In this issue, The Fantastic Four face off against a counter-team: The Frightful Four. This villainous squad consists of familiar faces like The Wizard (who adopts the new moniker “The Wingless Wizard” mid-issue) and Paste-Pot Pete, both of whom are best known for their run-ins with The Human Torch in Strange Tales. Add in Spider-Man’s rogue, Sandman, and an intriguing newcomer, Madam Medusa, and we’ve got ourselves a team of supervillains designed to challenge Marvel’s First Family.

But that’s not all! Following the events of the previous issue, love is clearly in the air. This story features the engagement announcement that shakes the Marvel Universe: Reed Richards and Sue Storm are tying the knot! The engagement party offers a star-studded affair, with cameos from the X-Men, the Avengers, and even a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it appearance by Spider-Man.

Characters & Development

Between the engagement, the brief party scene, and the introduction of a new team of supervillains (crafted mostly from existing rogues), this issue is brimming with character growth and development. Sure, the engagement itself is a continuation of last issue’s final panels, but the way it’s hyped here underscores just how central the Fantastic Four are to the Marvel Universe. They aren’t just heroes—they’re celebrities, being the only superheroes with public identities.

As for the villains, the Frightful Four is an intriguing mix of what I’d call “B-list” antagonists. Yet, they work well together, and their powers complement one another, making the team a legitimate threat. The balance of their abilities makes for a believable, dynamic conflict that feels authentic and fresh.

Originality & Continuity

The character development in this issue doesn’t just feel natural—it builds beautifully on what came before. The story respects the past while still delivering something fresh and exciting. I also loved seeing the rogues’ gallery shaken up a bit, with Sandman making the leap from Spider-Man’s orbit to join the Fantastic Four’s world. It’s a clever way to make the villain roster feel dynamic without straying from established continuity.

Artwork

Jack Kirby’s art shines here in every sense of the word. The massive engagement party scene feels dynamic and alive, with the foreground and background buzzing with energy and detail. Later, the clash between the Fantastic Four and the Frightful Four leaps off the page, bursting with that signature Kirby dynamism that defined his legendary career. It’s no exaggeration to say that his work here outshines the vast majority of his peers.

Story

Simply put, this story is fun, engaging, and captivating. It takes villains who previously felt underwhelming and uses them in fresh, creative ways that actually work. It keeps you hooked, page after page, right up to the end. More than that, it feels important—not just for the Fantastic Four, but for the Marvel Universe as a whole. This is a pivotal moment in the lives of Marvel’s First Family, and the storytelling ensures that weight is felt.

Fantastic Four #36 hits all the right notes. It balances action, character development, and pivotal story moments with exceptional artwork. The introduction of the Frightful Four adds a fresh layer to the Fantastic Four’s rogues’ gallery, and the engagement of Reed and Sue is handled with the weight and significance it deserves. This is an issue that delivers on all fronts—a must-read for fans of Marvel’s First Family.