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A significant portion of the original Fantastic Four comic story line involved a foe known as The Skrulls. These alien creatures were able to shapeshift and posed as the central enemy to not just the FF team, but also as a major plot piece to the entire series as well. We see them for the first time in issue 2, framed as the “Skrulls From Outer Space”. Despite being an early story, its the only introduction necessary for these long-lasting foes.
Who Are The Skrulls?
The Skrulls are one of the most intriguing and complex species in the Marvel Universe. Originating from the planet Skrullos, these extraterrestrial beings are known for their advanced shapeshifting abilities, allowing them to mimic other life forms down to the cellular level. This unique power has made them one of the most feared and misunderstood races in the cosmos.
Historically, the Skrulls were a peaceful, mercantile civilization that engaged in trade and shared their technology with other species. However, their fate took a dark turn when they encountered the Kree, another technologically advanced race. The ensuing Kree-Skrull War led to the destruction of Skrullos and forced the Skrulls to become refugees scattered across the universe.
Their First Appearance
To learn more about The Skrulls, we delve deeper into the original story that they were seen in. In Fantastic Four issue 2, Immediately, we see what appears to be all four members of the team causing sabotage. The Thing apparently destroys a radar facility tower, while The Invisible Girl steals a 10 million dollar diamond. The Human Torch melts a marble statue, and Mister Fantastic turns off the city’s power. It turns out this mischief was actually done by four Skrulls posing as The Fantastic Four by taking advantage of their shape-shifting abilities, intending the frame the famous heroes.
Their intention in this story was to first frame, then execute the heroes so that they could prepare for an alien invasion of Earth. When the army comes to arrest The Fantastic Four, they are put into customized prison cells so they can’t escape. This doesn’t stop them, however, as they use their imaginations to find a way out.
Determined to clear their names and save the planet, they embark on a mission to expose the Skrulls’ plot. The Human Torch plays a pivotal role in infiltrating the Skrulls by posing as one of them, leading to a dramatic confrontation at the Skrulls’ base.
In a clever twist, the Fantastic Four manage to convince the Skrull high council that Earth is too formidable to conquer, using the Skrulls’ own technology against them. The issue concludes with the captured Skrulls being forced to transform into cows, a humorous touch that has been referenced in other Marvel comics.
Legacy
From their early encounters with Earth’s first family of superheroes, the Skrulls have been depicted as a formidable force, often engaging in espionage and warfare to achieve their imperialistic goals. The Skrulls’ ability to mimic any form, coupled with their advanced technology, makes them one of the most unpredictable and resilient foes the Fantastic Four has ever faced.
One of the most significant contributions to the Skrulls’ legacy was the creation of the Super-Skrull, Kl’rt, who was engineered to possess all the powers of the Fantastic Four. This formidable adversary first appeared in “Fantastic Four #18” in 1963, showcasing the Skrulls’ determination to conquer Earth and defeat their superpowered enemies.
The Skrulls’ history is deeply intertwined with the larger cosmic tapestry of the Marvel Universe. Their longstanding feud with the Kree, another powerful alien race, led to the infamous Kree-Skrull War, a galactic conflict that has had far-reaching consequences for many Marvel heroes, including the Avengers.
The Skrulls’ influence extends beyond their battles with the Fantastic Four and the Kree. They have been central to major Marvel storylines, such as the “Secret Invasion” arc, where they infiltrated Earth by replacing key figures with Skrull impostors. This storyline highlighted the pervasive threat the Skrulls pose, not just through brute force, but through deception and the sowing of distrust.
The legacy of the Skrulls in the Fantastic Four comics is a testament to their enduring role as one of the most iconic and versatile adversaries in the Marvel pantheon. Their capacity for change, both literally and figuratively, ensures that they remain a relevant and compelling force in the ever-evolving narrative of the Marvel Universe.