History of Fantastic Four in Timeline
The Fantastic Four, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, is a pioneering superhero team in Marvel Comics, debuting in 1961. Known as FF, their initial comic book is credited with helping to usher in a new level of realism in the superhero genre. Its creation also formalized the 'Marvel method' of comic book production.
1959: Possible Inspiration
In 1959, the film "Journey to the Center of the Earth" was released. The first adventure of the Fantastic Four in 1961 shares some similarities with the movie.
November 1961: Fantastic Four Debut
In November 1961, The Fantastic Four #1 was released, marking the debut of the superhero team and ushering in a new level of realism in comic books. The comic was the first superhero team created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee and brought the "Marvel method" style of production into prominence.
1961: First Adventure Depicted
In 1961, the Fantastic Four's first adventure depicted a team of four adventurers led by a professor travelling to the Earth's center and encountering giant monsters while contending with a human antagonist.
1961: Release of The Fantastic Four #1
In November 1961, the release of The Fantastic Four #1 was an unexpected success, persuading Stan Lee to continue working on comics.
May 1962: Namor the Sub-Mariner Reintroduced
In May 1962, Issue #4 reintroduced Namor the Sub-Mariner, an aquatic antihero, who was a star character of Marvel's earliest iteration, Timely Comics.
July 1962: Doctor Doom Introduced
In July 1962, Issue #5 introduced Doctor Doom, who became the team's most frequent nemesis.
October 1962: Human Torch Solo Strip in Strange Tales
In October 1962, the Human Torch was given a solo strip in Strange Tales to bolster the title's sales, starting with Strange Tales #101. The stories were plotted by Stan Lee and initially scripted by Larry Lieber, with art by Jack Kirby and Dick Ayers.
March 1963: Johnny's secret identity revealed
In March 1963, as shown in Strange Tales #106, Johnny discovered that his friends and neighbors knew of his dual identity all along from Fantastic Four news reports, but were humoring him.
July 1963: Title Change to Fantastic Four
In July 1963, with issue #16, the cover title dropped "The" and became simply "Fantastic Four."
October 1963: Reed Richards Remains Leader
In October 1963, in Fantastic Four #19, Stan Lee announced that Reed Richards would remain leader of the group, due to overwhelming fan support. Also, Stan's comment of 'Nuff Said would from here become an ongoing phrase in Lee's communications with fans.
1963: Sub-Mariner Crowned King
In 1963, The Sub-Mariner was crowned king of Atlantis in the first Fantastic Four Annual.
1964: The Thing becomes a co-star
In 1964, with issue #123 of Strange Tales, The Thing became a co-star of the comic book.
August 1965: Nick Fury replaces Human Torch
In August 1965, Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D., replaced the Human Torch in Strange Tales, starting with issue #135.
1965: Doctor Doom's Origin Revealed
In 1965, the origin story of Doctor Doom was revealed in Fantastic Four Annual.
March 1966: Beginning of the 'Galactus Trilogy'
In March 1966, the three-part "Galactus Trilogy" began in Fantastic Four #48, chronicling the arrival of Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer.
September 9, 1967: The Fantastic Four animated series premiere
On September 9, 1967, the first animated series, The Fantastic Four, produced by Hanna-Barbera, premiered on ABC.
1967: Trademark Filing for Fantastic Four
In 1967, Marvel filed for a trademark for "Fantastic Four".
1967: Pregnancy Announcement
In 1967, Sue Richards' pregnancy was announced in Fantastic Four Annual #5.
September 21, 1968: The Fantastic Four animated series finale
On September 21, 1968, the first animated series, The Fantastic Four, produced by Hanna-Barbera, aired its final episode on ABC.
1968: Birth of Franklin Richards
In 1968, Franklin Richards was born in Fantastic Four Annual #6, which introduced Annihilus.
1968: Lee's Comments on Team Creation
In 1968, Stan Lee commented in a fanzine that the creation of the Fantastic Four was mainly his idea, but Jack Kirby visually created the characters.
1970: Trademark Registration
In 1970, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued the registration for the "Fantastic Four" trademark.
1970: Kirby Claims Core Ideas
In a 1970 Fanzine interview, Jack Kirby confirmed Stan Lee's involvement in the creation of the Fantastic Four, but he also stated that the main characters and ideas were his.
November 1973: Thing appears in Marvel Feature
In November 1973, the Thing appeared in two team-up issues of Marvel Feature (#11–12).
1973: Doris Evans reappearance
In 1973, Johnny's girlfriend, Doris Evans, reappeared in an issue of Fantastic Four, now a heavyset but cheerful wife and mother.
January 1974: Marvel Two-in-One series begins
In January 1974, the Thing was given his own regular team-up title, Marvel Two-in-One, co-starring with Marvel heroes in the present day, other time periods, and alternate realities.
May 1974: Giant-Size Super-Stars Series
In May 1974, a short-lived series starring the team, Giant-Size Super-Stars, began.
1974: Human Torch series republished
In 1974, The Silver Age stories of Human Torch were republished, along with some Golden Age Human Torch stories, in a short-lived ongoing Human Torch series.
1974: Lee Describes Creative Process
In his 1974 book "Origins of Marvel Comics", Stan Lee detailed the Fantastic Four's creation, explaining how he developed characters and a story synopsis for Jack Kirby to follow, leading to the Marvel Method.
1975: Fantastic Four radio show
In 1975, a short-lived radio show adapted early Lee/Kirby stories and cast Bill Murray as the Human Torch, Bob Maxwell as Reed Richards, Cynthia Adler as Sue Storm, Jim Pappas as Ben Grimm and Jerry Terheyden as Doctor Doom. Other Marvel characters featured in the series included Ant-Man, Namor, Nick Fury and the Hulk.
1975: Cancellation of Giant-Size Fantastic Four
In October 1975, Giant-Size Fantastic Four was canceled with issue #6.
1976: Marvel Two-in-One Annuals Begin
In 1976, the Marvel Two-in-One series began releasing summer annuals.
1976: Metafictional Story
In November 1976, Roy Thomas and George Pérez crafted a metafictional story for Fantastic Four #176 in which the Impossible Man visited the offices of Marvel Comics and met numerous comics creators.
September 9, 1978: Second Fantastic Four animated series premiere
On September 9, 1978, the second Fantastic Four animated series, produced by DePatie-Freleng, premiered. This series features a H.E.R.B.I.E. Unit in place of the Human Torch.
December 16, 1978: Second Fantastic Four animated series finale
On December 16, 1978, the second Fantastic Four series, produced by DePatie-Freleng, aired its final episode.
1978: Doom's Son Storyline Culminates
In November 1978, Marv Wolfman and Keith Pollard crafted a multi-issue storyline involving the son of Doctor Doom which culminated in issue #200.
1979: The Thing in Fred and Barney Meet the Thing
In 1979, the Thing was featured as half of the Saturday morning cartoon Fred and Barney Meet the Thing, featuring Benjy Grimm, a teenage boy who could transform into the Thing.
1979: Byrne Joins Title
In August 1979, John Byrne joined the title with issue #209, doing pencil breakdowns for Sinnott to finish.
May 1980: Crossover with Spider-Man
In May 1980, Bill Mantlo wrote a crossover with Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #42.
July 1981: Byrne Takes Over as Writer, Penciller, and Inker
In July 1981, with issue #232, John Byrne began his run as writer, penciller, and inker for Fantastic Four, revitalizing the slumping title.
1982: Last Marvel Two-in-One Annual
In 1982, the Marvel Two-in-One series released its last summer annual.
June 1983: Marvel Two-in-One series ends
In June 1983, the Marvel Two-in-One series concluded after 100 issues.
July 1983: The Thing solo title begins
In July 1983, The Thing was given the solo title The Thing #1–36.
1985: Questprobe #3 The Fantastic Four game
In 1985, the Fantastic Four starred in Questprobe #3 The Fantastic Four, an adventure game from Adventure International for the Atari 8-bit computers.
June 1986: The Thing solo title ends
In June 1986, The Thing solo title #1-36 came to an end.
1986: Byrne Leaves Fantastic Four
In August 1986, Byrne left Fantastic Four following issue #293, in the middle of a story arc, because he could not recapture the fun he had previously had on the series.
December 1989: Walt Simonson Takes Over
In December 1989, Walt Simonson took over as writer with issue #334 of Fantastic Four. Three issues later, he also began pencilling and inking the comic.
December 1990: Temporary Fantastic Four lineup
In December 1990, the Fantastic Four #347 featured a temporary lineup consisting of the Hulk (in his "Joe Fixit" persona), Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Ghost Rider.
1990: Kirby Denies Lee's Version of Events
In a 1990 interview, Jack Kirby outright denied Stan Lee's version of the Fantastic Four's creation, claiming he conceived the idea and Lee added dialogue after the story was penciled.
February 1991: Temporary Fantastic Four lineup continued
In February 1991, the temporary lineup of the Fantastic Four consisting of the Hulk (in his "Joe Fixit" persona), Spider-Man, Wolverine, and Ghost Rider, continued through #349.
July 1991: Simonson's Run Concludes
In July 1991, Walt Simonson concluded his run as writer, penciller, and inker for the Fantastic Four with issue #354.
1992: DeFalco, Ryan, and Bulanadi Team Up
In 1992, Tom DeFalco, Paul Ryan, and Dan Bulanadi became the regular creative team for Fantastic Four, starting with issue #360. Ryan also began self-inking with this issue.
September 24, 1994: Third Fantastic Four animated series premiere
On September 24, 1994, the third Fantastic Four animated series was broadcast as part of The Marvel Action Hour umbrella.
November 1994: Fantastic Force Spinoff Launch
In November 1994, Fantastic Force, an 18-issue spinoff featuring a young adult Franklin Richards, from a different timeline, as Psi-Lord, was launched.
1994: The Fantastic Four film completed
In 1994, a film adaptation of the characters, The Fantastic Four, was completed by producer Roger Corman. It was not publicly released but was made to allow Constantin Film to keep the film rights.
February 24, 1996: Third Fantastic Four animated series finale
On February 24, 1996, the third Fantastic Four series aired its final episode after 26 episodes.
April 1996: Fantastic Force Spinoff Concludes
In April 1996, the 18-issue run of the Fantastic Force spinoff series concluded.
July 1996: DeFalco's Run Concludes
In July 1996, Tom DeFalco's run on Fantastic Four came to an end with issue #414. During his run, the title's sales steadily rose.
1996: Fantastic Four 2099 Series Launch
In 1996, Marvel launched the series Fantastic Four 2099, as part of the Marvel 2099 imprint, exploring an alternate future of the Marvel Universe.
1996: The Thing guest-starred in The Incredible Hulk series
In 1996, the Thing guest-starred in the "Fantastic Fortitude" episode of the The Incredible Hulk series, with a small cameo from the other Fantastic Four members.
1996: Series Cancellation and Relaunch
In September 1996, the ongoing Fantastic Four series was canceled with issue #416 and relaunched in November 1996 with vol. 2 #1 as part of the "Heroes Reborn" crossover, which retold the team's first adventures in a parallel universe.
1997: Fantastic Four video game release
In 1997, the group starred in the Fantastic Four video game.
1998: Series Relaunch with Vol. 3
In January 1998, Fantastic Four was relaunched with vol. 3 #1, initially by Scott Lobdell and Alan Davis, then by Chris Claremont and Salvador Larroca.
2000: Claremont and Larroca's Run Ends
In August 2000, the run of writer Chris Claremont and penciller Salvador Larroca on Fantastic Four concluded with issue #32.
June 2001: Pacheco Takes Over
In June 2001, Carlos Pacheco took over as penciller and co-writer of Fantastic Four, initially with Rafael Marín, beginning with issue #42 / #471. The series adopted dual numbering.
2001: Fantastic Four #48 Ranked
In 2001, Fantastic Four #48 was chosen as #24 in the 100 Greatest Marvels of All Time poll of Marvel's readers.
2001: Fantastic Four: The World's Greatest Comics Magazine Series
In 2001, the 12-issue series Fantastic Four: The World's Greatest Comics Magazine ran, paying homage to Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's legendary run.
March 2002: Kesel Becomes Co-Writer
In March 2002, Karl Kesel succeeded Jeph Loeb as co-writer of Fantastic Four with issue #51 / #480.
October 2002: Waid and Wieringo Take Over
In October 2002, Mark Waid and Mike Wieringo took over as writer and artist, respectively, for Fantastic Four with issue #60 / 489. Marvel released a promotional variant edition of the debut issue at the price of nine cents US.
June 2003: Human Torch manga-influenced series launch
In June 2003, a Human Torch ongoing solo series, in Marvel's manga-influenced Tsunami imprint, was launched. The series ran 12 issues, written by Karl Kesel and penciled by Skottie Young.
2003: Reversion to Original Numbering
In September 2003, after issue #70 / #499 in August 2003, Fantastic Four reverted to its original vol. 1 numbering with issue #500.
April 2004: Marvel Knights 4 Launch
In April 2004, Marvel launched the spinoff title Marvel Knights 4, written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and initially illustrated by Steve McNiven.
June 2004: Human Torch manga-influenced series ends
In June 2004, the Human Torch manga-influenced series concluded after 12 issues.
2004: Ultimate Fantastic Four Series Launch
In February 2004, Marvel launched Ultimate Fantastic Four as part of the Ultimate Marvel imprint, reimagining the team as young adults.
May 2005: Various Pencillers Contribute
Throughout May 2005, Mark Buckingham, Casey Jones, and Howard Porter contributed as pencillers to Fantastic Four through issue #524, alongside other teams.
July 2005: Straczynski and McKone Join
In July 2005, J. Michael Straczynski and Mike McKone began their run on Fantastic Four with issues #527–541.
July 2005: Spider-Man/Human Torch limited series ends
In July 2005, the five-issue limited series Spider-Man/Human Torch concluded. It was an untold tales team-up arc spanning the course of their friendship.
2005: Fantastic Four comic book sales
As of 2005, more than 150 million Fantastic Four comic books have been sold.
2005: Thing and Human Torch in Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects
In 2005, the Thing and the Human Torch appeared in the game Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects.
2005: Fantastic Four film release
In 2005, the second film adaptation, Fantastic Four directed by Tim Story, was released by 20th Century Fox and earned US$155 million in North America and $330 million worldwide.
2005: Tie-in videogames based on the film Fantastic Four
In 2005, tie-in videogames based on the 2005 film Fantastic Four, and its sequel were released. The Fantastic Four are also playable characters in Marvel Heroes, Lego Marvel Super Heroes, and Marvel Rivals.
August 2006: Another The Thing ongoing solo series ends
In August 2006, another ongoing solo series of The Thing concluded after eight issues.
August 2006: Marvel Knights 4 Concludes
In August 2006, the Marvel Knights 4 series concluded its run.
September 2, 2006: Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes premiere
On September 2, 2006, the fourth series, Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes, debuted on Cartoon Network.
2006: Byrne on Departure
In 2006, Byrne suggested that Jim Shooter tried to force him off the book.
2006: Straczynski and McKone End Run
In November 2006, J. Michael Straczynski and Mike McKone concluded their run on Fantastic Four with issue #541.
May 2007: McDuffie and Pelletier Take Over
In May 2007, Dwayne McDuffie took over as writer and Paul Pelletier as penciller for Fantastic Four, starting with issue #544.
2007: Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer release
In 2007, the sequel, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, directed by Tim Story and written by Don Payne, was released, earning $132 million in North America and a total of $330.6 million worldwide.
April 2008: Millar and Hitch Begin Run
In April 2008, Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch began their announced sixteen-issue run on Fantastic Four, starting with issue #554. As a result of the "Civil War" company-crossover storyline, the Black Panther and Storm temporarily replaced Reed and Susan Richards on the team.
April 2008: Publication of 'The Lost Adventure'
In April 2008, the unfinished issue that Jack Kirby partially published in Fantastic Four #108, with alterations, was completed and published as Fantastic Four: The Lost Adventure.
2008: Marvel Adventures: Fantastic Four Launch
In 2008, Marvel launched Marvel Adventures: Fantastic Four, an out-of-continuity series aimed at younger readers.
2009: Dark Reign: Fantastic Four Miniseries
In 2009, following the summer 2008 crossover storyline, "Secret Invasion", and the aftermath "Dark Reign", the Fantastic Four starred in a five-issue miniseries, Dark Reign: Fantastic Four, written by Jonathan Hickman.
2009: Ultimate Fantastic Four Series Conclusion
In February 2009, the Ultimate Fantastic Four series concluded its 60-issue run.
2010: Fantastic Four appearance in The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes
In 2010, the Fantastic Four appeared in The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes series.
January 26, 2011: Human Torch's Apparent Death
On January 26, 2011, in Fantastic Four #587, the Human Torch appeared to die stopping a horde of monsters from the Negative Zone.
March 2011: Series Ends and Relaunches as FF
In March 2011, the Fantastic Four series ended with issue #588 and relaunched as FF, featuring a new name (Future Foundation), new costumes, and Spider-Man as a member.
October 2011: Fantastic Four Reaches 599 Issues
In October 2011, with the publication of FF #11, the Fantastic Four series reached its 599th issue overall.
November 2011: Publication of Fantastic Four #600
In November 2011, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Fantastic Four and Marvel Comics, the company published the 100-page Fantastic Four #600.
2011: FF Publication as a Separate Series
In 2011, although launched as a continuation of the Fantastic Four title, FF continued publication as a separate series.
November 2012: Series Ends and Relaunches with Marvel NOW!
In November 2012, Fantastic Four ended with #611 as part of Marvel NOW!, concluding Jonathan Hickman's run. The title was relaunched with Matt Fraction and Mark Bagley as the creative team, featuring the Fantastic Four family exploring space.
2012: Human Torch's Return
In 2012, Fantastic Four #600 revealed the return of the Human Torch, after his apparent death in issue #587. He was resurrected to fight as a gladiator for Annihilus before forming a resistance and defeating him.
2012: Second Volume of FF Launched
In 2012, a second volume of FF was launched as part of Marvel NOW!, by Matt Fraction and Mike Allred, featuring a substitute Fantastic Four team starring Scott Lang, Medusa, She-Hulk, and Ms. Thing.
February 2014: New Series Launched
In February 2014, a new Fantastic Four series was launched by writer James Robinson and artist Leonard Kirk.
April 2014: Cover Date for New Series
In April 2014, the new Fantastic Four series launched by James Robinson and Leonard Kirk received its cover date.
August 7, 2015: Fant4stic film release
On August 7, 2015, the reboot directed by Josh Trank (also titled Fantastic Four, but stylized as Fant4stic) was released and earned poor reviews and box office results.
2015: Series Cancellation Announced
In 2015, it was confirmed that Fantastic Four would be cancelled with issue #645, reverting to its original numbering before ending for a while. The Thing joined the Guardians of the Galaxy and the Human Torch became an ambassador with the Inhumans. The Richards family worked on reconstructing the multiverse, while Peter Parker purchased the Baxter Building.
August 2018: New Volume Released as Part of Fresh Start
In August 2018, a new volume of Fantastic Four was released, written by Dan Slott, as part of Marvel's Fresh Start event. The first issue had strong sales and positive reviews. It covered the team's reunion, assistance from other heroes, and the rise of the Fantastix.
March 20, 2019: Film rights revert to Marvel Studios
On March 20, 2019, due to the acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney, the film rights of Fantastic Four reverted to Marvel Studios.
April 2019: Invisible Woman miniseries announced
In April 2019, Marvel Comics announced that it would publish Invisible Woman, a five-issue miniseries written by Mark Waid and drawn by artist Mattia De Lulis. This was Sue Storm's first solo title.
July 2019: Fantastic Four film in development announced
In July 2019 at San Diego Comic-Con, Kevin Feige announced that a Fantastic Four film set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe is in development.
December 2020: Jon Watts to direct Fantastic Four film
In December 2020, it was announced Jon Watts will direct the upcoming Fantastic Four film.
November 2021: The Thing miniseries released
In November 2021, a six issue miniseries written by Walter Mosely, entitled The Thing, was released.
2021: Fantastic Four 2099 Returns for a Single Issue
In 2021, the Fantastic Four 2099 series was brought back for a single issue.
April 2022: Jon Watts leaves Fantastic Four film project
In April 2022, Jon Watts left the Fantastic Four film project for personal reasons.
August 2022: New Creative Team Announced
In August 2022, Marvel announced that Ryan North and Iban Coello would launch a new volume of Fantastic Four in November of that year, following Dan Slott's conclusion of his run with issue #46.
September 10, 2022: Matt Shakman to direct Fantastic Four film
On September 10, 2022 at the D23 Expo, Kevin Feige revealed director Matt Shakman would be taking over the Fantastic Four film, with a release date of November 8, 2024.
September 21, 2022: Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer announced as writers
On September 21, 2022, Jeff Kaplan and Ian Springer were announced to be writers for the upcoming Fantastic Four film.
2022: Sale of The Fantastic Four first issue
In 2022, the first issue of The Fantastic Four was sold for 1.5 million dollars at an auction.
March 2023: Josh Friedman hired to rewrite script
In March 2023, Josh Friedman was hired to rewrite the script for the upcoming Fantastic Four film.
February 2024: Cast announced for The Fantastic Four: First Steps
In February 2024, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach were officially announced as Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm in the film The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
November 8, 2024: Release date for The Fantastic Four: First Steps
The release date for The Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled for November 8, 2024.
July 25, 2025: The Fantastic Four: First Steps scheduled release
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is scheduled to be released in the United States on July 25, 2025.
2099: Fantastic Four of 2099 revealed as clones
In the Marvel 2099 reality of Earth-96943, the Fantastic Four of 2099 were revealed to be clones created by Uatu the Watcher.
2099: Fantastic Four in 2099
In the alternate future of 2099, the protagonists of Fantastic Four 2099 find themselves in a world that believes them to be clones of the original Fantastic Four.
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