Heather Owings
SLM 521
Fall 2003
Web Dropin #5

Mythology Meets Marvel® Comics
(modified from Grade 6th 2002 scenario/lesson plan at www.cyberquestkids.com)

The Fantastic Four®, of comic book fame, are looking for a new teammate. They have narrowed the search to the gods and goddesses of ancient Rome, Greece, and Egypt. But here is their dilemma: Reed Richards, a.k.a. Mr. Fantastic really admires the Romans, while his wife, Susan Storm Richards, a.k.a. the Invisible Girl, prefers the Greeks. Susan's baby brother Johnny, a.k.a. the Human Torch, thinks the Egyptians are awesome. Ben Grimm, a.k.a. The Thing, does not really think the team needs a new member but he has been outvoted.

The team has come to you for your honest and objective opinion. Which ancient mythological figure do you think would compliment the team best?

Review the original Fantastic Four® members at the Marvel Comics web site. Click on the Comic Information link to find a biography of the Fantastic Four® for their background information and fill in the chart below.

Carefully read what you put down in the last column on the right-hand side. This is where the team is the weakest. They need a member who can do the things that they cannot do.

Now your job is to explore the ancient myths until you find the perfect god or goddess for the job. Check out these web sites:

Encyclopedia Mythica www.pantheon.org

Myth Web www.mythweb.com

Roman Gods www.roman-empire.net/children/gods.html

Ancient Egypt: Mythologies www.egyptianmyths.net

When you have found the perfect new hero, the only one who can turn the Fantastic Four® into the Phenomenal Five, you will create a brochure that includes: a front cover with your new teammate's name and picture, and on the inside flap (double check the brochure on the link above, so you know where the inside flap is) you will need to write a brief description of the goddess or god chosen, include: her history, what is her special power, what symbols are related to her, and why you think she is the best choice for the job. Print that out. Then when you open up the brochure all the way, the inside three columns should be empty. Here you will create a comic strip of the Phenomenal Five, complete with their new superhero. Be sure to include in your crime-stopping scenario how they work together as a team, and focus on how your goddess or god strengthens the team.