First Appearance: Fantastic Four #1 (1961)
Founding Members: Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards), Invisible Girl (Sue Storm), Human Torch (Johnny Storm), The Thing (Ben Grimm)
Mission: Explorers, adventurers, and protectors inspired by science, courage, and the pursuit of greater understanding
The Fantastic Four emerge in Fantastic Four #1 as the Marvel Universe’s first family of heroes, transformed by cosmic rays during a pioneering spaceflight. Guided by Reed Richards’ intellect, Sue Storm’s compassion, Johnny Storm’s youthful fire, and Ben Grimm’s unwavering bravery, the team embraces a unique role that blends scientific exploration, world-saving heroics, and the deep bonds of a surrogate family.
Over their earliest adventures leading into 1965, the Fantastic Four battle the Mole Man below the Earth’s crust, outwit the shape-shifting Skrulls, and repeatedly clash with their greatest nemesis, Doctor Doom. They encounter legendary figures like the Sub-Mariner, embark on journeys to distant worlds, and defend humanity against threats from both the stars and beneath the oceans. In these formative tales, the team refines the balance between their extraordinary powers and their very human vulnerabilities.
Unlike traditional masked heroes, the Fantastic Four are public figures—celebrities as much as defenders—whose personal relationships unfold in the spotlight. Their family dynamic is central: Reed’s leadership, Sue’s steadiness, Johnny’s daring, and Ben’s heart are all tested by cosmic wonders and dire dangers. By the close of these early stories, the Fantastic Four stand as trailblazers—heroes who combine science, imagination, and courage to venture beyond known limits and inspire a new era of possibility.
Fantastic Four #1 :First appearance, as well as their first mission and origin.
Fantastic Four #2 :First alien encounter.
Retcon of origin to be “headed for Mars” during origin.
Fantastic Four #3 :The debut of the Baxter Building, the Fantasticar, and Costumes. Human Torch quits the team at the end.
Fantastic Four #4 :or Fantastic Three, Until Human Torch rejoins the team.
Fantastic Four #5 :Faces Doctor doom for the first time. Team time travels for the first time.
Fantastic Four #6
Fantastic Four #7 :The team is honored in Washington DC. First time traveling to deep space
Strange Tales #101
Fantastic Four #8 :Thing bonds with Alicia, the team gains its first major supporting character.
Fantastic Four #9 :Team goes Bankrupt, then to Hollywood to make money as movie stars.
Fantastic Four #10 :Doctor doom temporarily changes bodies with Mr. Fantastic
Strange Tales #105
Fantastic Four #11
Fantastic Four #11
Strange Tales #106
Amazing Spider-Man #1
Fantastic Four #12 :Fantastic Four work to help catch the Hulk. New fantasticar
Fantastic Four #13
Fantastic Four #14
Strange Tales #109
Fantastic Four #15
Strange Tales #110
Fantastic Four Annual #1
Fantastic Four #16
Strange Tales #111
Fantastic Four #17
Avengers #1
Strange Tales #112
Fantastic Four #18
Amazing Spider-Man #5
Fantastic Four #19
Fantastic Four #20
Fantastic Four #21
Amazing Spider-Man #8
Fantastic Four #22
Avengers #3
Fantastic Four #23
Strange Tales #118
Fantastic Four #24
Fantastic Four #25
Strange Tales #120
Fantastic Four #26
Strange Tales #121
Fantastic Four #27
Daredevil #2
Fantastic Four #28
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1
Fantastic Four #29
Fantastic Four #30
Fantastic Four Annual #2
Strange Tales #125
Fantastic Four #31
Strange Tales #126
Fantastic Four #32
Amazing Spider-Man #18
Strange Tales #127
Fantastic Four #33
Fantastic Four #34
Fantastic Four #35
Avengers #13
