Description:  The New Fantastic Four is a 1978 animated television series that followed the adventures of Marvel's first superhero family, with a significant change to the classic lineup. The show replaced the Human Torch with a new character, a robot named H.E.R.B.I.E..

Premise: The series followed the core premise of the comics: four individuals gain superpowers after being exposed to cosmic rays during an experimental space flight. They crash-land safely but find themselves permanently altered and pledge to use their new abilities as a team.

Character Change: Due to a conflict in television rights (Universal Studios had the rights for a proposed Human Torch solo project), Johnny Storm was replaced by H.E.R.B.I.E. (Humanoid Experimental Robot, B-type, Integrated Electronics).

Characters and Powers: Mister Fantastic (Reed Richards): Leader of the group with a pliable, stretching body. Invisible Girl (Sue Richards/Storm): Gained the power of invisibility and the ability to project invisible force fields. The Thing (Ben Grimm): Transformed into a mighty-muscled, orange, rock-like behemoth. H.E.R.B.I.E. The new, wisecracking robot member of the team.

Villains and Storylines: The series, written in part by Stan Lee, featured the team battling a roster of classic villains such as the Mole Man, the alien Skrulls, Magneto, and their arch-nemesis Doctor Doom. Many episodes were directly inspired by original Stan Lee and Jack Kirby comic book storylines.

Tone: Compared to later animated adaptations, the series was fairly faithful to its source material and maintained the "family" dynamic, while adhering to stricter broadcast standards and practices of the time which limited certain actions, such as the Thing punching people.