Here’s a comparison as to how the cover to FANTASTIC FOUR #2 was originally drawn and lettered, and what actually made it to the stands. Typically, changes like this were requested by publisher Martin Goodman, who didn’t care much about content, and who believed that a strong cover was what sold the magazine.

Here, it seems likely that he was trying to tone down the super hero content of the cover a bit. The bursts featuring the characters’ names have been removed, as have their word balloons. Oddly, a halo of flame has been added to teh Torch even as his balloon about not being on fire is eliminated. Finally, the redundant use of the phrase “THE DEADLY” was removed from the caption box. And a few photos were added into the now-empty space on the back wall.

