GYRO-CRUISER

Classification: Terrestrial (Wakandan) technology

Creator: Unrevealed Wakandan scientists

User/Possessors: Human Torch (Johnny Storm), Invisible Girl (Susan Richards), Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards), Prester John, Thing (Ben Grimm), Wyatt Wingfoot

First Appearance: Fantastic Four I#54 (September, 1966)

Powers/Abilities/Functions: Consisting of a driving unit suspended within a transparent outer bubble, the Gyro-Cruiser was a two-level vehicle which could travel over any terrain. Powered by a magnetic-tension element energized by friction, the driving unit remained in a constantly upright position at all times. Additionally, the Gyro Cruiser was equipped with "hover gear," which allowed it to travel through the air -- its top speed in either operational mode was unrevealed.

The first level of its vibrationless interior was the main control cockpit, while the ladder-accessible second level featured sleeping accommodations.

History:
(Fantastic Four I#54) - While the Fantastic Four were visiting Wakanda, the Human Torch became intent upon breaking past the Great Barrier that imprisoned the Inhamans' city of Attilan, so that he could be reunited with Crystal; the Black Panther (T'Challa) donated the Gyro-Cruiser to the Torch and his friend Wyatt Wingfoot so that they could begin their journey.

(Marvel Knights 4#21) - The Black Panther provided a second Gyro-Cruiser to the remaining members of the Fantastic Four to carry them back to the United States.

(Fantastic Four I#54) - As Johnny and Wyatt traveled on their way through a desert north of Wakanda, the duo encountered Prester John. The Torch stole Prester John's Evil Eye, hoping to use it to break into Attilan, but Prester John revealed to Wyatt that the device would soon explode and kill the Torch. Wyatt and Prester John chased the Torch in the Gyro-Cruiser, and Wyatt disarmed the Torch in time to save him. Johnny and Wyatt continued their quest.

(Fantastic Four I#55) - One night, Johnny and Wyatt flew the cruiser to the Himalayas and stopped to make camp, where they were discovered by Lockjaw. Realizing that Lockjaw had the power to take them to Attilan, Johnny and Wyatt abandoned the Gyro-Cruiser so they could attempt to make Lockjaw teleport them to Attilan.

(Fantastic Four I#80) - Wyatt used the Gyro-Cruiser to investigate rumors of the return of Tomazooma on the Keewazi reservation. When he found the Tomazooma robot, he attempted to flee in the cruiser, but the robot knocked him out with its vapors. When Wyatt revived, he traveled in the Gyro-Cruiser to his grandfather, Silent Fox, to tell him what had happened, but Silent Fox was already prepared to deal with the robot.

Comments: Created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Joe Sinnott.

New and additional images by Ron Fredricks.

Profile by Prime Eternal.

 CLARIFICATIONS:
The Gyro-Cruiser should not be confused with: