The Forgotten Fantastic Four Cartoon That Replaced Human Torch With a Robot

Marvel’s First Family has endured a rocky road to cinematic success, finally finding triumph with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. But long before this victory, their journey included one of the strangest adaptations ever: the 1978 New Fantastic Four cartoon. For 13 episodes aired on NBC, children tuning in on Saturday mornings witnessed a startling change – the fiery Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, was inexplicably absent. In his place rolled a small, floating robot named H.E.R.B.I.E. (Humanoid Experimental Robot, B-type, Integrated Electronics). This bizarre substitution wasn’t a creative choice, but the result of tangled licensing agreements that sidelined one of Marvel’s core heroes.

The Licensing Deal That Torched Johnny Storm

The reason behind the Human Torch’s disappearance lies in a deal struck a year before the cartoon aired. Marvel Comics had licensed several characters exclusively to Universal for potential film and television projects (as documented in industry reports like Variety, 1977). While The Incredible Hulk became a successful live-action series, and characters like Dr. Strange and Captain America received TV movies, plans for a Human Torch project stalled. Crucially, this exclusive license meant Marvel Animation could not feature Johnny Storm in their new Fantastic Four series. Needing a fourth member, the producers introduced H.E.R.B.I.E., Reed Richards’ invention, as a replacement. The robot, voiced by legendary actor Frank Welker (known for Scooby-Doo’s Fred and countless iconic roles), became the team’s pint-sized tech support. This abrupt swap fundamentally altered the team’s dynamic – transforming the familial bond into a trio plus a mechanical companion.

H.E.R.B.I.E. and the Cartoon’s Campy Legacy

Produced in the late 70s, the New Fantastic Four embraced the era’s aesthetic: it was undeniably cheesy. Despite aiming for adventure, the show featured over-the-top voice acting, clunky dialogue, and often goofy portrayals of classic villains. H.E.R.B.I.E.’s presence amplified this tone. While the robot had gadgets and intelligence, it lacked the Human Torch’s raw power, charisma, and the unique, brotherly rivalry he shared with Ben Grimm, The Thing. Attempts to replicate Johnny’s banter with Ben fell flat; H.E.R.B.I.E. simply couldn’t match the shared history of two humans transformed by cosmic rays. Nevertheless, the series, overseen by Marvel legend Stan Lee and directed by Brad Bird, delivered surprising depth. It featured a robust rogues’ gallery, including Doctor Doom, Mole Man, and unexpected crossovers like the X-Men’s Magneto (in only the second episode!) and the Inhumans. It even spotlighted obscure teams like the Frightful Four (Wizard, Medusa, Sandman, Trapster), showcasing Marvel’s wider universe.

Finding This Forgotten Marvel Relic

While H.E.R.B.I.E. baffled fans then and remains a curious footnote, Frank Welker’s earnest vocal performance gave the robot a genuine personality. The series stands as a testament to Marvel’s evolving adaptation history and the sometimes-strange realities of licensing. Its unique, altered lineup makes it a fascinating, if flawed, piece of animation history. For those curious about this bizarre chapter where a robot replaced Marvel’s original hothead, the complete 1978 New Fantastic Four cartoon series is available for free streaming on archive.org, offering a nostalgic and peculiar glimpse into the Fantastic Four’s animated past. Explore this relic and see the team like never before.

Must Know

Why was the Human Torch replaced by a robot in the 1978 Fantastic Four cartoon?
A 1977 licensing deal between Marvel and Universal granted Universal exclusive rights to develop the Human Torch character for film/TV. This prevented Marvel’s animation division from using Johnny Storm in their new cartoon. The robot H.E.R.B.I.E. was created as a substitute fourth member to fulfill the “Fantastic Four” team requirement while circumventing the licensing restriction.

Who voiced H.E.R.B.I.E. the robot?
Legendary voice actor Frank Welker, renowned for roles like Scooby-Doo’s Fred, Super Friends’ various characters, and countless others, provided the voice for H.E.R.B.I.E. His performance aimed to give the robotic character personality and believability within the cartoon’s context.

Is the 1978 Fantastic Four cartoon considered good?
The 1978 New Fantastic Four cartoon is generally viewed as campy and dated by modern standards, characteristic of many 70s Saturday morning shows. Critics and fans note its cheesy dialogue, simplistic animation, and the awkward team dynamic caused by replacing the Human Torch. However, it’s also recognized for its ambitious inclusion of diverse Marvel villains and its place in animation history.

What Marvel villains appeared in the 1978 Fantastic Four cartoon?
Despite its short run, the series featured several major Marvel antagonists, including Doctor Doom, Mole Man, Dragon Man, and Impossible Man. Surprisingly, it also included crossover villains like the X-Men’s Magneto (appearing very early in the series) and the Inhumans as antagonists in one episode. It also featured the obscure villain team, the Frightful Four.

Where can I watch the 1978 Fantastic Four cartoon?
The complete series of the 1978 New Fantastic Four cartoon, featuring H.E.R.B.I.E., is available for free, legal streaming on the Internet Archive (archive.org). You can search for it directly on their platform.

Does H.E.R.B.I.E. appear in other Marvel media?
Yes, H.E.R.B.I.E. has appeared sporadically in Marvel comics, often as an assistant to Reed Richards. The character also made a notable appearance in the 2025 MCU film The Fantastic Four: First Steps, voiced by Matthew Wood, reintroducing the robot to a modern audience.