Ah, fellow seekers of comic book enlightenment, gather 'round as we delve into the wondrous world of H.E.R.B.I.E., the pint-sized powerhouse of the Fantastic Four! As Marvel's first family gears up to make their triumphant leap into the MCU in 2025, it's high time we shine the spotlight on one of their most underrated allies.
H.E.R.B.I.E. (Humanoid Experimental Robot, B-type, Integrated Electronics) first burst onto the scene in Fantastic Four #209, back in August of 1979, a creation born from the brilliant minds of Mister Fantastic himself and Master Xar of the Xandarians. But little did they know, their creation would soon become embroiled in a cosmic saga of intrigue and heroism.
Initially introduced to fill the void left by the Human Torch's absence in the Fantastic Four animated series, H.E.R.B.I.E. quickly found his way into the hearts of comic book fans everywhere. From his humble beginnings as a cute, albeit clumsy, sidekick to the illustrious Fantastic Four, to his later adventures as a stalwart guardian of the Baxter Building, H.E.R.B.I.E. has proven time and again that he's more than just a bundle of circuits and wires.
One of H.E.R.B.I.E.'s most notable exploits occurred during the "Iron Man 2020" event, where he joined forces with the A.I. Army in a desperate bid to thwart the machinations of Arno Stark. Talk about a metallic showdown for the ages! But even in the face of overwhelming odds, H.E.R.B.I.E. stood tall, a shining example of courage and determination in the face of adversity.
But it hasn't always been smooth sailing for our plucky protagonist. From brushes with the diabolical Doctor Sun to his heroic sacrifice in the battle against the Extinction Entity, H.E.R.B.I.E. has faced his fair share of trials and tribulations. Yet through it all, he's remained a steadfast ally to the Fantastic Four and a beacon of hope in a universe teetering on the brink of chaos.
As we eagerly anticipate the Fantastic Four's long-awaited debut in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, let us not forget the unsung heroics of H.E.R.B.I.E., the little robot who could. So here's to you, H.E.R.B.I.E., may your circuits always be charged and your adventures never cease.
And don't forget to stay tuned to new issues of That! Comic Podcast every Wednesday for all the latest updates on H.E.R.B.I.E. and the rest of the Marvel Universe as we gear up for the Fantastic Four's cinematic debut in 2025! Excelsior!