Get ready for the Fantastic Four's MCU debut with these essential 10 comic stories. Explore the origins of Marvel's First Family, iconic battles against Galactus, and the emotional journey of the Thing.
The Fantastic Four are one of Marvel’s most venerable teams. They kicked off what has been called the “Marvel Age of Comics,” when Stan Lee and Jack Kirby changed superheroes forever. For years, the Fantastic Four was called “The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine,” but the team’s success outside of the comics has been lesser than many of Marvel’s other franchises. There’s a few animated series, two movies from the ’00s, and one major flop.
The movie releases July 25th and many MCU fans want to know more about the FF. Well, they need to look no further. These ten stories will give them a primer on the best FF stories, ones that will better acquaint MCU fans with Marvel’s First Family.For MCU fans, it’s not always good to start at the beginning. Oftentimes, characters have changed a lot since their first appearance. Not only that, but comics have also changed a lot since then, and older books may not appeal to modern readers. However, for the Fantastic Four, the best place to start actually is the beginning. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s vision for the series is on display immediately in Fantastic Four (Vol. 1) #1, which tells the story of how Marvel’s First Family gained their powers and then pits them against the Mole Man. Lee and Kirby hook readers immediately with this classic. Its Cold War setting shows off the creators’ beliefs in American exceptionalism, but it still does a tremendous job of showing the direction this team is going to take as the years go on. This issue sets the standard for every FF story that has come after it.With the rumor of the Fantastic Four (Vol. 1) #5. This issue sees Doom attack the FF for the first time, using his time machine to send the team back in time to the age of pirates. On this jaunt, the Thing becomes the basis of the legend of Blackbeard before the team returns to the present and defeats Doom. Lee and Kirby created one of comics’ greatest villains in this story and began a rivalry that would define the Marvel Universe. This comic harnesses the energy of two comic greats and is the definition of fun superhero action. Lee’s dialogue can be a little much, but it perfectly illustrates who each character is. Kirby’s art is amazing as always, jumping off the page at the readers. This is classic Marvel and MCU fans will find the kernels that grew into the universe they loved here.Fantastic Four (Vol. 1) #48-50, by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, it’s gone down in history as “The Galactus Trilogy.” This story sees the Watcher, familiar to MCU fans, warn the Fantastic Four about the coming of Galactus and his powerful herald Silver Surfer. The team is nearly helpless against the all-powerful cosmic power of Galactus, with the Earth seemingly doomed. The Galactus Trilogy is exactly the kind of cosmic spectacle that inspired the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Lee and Kirby are on fire here, presenting a story that dips into cosmic horror as Galactus is, after all, an unfeeling force of destruction, not caring about the lives on the planets he devours. Lee gets to write one of his favorite characters, Silver Surfer, and Kirby’s art is as bombastic as ever. This is one of the greatest comic stories ever, and perfect for MCU fans who want to see Galactus before his MCU debut.The tragedy of the Thing is one of the most important parts of the Fantastic Four mythos. While the other three members of the team got great powers and could bask in the glow of celebrity as scientists who saved the world, Ben Grimm was transformed into a monster. Mister Fantastic did everything he could to cure his old friend but always failed. Fantastic Four (Vol. 1) #51, by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, titled “This Man, This Monster,” puts the Thing on full display, when an evil scientist takes his power and pretends to be the Thing in order to destroy the Fantastic Four, forcing Ben to save the day and eventually transform back into the monster he hates being. Lee had quite a grip on the pathos of Ben Grimm, and this issue puts it on display perfectly. This issue has gone down as one of the best comics ever. It’s full of drama and pathos, rendered beautifully by Kirby. It cuts to the soul of the Thing and shows the powers of the bonds between the FF. This is the one issue that will help MCU fans truly understand the Thing and how far he will go to save the day, making it a must-read. Fantastic Four (Vol. 1) #242-244, by John Byrne, brought Galactus and his new herald Terrax to Earth. Galactus was at his lowest, not fed in ages, and the FF teamed with the heroes of New York City to stop the World Devourer. After they defeat Galactus, though, instead of destroying him, the FF comes up with another solution that leads the cosmic god to get another herald and leave the Earth. after Lee and Kirby. His run on the book has gone down as one of the best comic runs of all time and is full of brilliant stories (several of which are on this list)
FANTASTIC FOUR GALACTUS DOOM SILVER SURFER THING
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
MCU Fantastic Four Star Got Help From a Lord of the Rings Legend for Thing RoleComic Book Movies, News, & Digital Comic Books
Read more »
The Fantastic Four: First Steps - MCU's Success is Looking More LikelyWith Andy Serkis' involvement in training Ebon Moss-Bachrach for motion capture, the MCU's portrayal of The Thing is gaining positive attention. The article discusses the challenges of adapting The Fantastic Four to the big screen and how this latest iteration might overcome past failures.
Read more »
Marvel's Free Comic Book Day 2025: Fantastic Four, X-Men, Spider-Man, and Star WarsMarvel will celebrate Free Comic Book Day 2025 with a selection of five titles featuring popular characters like Fantastic Four, X-Men, Spider-Man, and Star Wars.
Read more »
Marvel Free Comic Book Day 2025: X-Men, Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, and Star WarsMarvel is preparing for Free Comic Book Day 2025 with a lineup of titles featuring some of its biggest heroes. The celebration includes stories centered around the X-Men, Fantastic Four, Spider-Man, and Star Wars.
Read more »
Marvel's Fantastic Four Get Comic-Inspired Skins in NetEase GameMarvel's Fantastic Four are coming to NetEase's mobile game, featuring iconic comic book looks. Players will be able to unlock alternate skins for each member inspired by notable comic book iterations.
Read more »
Marvel Rivals Drops Four Fantastic Four Heroes in Season 1Marvel Rivals is shaking up the hero-game landscape by introducing a staggering four new heroes - the Fantastic Four - in its first season. This unprecedented move breaks from the norm of one or two heroes per season seen in other games like Overwatch and Apex Legends.
Read more »