A Retrospective of The World's Greatest Comics Magazine!

The very first issue of Fantastic Four in 1961 ushered in the "Marvel Age of Comics." It signaled more than just the beginning of a new comic book company, it meant a new way to write and draw stories. American comics up to that point had been very one dimensional and, thanks largely to the Comics Code of the 1950's, lacked any real depth. Before the F.F. readers were subjected to Lois Lane trying to figure out Superman's identity every issue or Batman and Robin going to the moon. Comics just weren't very challenging.

Enter Stan Lee and Jack Kirby to kick the comics industry in the pants. The story goes that Stan had grown tired of working in comics and was going to quit. His publisher, Martin Goodman, hearing about the success of the Justice League comic, a book about a team of superheroes from the rival, DC Comics, gave Stan a mandate to write one more story. Stan was disillusioned and, upon advice from his wife Joan, he wrote exactly the story he wanted. But who would draw it? Art duties fell to none other than Jack Kirby, the "King of Comics." In fact, it was the Fantastic Four (often abbreviated as the FF) that helped build his legend.

So, starting with issue #1, the "World's Greatest Comics Magazine" was born. And comics would never be the same. The Fantastic Four featured the first appearance of Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), Susan Storm (The Invisible Girl.. later called The Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (The Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (The Thing). It was a book with an edge, a gamechanger that is as important to comic book history as the first appearance of Superman. Stan and Jack lasted an astounding 103 issues on the title.  The 1970's stories were dominated by writers such as Roy Thomas and Len Wein. The highlight of the 1980's was a run by John Byrne. Over the years, as with any long-running serial narrative with numerous creative teams, it's had its ups and downs. My favorites tend to be classic FF stories but there are a few modern gems too.

With all this in mind, I present my favorite stories of The Fantastic Four.

"The Galactus Trilogy" - FF #48-50... It's been called "the indisputable pinnacle of the so-called Silver Age of comic books" and fans have debated whether it's the greatest Marvel Comics story of all time. It features the coming of an eater of worlds known as Galactus. His herald, the Silver Surfer, debuts and ultimately turns on his master. As a result the Surfer is banished to Earth, having his "space-time powers" removed. The greatest FF epic of all time stands the test of time more than 50 years after its publication. A true masterpiece.

"This Man, This Monster" - FF #51... More than just an exploration of The Thing, this one-off story exemplifies how the best stories were written in the Silver Age. The story solidifies Ben Grimm's personality as he finally comes to terms with what happened to him on that first trip to space. An impostor version of The Thing, from the "anti-matter universe" helps Ben to realize  that Reed has always had the best intentions for those he cares about. Ben finally understands that being fated as The Thing is not so bad, as long as he has his family to lean on.  Stan Lee and Jack Kirby delivered a brilliant character piece about selflessness and heroism with this one, and it probably is the greatest single issue story of the FF ever.. 

"Terror in a Tiny Town" - FF #236... Perhaps the best story of the entire John Byrne run. The story sees the Fantastic Four revisit their origin, all while facing an evil plot of ol' Doc Doom. A terrific story by Byrne and one of the best drawn FF tales of all time. 

"A Small Loss" - FF #267... In this FF landmark, Sue suffers complications with her pregnancy due to the cosmic rays that gave her superpowers. Reed has gathered the world's foremost experts in radiation research to no avail. He then does the unthinkable and turns to Doctor Otto Octavius. Can the infamous Doctor Octopus help the Invisible Girl, or is his mind too unstable to be trusted? Read to find out. For FF fans, this is not to be missed. This Marvel classic, "A Small Loss," guest-stars Bruce Banner (the Hulk), Walter Langkowski (Sasquatch), and Michael Morbius (the Living Vampire), with a cameo by Spider-Man.

"The Overthrow of Doom" - FF #192-200... The tale begins after the FF have disbanded because Reed has lost his powers. The team go their separate ways and do their own thing until a plot in which Reed regains his powers and ultimately has to rescue his family from the clutches of Victor Von Doom takes over. It's an intriguing mix of genres that collects neatly into a cohesive whole. It is part mystery, political intrigue, contemplative soul-searching and redemptive drama with superhero action mixed in.

"Remembrance of Things Past" - Marvel Two-In-One #50... In the first ever Byrne FF story (before he was actually on the FF title), Reed has invented a cure for Ben Grimm. The trouble is that the cure will only work on Ben as he originally was. His appearance has been changing since he first transformed (a clever in-story reason for the varying art styles on The Thing). So, Ben decides to go back in time and cure himself when he originally transformed. He meets himself and the two Things battle it out. The modern Thing beats the original, more lumpy version and forces him to take the cure. When he gets back however, nothing has changed. Reed explains that you can't change the past. Instead, an alternate timeline was created and the original Thing, in that time, is now cured.  The Thing decides he's ok with his failure because Lumpy Thing made him realize that's he's evolved past the worst of the monster look. It's a very touching issue and is a must read.

"The Origin of Doctor Doom" - FF Annual #2... In my estimation this is the greatest supervillain story of the Silver Age. Doctor Doom is one of the greatest villains in the Marvel Universe, perhaps THE greatest! In this tale we learn all about Victor Von Doom's motivations and what twisted him into the arch-villain that he has become. It's a tragic tale but also, even by today's standards, an entertaining epic. 

Fantastic Four #1 (1961)... The one that started it all. This is the story that introduced the team and founded the Marvel Universe. Some have said that there is a naiveté to the writing and that the story is too simple and dated. By today's standards? Maybe. Remember though, this was written in 1961. It does so much though. It introduces our protagonists, takes them on an adventure, shows the origin of their powers and shows the formation of the team. As Stan Lee himself might say, 'Nuff Said!   

"The Wedding of the Fantastic Four" - FF Annual #3... Dr. Doom reads about the wedding of Reed and Sue in the Daily Press. He then decides to ruin their wedding by using his Emotion Charger to cause just about every super-villain in the marvel universe to attack the FF at their wedding. The Watcher intervenes and Reed uses his "Time Displaccer" to return all the baddies back to their immediate past. The wedding of Reed and Sue ensues and cameos from all over the Marvel Universe abound. Talk about the best possible hook book for new readers to Marvel because it gives appearances by every major character. And, it's a hell of an adventure too.

"A Blind Man Shall Lead Them"- FF #39... The pre-Frank Miller Daredevil, the swashbuckling crusader, comes to the aid of the Fantastic Four when a nuclear blast drains their powers. Doc Doom wastes no time in trying to destroy them but Reed has a plan. He whips up a gadget that mimics their powers and with the aid of Daredevil they can now battle their nemesis.

 

"The Battle of the Baxter Building" - FF #40... Part 2 of the Daredevil/FF Fight against Doom, who has now seized control of The Baxter Building, the headquarters of the FF. Reed uses Daredevil to distract Doom and then the FF step in and take him down. By the end, their powers return and with his plot foiled, Doom escapes. These two issues really showcase that the FF is an established team in the Marvel Universe and in cases like this, when they need a little extra help, they can lean on their friends to solve their problems. A great two-parter that stands as one of my personal favorite Silver Age stories. 

"Inside Out" - FF Vol. 3 # 60... Mark Waid wrote an acclaimed run with artist, Mike Wieringo. This is probably the best single issue of the bunch. It's a one-and-done that recaps the origin of the FF while also illustrating why the team does what they do and why they're so... fantastic!

* A few full runs that I think are deserving of everyone's attention... Obviously Stan and Jack's run is A-1... the best! 2nd, check out John Byrne's run. The 70's has some standout stories and the runs of Roy Thomas, Len Wein, and Marv Wolfman all deserve to be picked over. Mark Waid is the best modern FF writer and his run with Mike Wieringo and Karl Kessel deserves a look. After that, Jonathan Hickman’s Fantastic Four epic needs to be checked out too.