Cover for MARVELS COMICS: FANTASTIC FOUR #1

The concept of Marvels Comics: Fantastic Four #1 (May 2000) — written by Karl Kessel and illustrated by artist Paul Smith with colorist Jason Palmer — is that the comic is an actual comic book published within Marvel Comics’ narrative continuity (by the fictitious publisher “Marvels Comics”; note the extra “s” in “Marvel”); the comic has the authorization and support of the Marvel Universe’s real-life super-team, the Fantastic Four. The comic contains features (illustrated by a variety of artists such as Tom Grummett, Bob Wiacek, Carlos Pacheco, Jesus Merino, Mike Wieringo, and Joe Jusko) approved by team members, such as exercise tips from The Thing and “the latest faves & raves” of Johnny Storm, the Human Torch; in this latter feature, Johnny seems to express his admiration for a female superhero whose adventures are published by Marvel’s competitor, DC Comics.

From MARVELS COMICS: FANTASTIC FOUR #1; Johnny Storm feature art by Carlos Pacheco and Jesus Merino

Among a list of Storm’s favorite foods, cars, and movies, Storm also highlights three women on a list labeled “BABE WATCH!” The list includes Mary Jane Watson-Parker (model, actress, and then-wife of Peter Parker, AKA Spider-Man); Lila Cheney (musician and mutant with the ability to teleport across interstellar distances); and — curiously — Rita Farr, who is described in the feature as “Eternal. ‘Nuff said!” Two of the three women on this list are established Marvel characters; Farr is not, but there is a DC Comics character with that name — actress Rita Farr, a size-changing superhero and member of the Doom Patrol in her identity as Elasti-Girl.

From DOOM PATROL #86 (1964); art by Bruno Premiani

There does not seem to be any established Marvel character with the name “Rita Farr”; the creative team was likely placing a humorous “Easter egg” for knowing fans into the comic, as the reference suggests that an iconic Marvel superhero has a cross-continuity infatuation with a DC superhero.