Fantastic Four #396

In the nation of Latveria, the people are led to believe that their ruler Doctor Doom is alive, little suspecting that the man striding before them is actually a Doombot controlled by Nathaniel Richards, who has taken over Latveria following Doom's apparent demise. The Invisible Woman has come here since the break up of the Fantastic Four in search of her husband Reed Richards, who has gone missing. She demands that her father-in-law explain why he is keeping up the illusion that Doctor Doom is still alive. Nathaniel explains that he is doing it to keep Latveria's enemies at bay, stating that he has a personal interest in the fate of this country. He then tells Sue to get ready to retrieve his son, when Sue ask's which son he is referring to -- Reed or Kristoff -- Nathaniel says it is not important. Sue puts up an invisible force field in his way and demands that Nathaniel explain himself. When the Servo-Guards come to Nathaniel's defense, Sue easily destroys them. Nathaniel stands down, and Sue begins demanding answers, including the truth about Nathaniel's claim that Kristoff is his biological son as well. Nathaniel jests that if she doesn't like that story, he could just as easily craft another tale. Nathaniel points out that while Sue is seeking out her missing and presumed dead husband, Nathaniel's goals are more loftier. He then reminds her that since his credibility is in question, she has no choice but tag along for the ride if she wishes to learn the final fate of Reed Richards. Sue resigns to this reality, but secretly thinks to herself to be on guard, and take advantage of any situation where Nathaniel may underestimate her.

Meanwhile in New York City at the Four Freedoms Plaza, the Thing comes rushing into the entertainment room when he hears Scott Lang screaming. Instead of an emergency, Ben realizes that Ant-Man has been watching the latest Fantastic Four animated series and is mocking the quality of the program. Ben is less than impressed by this mockery and responds by smashing the television set. While Lang is trying to calm Ben down, suddenly the burning apparition of Sue appears again. However the burning effigy of their former teammate has no words to say this time and disappears as quickly as it appeared. Elsewhere in a secret citadel far away, the Watcher observes the Thing and Ant-Man from his monitors. A shadowy figure appears before him and mocks the Watcher for trying to fool the Fantastic Four, and how they only grow suspicious now. When the Watcher mulls over the idea of being challenged by the Fantastic Four, he remarks that such an event will lead to the destruction of the group.