Ransome Sole - Franklin Storm

Franklin Storm

Franklin Storm is a surgeon in the Marvel Comics universe.

The character, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, first appeared in Fantastic Four #31 (October 1964) as the estranged father of Susan and Johnny Storm.

Within the context of the Marvel Comics universe, Franklin Storm is an accomplished surgeon who was unable to save the life of his wife after an automobile accident. Blaming himself for her death, he gives up his career and turns to gambling, eventually borrowing money from a loan shark. When he is unable to pay, the loan shark sends a thug to threaten him and his children. Storm struggles with the thug, who accidentally shoots himself. As a result, Storm is convicted of manslaughter and sentenced to 20 years in prison. He requests that Susan not visit him and that she tell Johnny that he is dead.

When Susan is seriously injured escaping from the Mole Man's lair, Storm, who had escaped from prison, comes out of hiding to operate on her, saving her life. After the operation, he is returned to prison where he is abducted by the Skrulls. The Super-Skrull impersonates him in a plot to demoralize the Fantastic Four. When Reed Richards recognizes the impostor and forces the Skrulls to exchange Storm for their, Morrat suggests a new plan. The Skrulls attach a concussive energy beam projector, set to go off in the presence of the Fantastic Four, to Storm's chest. When he appears, he warns the heroes to stay away and rolls over on the floor, taking the full force of the fatal blast on himself.

Much later, Susan, in honor of his memory and sacrifice, names her son Franklin after him.