History of Fantastic Four in Timeline

The Fantastic Four, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, is a superhero team from Marvel Comics, debuting in 'The Fantastic Four #1'. The FF's creation marked a significant shift towards realism in comic books and popularized the 'Marvel method' of comic book production.

1959: Possible inspiration from Journey to the Center of the Earth

In 1959 the film Journey to the Center of the Earth was released, which had a similar storyline to the first Fantastic Four adventure in 1961 and could have been an inspiration for the comic.

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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. This also helped popularize the "Marvel method" style of production.

1961: Inspiration from Justice League of America

In 1961, Martin Goodman, inspired by the success of DC Comics' Justice League of America, directed Stan Lee to create a comic-book series about a team of superheroes. The success of Justice League of America motivated the creation of Fantastic Four.

1961: Introduction of the Fantastic Four

In 1961, the Fantastic Four were introduced as a dysfunctional yet loving family, breaking convention with other comic archetypes. Unlike other superhero teams, the members squabbled, held grudges, and eschewed anonymity in favor of celebrity status.

1961: The Fantastic Four's First Adventure

In 1961, the Fantastic Four's first adventure featured a team of four adventurers led by a professor travelling to the Earth's center, encountering giant monsters and contending with a human antagonist. This mirrors the plot of the 1959 film Journey to the Center of the Earth.

1961: Success of The Fantastic Four #1

In 1961, the release of The Fantastic Four #1 was an unexpected success, which persuaded Stan Lee to continue working on comic books. Fan mail was received, and a letter column was started with issue #3. The slogan "The Greatest Comic Magazine in the World!!" was created.

May 1962: Reintroduction of Namor the Sub-Mariner

In May 1962, issue #4 of The Fantastic Four reintroduced Namor the Sub-Mariner, an aquatic antihero from Marvel's Timely Comics during the Golden Age of Comics.

July 1962: Introduction of Doctor Doom

In July 1962, issue #5 of The Fantastic Four introduced Doctor Doom, 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 #101 to bolster the title's sales. The stories were plotted by Lee, initially scripted by his brother Larry Lieber, and drawn by Kirby and Ayers.

July 1963: Title Change to Fantastic Four

In July 1963, with issue #16, the cover title of the comic dropped "The" and became simply Fantastic Four.

October 1963: Reed Richards Remains Leader

In October 1963, Stan Lee announced in Fantastic Four #19 that Reed Richards would remain leader of the group due to overwhelming fan response. Stan's comment of 'Nuff Said would from here become an ongoing phrase in Lee's communications with fans.

1963: Sub-Mariner Crowned King of Atlantis

In 1963, The Sub-Mariner was crowned king of Atlantis in the first Fantastic Four Annual.

1965: Wedding of Reed Richards and Sue Storm

In 1965, Reed Richards and Sue Storm got married, which was presented in Fantastic Four Annual #3.

March 1966: Start of the Galactus Trilogy

In March 1966, Fantastic Four #48 began the three-part "Galactus Trilogy," chronicling the arrival of Galactus and the Silver Surfer. This story is often cited as Lee and Kirby's finest achievement.

1967: Trademark Filing for Fantastic Four

In 1967, Marvel filed for a trademark for "Fantastic Four" with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.

1967: Sue Richards' Pregnancy Announced

In 1967, Sue Richards' pregnancy was announced in Fantastic Four Annual #5.

1968: Birth of Franklin Richards

In 1968, Franklin Richards was born in Fantastic Four Annual #6, in a story that introduced Annihilus as well.

1968: Lee's Early Comments on Creation

In 1968, Stan Lee provided one of his earliest recorded comments on the creation of the Fantastic Four for a fanzine. Lee stated that it was mainly his idea but Jack Kirby created the characters visually.

1970: Trademark Registration for Fantastic Four

In 1970, the United States Patent and Trademark Office issued the registration for the "Fantastic Four" trademark to Marvel.

1970: Kirby's Account of the Creation

In a 1970 fanzine interview, Jack Kirby confirmed Stan Lee's involvement in the creation of the Fantastic Four but took credit for the main characters and ideas, stating that it was his idea to develop it the way it was.

1970: Kirby Leaves Marvel

In mid-1970, Jack Kirby left Marvel, having drawn the first 102 issues of Fantastic Four. The series continued with other writers and artists.

May 1974: Start of Giant-Size Super-Stars

In May 1974, a short-lived series starring the team, Giant-Size Super-Stars, began and changed its title to Giant-Size Fantastic Four with issue #2.

1974: Lee Describes the Creative Process

In 1974, Stan Lee described the creative process in more detail in the book Origins of Marvel Comics, stating that he developed the basic characters and a story synopsis for Jack Kirby to follow in the first issue. He involved both Kirby and Publisher Martin Goodman before creating the synopsis, deciding to call the team the Fantastic Four.

1974: Stan Lee's Account of Fantastic Four Creation

In 1974, Stan Lee wrote about Martin Goodman being inspired by the Justice League of America to create a comic book featuring a team of superheroes, leading to the creation of the Fantastic Four.

1975: Cancellation of Giant-Size Fantastic Four

Giant-Size Fantastic Four was canceled in October 1975 with issue #6.

1976: Metafictional Story in Fantastic Four #176

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.

1978: Multi-Issue Storyline involving the Son of Doctor Doom

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: Byrne Joins Fantastic Four

In August 1979, John Byrne joined the title with issue #209, doing pencil breakdowns for Sinnott to finish.

1979: Introduction of Terrax the Tamer

In October 1979, John Byrne and Marv Wolfman introduced a new herald for Galactus named Terrax the Tamer in Fantastic Four #211.

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 Begins His Run as Writer, Penciller and Inker

In July 1981, with issue #232, titled "Back to the Basics", John Byrne began his run as writer, penciller, and inker for Fantastic Four.

1986: Byrne Leaves Fantastic Four

In August 1986, John Byrne left Fantastic Four following issue #293, in the middle of a story arc, because he could not recapture the fun he previously had on the series. One of Byrne's changes was making the Invisible Girl into the Invisible Woman.

December 1989: Walt Simonson Takes Over

In December 1989, Walt Simonson took over as the writer for Fantastic Four with issue #334. Three issues later, he began pencilling and inking as well.

1990: Kirby Disputes Lee's Version of Events

In a 1990 interview, Jack Kirby disputed Stan Lee's version of events regarding the creation of the Fantastic Four, claiming he came up with the idea and that Lee merely added the dialogue after the story was pencilled.

July 1991: Simonson's Run Ends

In July 1991, Walt Simonson's run as writer, penciller, and inker of Fantastic Four concluded with issue #354.

1992: DeFalco, Ryan, and Bulanadi Take Over

In 1992, the regular team of writer and Marvel editor-in-chief Tom DeFalco, penciller Paul Ryan and inker Dan Bulanadi took over Fantastic Four, with Ryan self-inking beginning with #360 (Jan. 1992).

November 1994: Fantastic Force Spinoff Launch

In November 1994, Fantastic Force, an 18-issue spinoff featuring Franklin Richards, from a different timeline, as Psi-Lord, was launched.

April 1996: End of Fantastic Force Spinoff

In April 1996, the 18-issue Fantastic Force spinoff series concluded.

July 1996: DeFalco's Run Continues

In July 1996, Tom DeFalco continued his run as writer for Fantastic Four through issue #414. DeFalco nullified the Storm-Masters marriage.

1996: Launch of Fantastic Four 2099

In 1996, Marvel launched the series Fantastic Four 2099 as part of the Marvel 2099 imprint.

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 story arc.

1998: Series Relaunched with Vol. 3

In January 1998, Fantastic Four was relaunched with vol. 3 #1. Initially by the team of writer Scott Lobdell and penciller Alan Davis, it went after three issues to writer Chris Claremont and penciller Salvador Larroca.

2000: Claremont and Larroca's Run Ends

In August 2000, Chris Claremont and Salvador Larroca's long run on Fantastic Four concluded with issue #32.

June 2001: Pacheco Takes Over as Penciller and Co-Writer

In June 2001, Carlos Pacheco took over as penciller and co-writer of Fantastic Four, first with Rafael Marín, then with Marín and Jeph Loeb. This series began using dual numbering, as if the original Fantastic Four series had continued unbroken, with issue #42 / #471.

2001: Fantastic Four #48 Ranked in Top 100 Marvels

In 2001, Fantastic Four #48 was chosen as #24 in the 100 Greatest Marvels of All Time poll of Marvel's readers.

2001: Release of Fantastic Four: The World's Greatest Comics Magazine

In 2001, Marvel released a 12-issue series, Fantastic Four: The World's Greatest Comics Magazine, paying homage to Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's legendary run.

March 2002: Kesel Becomes Co-Writer

In March 2002, Karl Kesel succeeded Loeb as co-writer of Fantastic Four with issue #51 / #480.

October 2002: Waid Takes Over as Writer

In October 2002, Mark Waid took over as writer of Fantastic Four with #60 / 489 with artist Mike Wieringo with Marvel releasing a promotional variant edition of their otherwise $2.25 debut issue at the price of nine cents US.

2003: Title Reverts to Original Numbering

In August 2003, with issue #70 / #499, the Fantastic Four title reverted to its original vol. 1 numbering with issue #500 in September 2003.

April 2004: Marvel Knights 4 Launch

In April 2004, Marvel launched Marvel Knights 4, written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and initially illustrated by Steve McNiven.

2004: Launch of Ultimate Fantastic Four

In 2004, Marvel launched Ultimate Fantastic Four as part of the Ultimate Marvel imprint.

May 2005: Buckingham, Jones, and Porter Contribute

In May 2005, Pencillers Mark Buckingham, Casey Jones, and Howard Porter variously contributed to Fantastic Four through issue #524.

July 2005: Straczynski and McKone Take Over

In July 2005, J. Michael Straczynski and Mike McKone took over Fantastic Four with issues #527–541.

August 2006: End of Marvel Knights 4

In August 2006, the series Marvel Knights 4 concluded.

2006: Byrne's Comments on Leaving the Book

In 2006, John Byrne reflected on his departure from Fantastic Four, suggesting that Jim Shooter tried to force him off the book.

2006: Straczynski and McKone's Run Ends

In November 2006, J. Michael Straczynski and Mike McKone finished their run on Fantastic Four with issue #541.

May 2007: McDuffie and Pelletier Take Over

In May 2007, Dwayne McDuffie took over as writer of Fantastic Four, with Paul Pelletier succeeding McKone beginning with issue #544.

April 2008: Release of Fantastic Four: The Lost Adventure

In April 2008, Fantastic Four: The Lost Adventure was released, completing an unfinished issue partially published in Fantastic Four #108 with alterations.

April 2008: Millar and Hitch Begin Run

In April 2008, Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch began their run on Fantastic Four with issue #554.

2008: Launch of Marvel Adventures: Fantastic Four

In 2008, Marvel launched Marvel Adventures: Fantastic Four, an out-of-continuity series aimed at younger readers.

2009: Dark Reign: Fantastic Four Miniseries

Following the "Secret Invasion" storyline in the summer of 2008 and the aftermath "Dark Reign" in 2009, the Fantastic Four starred in a five-issue miniseries, Dark Reign: Fantastic Four, written by Jonathan Hickman.

2009: End of Ultimate Fantastic Four

In February 2009, the Ultimate Fantastic Four series concluded after 60 issues.

January 26, 2011: Human Torch's Apparent Death

On January 26, 2011, in Fantastic Four #587 (cover date March 2011), the Human Torch appears to die stopping a horde of monsters from the Negative Zone.

March 2011: Series Relaunch as FF

In March 2011, the Fantastic Four series ended with issue #588 and relaunched as FF. The team assumed a new name, the Future Foundation, adopted new black-and-white costumes, and accepted Spider-Man as a member.

October 2011: Fantastic Four Series Reaches 599th Issue

In October 2011, with the publication of FF #11 (cover-dated Dec. 2011), the Fantastic Four series reached its 599th issue.

November 2011: Publication of Fantastic Four #600

In November 2011, Marvel Comics published the 100-page Fantastic Four #600 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Fantastic Four and of Marvel Comics.

2011: FF Publication Begins

In 2011, FF publication began, launched by Marvel as a continuation of the Fantastic Four title.

November 2012: Relaunch with Fraction and Bagley

In November 2012, as part of Marvel NOW!, Fantastic Four ended with #611. The title was relaunched with writer Matt Fraction and artist Mark Bagley, with the Fantastic Four family exploring space.

2012: Continuation as Separate Series and Launch of Second Volume

In 2012, FF continued publication as a separate series after the regular series resumed. A second volume was launched as part of Marvel NOW! by Matt Fraction and Mike Allred.

2012: Return of the Human Torch

In January 2012, Fantastic Four #600 revealed that Johnny Storm was resurrected to fight as a gladiator for Annihilus but later formed a resistance force called Light Brigade and defeated Annihilus.

February 2014: New Series Launched by Robinson and Kirk

In February 2014, James Robinson and Leonard Kirk launched a new Fantastic Four series (cover dated April 2014).

April 2014: New Fantastic Four Series Cover Date

In April 2014, the new Fantastic Four series launched by James Robinson and Leonard Kirk had its cover date.

2015: Cancellation Announced

In 2015, James Robinson confirmed that Fantastic Four would be cancelled with issue #645. After Secret Wars, 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.

August 2018: New Volume Release

In August 2018, a new volume of the Fantastic Four was released, written by Dan Slott, as part of Marvel's Fresh Start event.

2021: Fantastic Four 2099 Revival

In 2021, the series Fantastic Four 2099 was brought back for a single issue.

August 2022: New Volume Announcement

In August 2022, Marvel announced that writer Ryan North and artist Iban Coello would launch a new volume of Fantastic Four in November of that year.

2099: Fantastic Four 2099 Setting

The series Fantastic Four 2099, launched in 1996, is set in the year 2099 and features characters believed to be clones of the original Fantastic Four.