H.E.R.B.I.E.

H.E.R.B.I.E.

H.E.R.B.I.E. is an advanced robot who serves the Fantastic Four.

History

After the Fantastic Four joined forces with the Manhattan Clan to defeat Diablo, H.E.R.B.I.E. was seen while the family was enjoying some much needed downtime. ("Both Alike In Dignity...")

Characteristics

H.E.R.B.I.E. has the ability to connect to any computer system. He also possesses electricity generators and lasers. He also possesses various hidden tools and features

Appearances

• "Both Alike In Dignity..." (No Lines)

Production Background

When the Fantastic Four property was made into an animated series in 1978, the character of the Human Torch was not available for use in the cartoon due to having been optioned for a motion picture which never materialized. Needing a fourth member to round out the team, Stan Lee pitched the idea for a cute robot sidekick and artist Jack Kirby, who had been hired as a storyboard artist for DePatie–Freleng Enterprises, designed it. This was Kirby's last work for Marvel. A popular but false urban myth contends the Human Torch was replaced for the series due to fears children might attempt to emulate him by setting themselves on fire. In the series, H.E.R.B.I.E. was voiced by Frank Welker. Shortly after the cartoon's premiere, the character was introduced to the comics continuity by writer Marv Wolfman and artist John Byrne.

H.E.R.B.I.E. was created by Mister Fantastic and Master Xar of the Xandarians, who hoped that the robot could aid their search for Galactus, whom they sought for aid in defeating the villain known as the Sphinx. It is also revealed that in the comic book continuity, Johnny Storm did not show up to a meeting with a cartoon company, therefore H.E.R.B.I.E. replaced him in a cartoon series based on the Fantastic Four. In the one-shot Incoming!, Valeria Richards removes H.E.R.B.I.E.'s inhibitor chip, allowing him to express to Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman how much he hates them.

See Also

• H.E.R.B.I.E. at Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia