Marvel has released two teaser images this morning including what appears to be an allusion to the return of the Human Torch and the possible reconstitution of the Fantastic Four in November.  The image consists of an FF “4” logo superimposed over a photo of the earth from space. Also included are the last names of an impressive creative team that includes Jonathan Hickman and Steve Epting (the duo behind the “Death of the Human Torch”) along with Carmine Di Gianomenico, Leinil Francis Yu, and Farel Dalrymple.  The fact that the number “4” is used in the form of the familiar FF logo and that the comic is slated to be released in November of 2011, exactly 50 years after the release of the groundbreaking Fantastic Four #1 (cover dated November 1961), which jumpstarted the entire modern Marvel universe, would all appear to indicate that the Human Torch is coming back in some form or another. If the Torch does return, what will happen to the Future Foundation (see “The FF Becomes the Future Foundation”)? Will Spider-Man’s involvement continue?

 

Marvel’s new Uncanny X-Men teaser, which was also released this morning, is a little more conventional, in that the “House of Ideas” has reverted to the use of silhouettes to obscure the members of the new UnCanny X-Men team.  The new Uncanny X-Men #1 (see “Marvel Replaces Uncanny X-Men With 2 Titles”) is also due in November. It comes out of the split-up of the X-Men in the current “X-Men Schism” storyline and will be written by Kieron Gillen and drawn by Carlos Pacheco. The teaser poster shows Emma Frost standing in front of a number of figures that are only seen in silhouette.  One of the silhouetted figures appears to be the bulky Juggernaut, who is currently possessed by “The Worthy” in the Fear Itself event.