Fantastic Four #31, page 14, panels 1-2
Fantastic Four #31: Reed's Stretchy Body 91
Story by: Stan Lee (Who has never been more dramatic!)
Illustrations by: Jack Kirby (Who has never been more thrilling!)
Inking by: Chic Stone (Who has never been more realistic!)
Lettering by: S. Rosen (Who has never been more than an hour late!!)
And so continues the fight, but here's where things get really interesting. I've spoken and written at length how I like my Reed Richards to use his stretching powers within certain limits, such as respecting the basic layout of human anatomy. He's more of a Elongated Man than a Plastic Man, and should have certain limits when it comes to how he manipulates his body. As such, this should fall into the category of things I don't like.
But I love it. You've got break the rules every now and again, and this is one of those times. You can easily rationalise why Reed would choose this course of action. He's a scientist, he's going to have a good knowledge of potential energy, and how to use it for propulsions. He'll also understand the principles of aerodynamics. Whilst it might be more logical for him to just stretch out, this really works, both for Reed and for the reader enjoying a visually-unique depiction of his powers.
Check out our coverage of Fantastic Four #32 on our thirty-sixth episode: John Byrne Quits Comics