both honoring and lampooning heroes.

Comics possess the strength to blend reverence with ridicule, and Hembeck’s roast reveals just how magical that combination can be. Cheers to Fred Hembeck—a maestro of levity and laughter in the comic world. Let’s celebrate this visionary’s birthday by reliving the joy he infused in the Fantastics’ unforgettable roast.