Fantastic 4: The Negative Zone

February 24th 2030

The Fantastic Four face a coordinated series of cataclysmic threats across multiple fronts simultaneously, leading directly to one of the most heartbreaking sacrifices in Marvel history. While Reed Richards works frantically to stave off an impending war involving many villains, an even deadlier crisis emerges inside the team's headquarters, the Baxter Building. A cult loyal to the terrifying warlord Annihilius manages to infiltrate the building's lower levels and activate the portal to the Negative Zone. Their ultimate objective is to open the dimensional gateway wide enough to unleash Annihilius's unstoppable horde, the Annihilation Wave, directly into New York City, which would result in the complete destruction of Earth. With Mister Fantastic and the Invisible Woman trapped offsite dealing with separate catastrophic crises, the duty of defending the home front falls entirely on the Human Torch, the Thing, and the brilliant young children of the Future Foundation. As millions of monstrous creatures from the Negative Zone pour through the portal, the defenders fight valiantly to hold the line, but they quickly realize that the portal's locking mechanism can only be operated manually from the inside of the Negative Zone. Understanding the horrifying reality that someone must stay behind to keep the gate locked and prevent the extinction of humanity, Johnny Storm makes the ultimate hero's choice. He shoves the Thing back through to the Earth side for safety, seals the heavy blast doors, and stands completely alone in the dark abyss of the Negative Zone. Facing down the infinite, overwhelming army of Annihilius with unwavering bravery, Johnny unleashes every ounce of his flame power in a final, tragic last stand, sacrificing his life to ensure that the portal remains sealed and his family and planet are saved.

Story added by isaacreeves2024 on July 25, 2026