Ultimate Fantastic Four: N-Zone, Part 1
Issue: #13
Writer: Warren Ellis
Pencils:
Inker: John Dell
Colors: Dave Stewart

After a brief flashback to Reed Richards' first look at the N-Zone in the Baxter Building, the action moves forward to a present-day experiment. Reed, Sue Storm and her father are once again transporting an apple into the N-Zone and back. As the preliminary data is being analyzed, Reed explains to Ben Grimm why they are conducting the experiment; without the codes for the transporter, Reed's only hope of changing himself and Ben back to normal is to study the N-Zone to understand how the change happened. Reed adds that Sue and Johnny don't seem to want to change back: Johnny is happy to have powers, and Sue finds her ability to turn invisible to be of great scientific interest. Reed is concerned about Johnny, who seems to be losing weight, and he explains to Ben how he thinks Johnny's body produces the fire.

After the experiment concludes, Reed begins working on "an idea". He requests information on Stark engines (which are used to power SHIELD's helicarriers), invents a floating space buoy, and sets off a huge explosion in the Blast Room (much to the dismay of other Baxter Building inhabitants). While some of this is happening, Johnny tells Ben his thoughts on being a superhero -- it's great, and they should all enjoy it. The explosion in the Blast Room interrupts the conversation. Once Ben has broken the door to the Blast Room open, they find Reed has been testing surface tiles for a space shuttle. Reed asks Professor Storm to set up a meeting with General Ross.

Reed explains his innovations to Ross, then asks that he and a space shuttle be transported into the N-Zone -- much to the stunned surprise of his three teammates.

Submitted By: Seldes Katne