It’s now Day 19 of Jack Kirby Tribute Month 2025 (curated by Howard Simpson), and the theme all month continues to be the Fantastic Four and related characters. Today’s prompt is: the Super-Skrull!
We first meet the Skrulls very early on in the founding of the Marvel Universe, in FF #2, where after failing in their attempt to take over the Earth, as part of their defeat, the Skrulls agree to transform into cattle and let themselves be hypnotized into forgetting they were ever anything else(!). At this point, the FF didn’t even have uniforms. Much like the first issue, in a lot of ways, this story feels like it’s still a transitional one between the earlier monster books and the superhero books they would soon become known for.
In issue #18, we learn that apparently the Skrull Empire did not take kindly to the defeat of their invasion. And they were aware that the Fantastic Four were responsible. So they sent their most powerful warrior, the Super-Skrull, to defeat the Fantastic Four and conquer the Earth.
The Super-Skrull is a lot bigger than the Skrulls we saw previously. They were kind of puny, while he appears to be about the size of a pro wrestler. Not only that (and his normal Skrull ability to change appearance), but he’s equipped with all the powers of the Fantastic Four (minus the Invisible Woman’s force fields; they hadn’t given her that power yet). Plus an additional power he reveals later in the story.
He really gives the FF a run for their money in his first appearance, but ultimately they figure out his weakness and defeat him. This time.
Hope you liked my take, and feel free to stop by tomorrow to see who’s next.