In 1961, Stan Lee & Jack Kirby introduced comic book readers to the “Fantastic Four.” A team of four individuals, Mr. Fantastic/Reed Richards, Invisible Woman/Susan Storm, Human Torch/Johnny Storm & The Thing/Ben Grimm. While on a space mission, the four got caught in a cosmic storm giving them powers. Reed can stretch his body. Susan turns invisible. Johnny transforms into fire form enabling him to fly and shoot flame projectiles. Ben permanently becomes a rock like giant which grants him super strength and durability. Together, they project civilians from villains. Meanwhile they look for a way to develop a cure to revert back to their normal selves.
Fantastic Four was groundbreaking for picking the superhero formula apart (prior to DC Comics’ Watchmen) depicting main characters as celebrities rather than wearing a mask to conceal their secret identities, characters bicker having real life problems and eventually put their personal issues aside working together to protecting people from supervillains. Fantastic Four marked a new era of comics paving a wave of notable comics within the Marvel Universe including Hulk, X-Men, Avengers and last but not least, Spider-Man.
Marvel Epic Collection republished 18 issues into one comprehensive collection under, “Fantastic Four: The World’s Greatest Comic” as the first volume. Anyway, the Fantastic Four will join forces with the X-Men, Avengers & Thunderbolts to battle Doctor Doom in the highly anticipated “Avengers: Doomsday” coming in December 18, 2026. Approximately a week before Christmas. This’ll be an early Christmas present for me.
Mighty & Weak Qualities
Mighty: Stan Lee mostly did a good job writing every issue. He created the team as superheroes as real people going through personal dilemmas like not paying the rent, petty arguments and Ben Grimm doesn’t want to live the rest of his life as a grotesque rock monster. One notable aspect that made the Fantastic Four unique, not wearing a mask to conceal a secret identity. They’re well-known celebrities adored by the public.
Jack Kirby’s art has a unique style.
Action Sequences are pretty good showcasing the team’s powers.
Chemistry between the titular quartet serves as the main highlight.
Pacing felt natural. I took my time reading dialogue and looking at Mr. Kirby’s illustrations.
Random Thoughts
- When I was a kid, I never read a single Fantastic Four comic. I’m more of an X-Men fan. Most notably, Wolverine.
- Every time I read dialogue from the team, I can already the voices of Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joesph Quinn & Ebon Moss-Bacharach in my head. They’re the best iteration in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Besides the titular team, notable villains and supporting characters make their debut by issue.
- Mole Man/Harvey Elder – #1
- The Skrulls – #2
- Doctor Doom/Victor Von Doom – #5
- Alicia Masters & Puppet Master/Phillip Masters – #8
- Impossible Man – #11
- Red Ghost/Ivan Kragoff – #13
- Super-Skrull – #18
Marvel Epic Collection’s first volume features significant moments.
- Sub-Mariner makes his reintroduction as a recurring enemy. He has the hots for Susan.
- Reed & Ben were war buddies.
- Ant-Man/Scott Lang guest stars in #16 assisting the team.
- Frequent encounters with Doctor Doom in a few issues.
- Hulk guest stars in #12.
Weak: Susan Storm has a habit of getting either kidnapped or easily defeated.
In #9 page 7, one guy said, “Looks like you’ve seen a ghost.” I hate that recurring line used in any movie, TV show or video game. How about something funny like… “Looks like you’ve seen Patrick Swayze.”
I’ll have you know there are some hokey eye rolling moments like Sub-Mariner unhealthy obsession with Susan.
Fifth issue’s cover art depicts Doctor Doom fully green instead of green and gray in the actual artwork.
The Final Verdict: B-
Despite a few blemishes, Fantastic Four: The World’s Greatest Comic isn’t terrible. Just plain average. I was gonna give it a C, but due to its groundbreaking elements of raising the superhero genre to another level, I had to give it a B-. The equivalent of a 7/10. If you’re interested in going through the Fantastic Four’s early adventures, buy a a physical copy online or digitally subscribe to Marvel Unlimited. Which Marvel Epic Collection book should I review next? Please leave a comment.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 