John Buscema - Fantastic Four 132 Page 19
Artists: John Buscema (Penciller) , Joe Sinnott (Inker) , Roy Thomas (Writer)
23 Comments - 778 Views - 3 Likes
Artwork Details
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DescriptionThere are interesting, if slightly scholarly, discussions on the topic of Silver Age and the date on which it actually ended.Depending on who you listen to, it may be linked to publishing events (Marvel hitting the 10th anniversary of FF N°1 and celebrating in style with their impressive double-sized issues), artistic endeavours (King Kirby leaving Marvel and unleashing the Fourth World at DC) or specific landmark stories (just a guess: the death of Gwen Stacy). Well, as in real life, the setting up of a new trend can be linked to a series of causes and events, even if we might want to pickpoint one of those as THE defining moment. So, finally, it's both a combination of common consensus and personal choice. As for me, I tend to prefer linking the end of the Silver Age to a gradual switch in storylines and moods, from a certain "Age of Innocence" to grittier, harder, but also closer to real life tales. Judging from this perspective, the turning point for me definitely is Spiderman 121-122 (June-July 1973) issues and the death of Gwen Stacy. From here, there would be no turning back... Another event, less "celebrated", but as significant to me, had already taken place a few months before in the pages of Fantastic Four 132 (dated March 1973) with the end of the line for Silver Age's most glamorous couple, aka the Human Torch and Crystal. Introduced back in FF 45 with the rest of the Inhumans family, Crystal had rapidly demonstrated she was not a classical "damsel in distress". She had an interesting development, even leading to a semi-permanent member status in the team. Recent (at that time) stories had been less kind to her as she was gradually sidelined, but nothing could predict her bond with Johnny Storm was anything but solid. Granted, this was all treated off-page, but the chance meeting of Crystal with Quicksilver (Avengers 104 - October 1972) was very quickly followed by the discovery of their already strong relationship by Johnny (FF 130 - January 1973), just, by the way, as he had announced his teammates he wanted to join her permanently in the Great Refuge and marry her... Darn! Which leads us to this very page, in FF 132, where Crystal, having, I suspect, made up her mind for a while, breaks the news to Johnny that she will stay with the mutant speedster. Despite the rushed way this particular storyline was treated and the difficulties for the Torch to catch up emotionally in the midst of a action-packed series of events, I have to say the change of pace at the end of this issue was masterfully dealt with, giving the wrapping up of Crystal of Johnny's love story all the amplitude it deserved. I'm sure Big John Buscema's experience in romance stories came in handy here. The expressions on the characters' faces are perfectly rendered: the sorry-looking Crystal finally displaying relief as Johnny, devastated at first (on panel 2), tries to look indifferent (on panel 4) before showing a tentative smile (on panel 5), if only to help Crystal with her decision. All of this takes place while his FF teammates joyfully chat (on panel 1), Inhumans go their way (on Panel 5) and Pietro stands motionless (for once...), looming in the background. A defining moment that is enhanced by a kind of nobility in the stance of the characters. This was one of the trademarks of John Buscema's art during his first years at Marvel and there are few examples of it being more efficient. As a matter of fact, I also think this is one of the last instances of this particular artistic trait as, even in the immediately following FF issues, it seems to have disappeared in favour of more caricature-like expressions... Oh, and, of course, on this page, but as always, Joe Sinnott's inks are nothing less than majestic! Both artists perfectly complement each other here and turn up a supreme effort!... Finally, 2 comments on the rest of the story... - Johnny's comment on rekindling connections with Dorrie Evans (who disappeared from view in FF 45, just before he met with Crystal) will lead to a very shortlived reunion in FF 134 where he finds her married with 2 kids, a situation he feels glad to have escaped. Funnily enough, this is the kind of fate he was looking for when he came looking for Crystal... - Only one month after these events, in Avengers 110 (April 1973), Pietro finally gets back in touch with her sister, the Scarlet Witch, to both announce his being alive and well and his upcoming wedding to Crystal. Overjoyed, Wanda replies by openly declaring her love story with the Vision, leading to a vicious temper flare from a brother who demonstrates a heavy dose of bigotry by not accepting the idea of a "mixed" union. Well... What did Crystal really find in this guy that made him a better choice than Johnny Storm? Your guess is as good as mine... Social/Sharing |
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Comments on this Artwork
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Al Simpleton
Member Since 2013
Posted on 10/8/2016
Alexandre Collection wrote:
Wicked piece! Congrats!Merci Alexandre ! This is one I could not miss!...
Al Simpleton
Member Since 2013
Posted on 10/8/2016
R Shur wrote:
Digging that early 70's dew on Crystal ;)Thanks! I agree with you, this is one of the charms of a period piece!
Carlo M 
Member Since 2006
Posted on 10/8/2016
Beautiful page, I agree that this particular storyline has more significance than people give it credit for. The facial expressions are just perfect, beautifully rendered by Sinnott's precise inks. I like this kind of dialogue - heavy pages. I own the page showing the next exchange between the two characters, the night before the wedding with Pietro. Pages like these show the real meaning of sequential art. Excellent choice!
Al Simpleton
Member Since 2013
Posted on 10/8/2016
Carlo M wrote:
Beautiful page, I agree that this particular storyline has more significance than people give it credit for. The facial expressions are just perfect, beautifully rendered by Sinnott's precise inks. I like this kind of dialogue - heavy pages. I own the page showing the next exchange between the two characters, the night before the wedding with Pietro. Pages like these show the real meaning of sequential art. Excellent choice!Thanks Carlo! I share your interest in the quieter moments in the life of heroes when artists have to dig deeper into their abilities to convey emotions and make it happen... In that specific case, it is pretty clear from the begining that this will not be a case of "they will all live happily forever", as your own page amply demonstrates...
Dadako Dadako
Member Since 2010
Posted on 10/8/2016
.. You know, every great love story has a beginning a middle and an end..but what was the main obstacle that determined this end?? Can we say that it has been only determined by Pietro's arrival? --- This is my obsession --- You have gained one of the most intriguers comic pages of the '70s, Al!
Al Simpleton
Member Since 2013
Posted on 10/9/2016
Dadako Dadako wrote:
.. You know, every great love story has a beginning a middle and an end..but what was the main obstacle that determined this end?? Can we say that it has been only determined by Pietro's arrival? --- This is my obsession --- You have gained one of the most intriguers comic pages of the '70s, Al!Thanks Alessio! With hindsight, looking at how the relationship between Crystal and Pietro evolved, it's quite safe to assume her leaving Johnny had more to do with his inconsistencies than to her undisputed love for Pietro. Still, I cannot help to think the couple has not been treated fairly, storywise... But, why should I complain as this all gave way to a pristine Buscema/Sinnott sequence that I'm proud to add to my collection? Still... Did you say "intriguing"? I think it's the right word!...
Al Simpleton
Member Since 2013
Posted on 10/11/2016
Red Raven wrote:
classic FF by the mastersThanks Adom!
A B
Member Since 2015
Posted on 10/31/2016
I like more in Avengers run, but Big John always a master!
Al Simpleton
Member Since 2013
Posted on 10/31/2016
A B wrote:
I like more in Avengers run, but Big John always a master!Thanks Abe! If a nice Avengers page comes my way, I'll do my best to grab it! But, you're right: Big John did deliver!...
Al Simpleton
Member Since 2013
Posted on 12/7/2016
Red Raven wrote:
marvelous piece by the masters !!!Thanks again Adom!
Al Simpleton
Member Since 2013
Posted on 12/8/2018
Jean Andre Macchini wrote:
Très belle page de ce duo magique !
Merci ! C'est un de ces moments-clés qui m'est resté à l'esprit jusqu'à ce jour...
Al Simpleton
Member Since 2013
Posted on 12/8/2018
Sam 06 wrote:
A great page! Congrats!
Merci Sam, c'est juste histoire de montrer qu'il n'y a pas que de la baston dans les comics !...
Nick Katradis
Member Since 2005
Posted on 12/19/2020
Al, an incredible FF panel page by Big John. But I was stunned when I read your description. There are very few collectors left today that love the storylines and feel the nostalgia, and I think I may have found another one. lol. It seems everything today centers around how much did you pay, and how much is it worth. I felt your passion for the storyline here as I too loved the Johnny and Crystal love affair in the early 1970s, and I was truly heartbroken when Crystal married that old geezer Quciksilver, in the classic FF 150. Congrats on a sterling page.
Al Simpleton
Member Since 2013
Posted on 12/27/2020
Nick Katradis wrote:
Al, an incredible FF panel page by Big John. But I was stunned when I read your description. There are very few collectors left today that love the storylines and feel the nostalgia, and I think I may have found another one. lol. It seems everything today centers around how much did you pay, and how much is it worth. I felt your passion for the storyline here as I too loved the Johnny and Crystal love affair in the early 1970s, and I was truly heartbroken when Crystal married that old geezer Quciksilver, in the classic FF 150. Congrats on a sterling page.
Thanks a lot, Nick! Yes, we can wax it lyrical about the art, but, after all, it's always been about the stories! This site is not called Comicartfans for nothing! And I admit the nostalgia factor kicks in hard when a page comes up from one of these stories that electrified me when I was younger. In fact, this factor could prove to be applicable to a vast majority of my collection...
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