Fantastic Four: ¡Isla de la Muerte! # 1 is a standalone one-shot comic released by Marvel on December 26, 2007 (with a February 2008 cover date). Written by Tom Beland and illustrated by Juan Doe, the story is set in Puerto Rico and focuses on a secret tradition of Ben Grimm.
The story follows The Thing as he takes his annual "secret vacation" to San Juan, Puerto Rico. His teammates—Reed, Sue, and Johnny—eventually track him down out of curiosity and discover he is a local hero known as "El Morrito," even having a parade held in his honor.
The lighthearted vacation is interrupted when the local government asks the Fantastic Four to help stop a series of mysterious killings in the rainforest. The team investigates and faces several threats:
- The Chupacabras: The team battles a pack of these monstrous creatures in the rainforest.
- Classic Villains: The Mole Man emerges as the mastermind, using a "Zero-Point Energy" transmitter to trap the heroes underground while he plots to invade the surface world by destroying atomic power plants.
- Other Threats: The issue also features M.O.D.O.K. and his genetically enhanced monkeys, as well as a radioactive monster off the coast of Vieques.
- Character Focus: The issue is praised for its focus on the "familial aspects" of the team and the grounded nature of Ben Grimm. A key scene features Sue Storm explaining why she views Ben as the team's true hero over the "egomaniacs" like Reed and Johnny.
- Artistic Direction: Juan Doe’s art style for this issue is noted for being stylized and unique compared to standard superhero anatomical styles.
- Language Editions: While originally published in English, it was also released in a Spanish language edition titled Los 4 Fantásticos: ¡Isla de la Muerte!.
- Writer: Tom Beland
- Artist/Colorist: Juan Doe
- Letterer: Dave Lanphear
- Editor: Alejandro Arbona