Panini Comics continues the reissue of one of Marvel's most influential runs within its Marvel Masterworks collection. The fourth volume of Fantastic Four by John Byrne now reaches Spanish-speaking readers with a key moment for the First Family: the conclusion of the Trial of Galactus, an episode that marked a turning point in the relationship between Reed Richards and the rest of the Marvel Universe.
The volume is particularly relevant because it not only closes that cosmic plotline but also connects directly to the beginning of Secret Wars, one of the most remembered events in Marvel's editorial history. For fans of classic comics, this reissue is an opportunity to revisit how Byrne intertwined long-term storylines without losing narrative coherence.
The trial against Reed Richards comes to an end
The storyline that gives this part of Byrne's run its name, known as The Trial of Galactus, reaches its resolution in these pages. The story had been one of the most protracted in the collection, mixing the fate of the Devourer of Worlds with the ambitions of other characters in the Marvel Universe.
One of the driving threads of this conclusion is the intervention of Doctor Doom, whose interest in seizing the cosmic power of Galactus's heralds ends up dragging him into a spiral of consequences. His apparent death opens the door to a much more complex journey, which Byrne leaves hinted at for future installments of the collection.
The end of the trial also has a curious editorial context. The issue coincided with the so-called Assistant Editors' Month, an initiative that at the time coincided with the celebration of San Diego Comic-Con and which often led to atypical episodes within Marvel's regular collections.
In this case, John Byrne himself becomes the narrator of the story, in a rare exercise that serves to record how Reed Richards is finally acquitted of the charges against him for helping Galactus survive.
The Mole Man and the prelude to Secret Wars
The volume also includes the reappearance of the Mole Man, the first villain the team faced in their origins. On this occasion, the character does not act as an antagonist, but as an unexpected ally in a plot that begins with Reed and Susan looking for a home away from the big city to raise their son Franklin.
The story quickly shifts toward the kidnapping of Johnny Storm, used to activate the Earth's core and increase its size. The ruler of Subterranea, far from being the enemy to beat, helps resolve the crisis, in a development that reflects the complexity with which Byrne treated his supporting characters.
That two-issue arc also serves as a prelude to one of the most remembered events in superhero comics: the arrival of a mysterious object in Central Park, in the area known as Sheep Meadow, which ends up transporting the Fantastic Four along with the Avengers, the X-Men, and other heroes to Battleworld.
That displacement corresponds to the beginning of the maxiseries Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars, published independently of the characters' regular collections. In Fantastic Four, the group's return brings with it changes such as the temporary replacement of Ben Grimm by She-Hulk, one of the most visible consequences of that crossover.
Susan Richards’ second pregnancy
After the return from Secret Wars, the volume resumes a personal plotline that had been brewing since before the trip to Battleworld: Susan Richards' second pregnancy. The team's frustration over not having been able to avoid certain consequences also extends to the family level.
Not even the help of Doctor Octopus manages to clarify a situation that becomes complicated as the issues progress. The first daughter of Reed and Sue will still take time to appear, and the pain derived from this process will be the seed for future developments that will lead Byrne to propose one of the greatest evolutions of the character of Susan Richards within the collection.
Additional stories and supplementary material
The volume is not limited to the main plot. It includes a crossover with the Alpha Flight collection, in which Susan Richards joins Namor to search for Marrina, as well as several issues starring The Thing in his own title.
Also collected are stories published in specials of the time, such as Fantastic Four Special Edition number 1 and The Marvel Fumetti Book number 1, the latter a curious photo-comic featuring staff from Marvel's own Bullpen, including Byrne. Added to this is an adventure from Marvel Fanfare number 15, starring The Thing with the collaboration of the Human Torch, drawn entirely by Barry Windsor-Smith.
Final assessment
This fourth volume confirms John Byrne's ability to sustain long-term plots without losing cohesion. The conclusion of the Trial of Galactus poses an interesting moral dilemma regarding Reed Richards, while the integration of Secret Wars enriches the team's continuity without diverting the focus from their personal conflicts.
The balance between cosmic adventure, superhero action, and family drama is once again one of the great successes of the run, reinforced by attractive supplementary material. As a counterpoint, the reading requires some prior knowledge of the previous volumes and classic Marvel continuity, as well as a narrative pace typical of the eighties comics that may be less immediate for current readers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fantastic Four by John Byrne Vol. 4?
It is the fourth volume of the Marvel Masterworks collection published by Panini Comics, which collects John Byrne's run on Fantastic Four, including the conclusion of the Trial of Galactus and the crossover with Secret Wars.
What plot is concluded in this volume?
The volume puts an end to the long saga known as The Trial of Galactus, in which Reed Richards is tried for helping the Devourer of Worlds survive, while Doctor Doom suffers the consequences of his own plans.
What is the relationship between this volume and Secret Wars?
The Fantastic Four participate in the beginning of the maxiseries Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars, which causes temporary changes in the team, such as the replacement of Ben Grimm by She-Hulk after their return from Battleworld.
What extras does the volume include?
In addition to the main plot, the volume adds a crossover with Alpha Flight, solo stories of The Thing, and material from specials such as Fantastic Four Special Edition number 1, The Marvel Fumetti Book number 1, and Marvel Fanfare number 15, drawn by Barry Windsor-Smith.
Is it necessary to have read the previous volumes of this collection?
Yes, it is recommended to be familiar with the previous volumes of Fantastic Four by John Byrne, as several plotlines, such as the one related to Galactus, develop over numerous issues.
Who is this edition aimed at?
It is intended primarily for regular readers of classic Marvel comics and fans of John Byrne's run, familiar with the continuity of the First Family and events like Secret Wars.
