In this episode:
In this episode, Mike and Ed discuss the return of the Fantastic Four after their pioneering exploration of the moon. Meanwhile, the Soviets ALSO claim to be the first to reach the moon. Who is lying? Also: the Soviets have finally created their own superheroes. What does this mean for everyday Americans?
In this issue:
Reed Richards decides that the Fantastic Four should travel to the Blue Area of the moon in order to win the space race with the Russians. Meanwhile, Russian scientist Ivan Kragoff, the “Red Ghost”, decides that he, too, should travel to the moon and claim it in the name of his country. His team is rounded out by his well trained but poorly treated ape, orangutan, and baboon, and they all develop powers due to cosmic radiation as they fly into space, much like the Fantastic Four did. Kragoff and his team actually appear to make it to the moon first.
The two teams then meet on the Blue Area of the moon in the remnants of a deserted ancient city where they can breath air normally. They do battle until the Watcher, an ancient cosmic being with incredible powers, explains his role of observing humanity and why he has decided to interrupt this dispute. The Watcher separates the teams, and they each continue to explore the ancient city on the moon. The teams do battle once more, with he Fantastic Four coming out on top. The four leave, with Kragoff and his team of sapient stranded on the moon.
Assumed before the next episode:
The world considers who really made it to the moon first.
This episode takes place:
After the Fantastic Four have announced their triumphant return from the moon and tried to explain why it is technically more important to have travelled to and from the moon, rather than just travel to the moon as the Russians did.
Episode 53: The Space Race and who technically, maybe, won it (Fantastic Four #13) -- April 1963