What if ? Vol 1 Num 36

Cover pencils by John Byrne, inks by Terry Austin. « What If the Fantastic Four Had Not Gained Their Powers? », script and art by John Byrne.

In a world where Reed Richards decided to wait and do the rocket launch by the books with proper shielding, the mission is a success and the rocket group becomes a cornerstone of Earth’s burgeoning space industry; When the Mole Man’s monsters attack, it’s the army’s job to investigate Monster Isle, but Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben opt to explore the tunnel created beneath their compound anyway; Even without powers, the foursome’s courage and ingenuity lead them to victory against the Mole Man all the same; Thus begins the Fantastic Four’s career as pulp adventurers.

« What if Nova had not Given Up his Powers? », script by Bill Mantlo, art by Mike Vosburg; Diverging from Rom #24, Richard Rider decides he doesn’t want to part with the Nova Force; At first he resigns to living on Xandar despite his homesickness, but after about a year he hijacks a teleporter to return to Earth and fights against the Champions of Xandar when they pursue him; It’s only when his friends and family talk him down and point out how selfish he’s being that Richard finally relents and relinquishes the Nova powers to Centurion.