Spoilers ahead:

Fantastic Four #587 is a benchmark for Marvel's First Family, as it wraps the first act of Jonathan Hickman's stellar run on the series and contains the demise of one of the most beloved characters in comics.

Yesterday, we predicted who might be dying in the issue. Were we correct? Find out here.

We also spoke with Jonathan Hickman, who gave the details on how this decision came about and what it means for the rest of the family.

Johnny Storm, the Human Torch, dies a most noble death within the pages of FF #587, spawning sadness throughout the world and a slew of clever "Human Torch Extinguished!" and "Flame Off!" headlines.

"Jonathan Hickman came to us two years ago with a vision for evolving the characters and concepts introduced to fans 50 years ago in Fantastic Four #1 – and quite frankly his vision blew us away," said Tom Brevoort, Marvel Entertainment SVP of Publishing. "The death of the Human Torch is the first major move in this incredibly exciting evolution of the legendary Fantastic Four franchise and a necessary part of the larger story we will be telling featuring the beloved characters moving forward."

Of course, the story isn't over yet: Fantastic Four #588 releases next month as the final issue of the long-running series. Though Hickman will be continuing his tale in F.F. #1 in March, Marvel has been mum on what that series will be about or which characters it will feature.

Marvel has been clear on one very important thing though: the Fantastic Four no longer exist.

What are your thoughts on the Human Torch's death? Sound off below!

• More Comics News
• Latest Comics News, Reviews, and Videos