This is the first animated adaptation of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby creators' known by The Fantastic Four, as well as one of the first times a comic book collection was adapted for television. It was produced by Hanna Barbera Enterprises at the request of talent agent Sy Fischer, and was the only time Hanna - Barbera worked on it. A planned sequel was attempted a decade later, but was traded with D.F.E. Films. The rights for Johnny Storm negatively impacted the second adaptation. Jack Kirby at the last minute made Herbie as a substitute member of the superhero team. It was not until 1994 when it brought back a third adaptation in an attempt to create faithful and possibly uncensored animated version of it starring the original four, and again in 2004 to finally include all five members together.
Here in the Hanna - Barbera adaptation, the television viewing audience ( many the first time ) is introduced to the team. Controversial scientists fly their spaceship towards cosmic rays, which mutated them with new unique abilities. Reed Richards, the oldest, wisest, genius of the group, designed and constructed their ship, and can temporarily stretch his body. Susan Storm, the financier of their research, can turn completely invisible as well as create shielding, and telekinesis. Johnny Storm is her baby brother, and has the ability to be immune to flame, can use flame as a weapon, and can fly because of the way heat rises. Ben Grimm is the fourth scientist of the team, and the most severe victim of mutation. Unlike his teammates' temporary use of abilities, he has limited ability to revert to his natural shape. Instead, he must learn how to cope as he is allergic to every cure available.
