The Fantastic Four (FF) is a Marvel Comics superhero team that debuted in "The Fantastic Four #1." This debut marked a significant shift towards realism in comic books. Created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, the FF's introduction also brought the "Marvel method" of production to the forefront. This method involved a collaborative approach where the artist had more input in the storytelling process, with the writer scripting dialogue and captions based on the artist's completed artwork. The team's stories often revolved around family dynamics and interpersonal relationships, blended with their adventures and struggles as superheroes. They became a cornerstone of the Marvel Universe, influencing numerous other characters and storylines.
1959: Potential Inspiration for Fantastic Four
The 1959 film "Journey to the Center of the Earth" is speculated to have been a potential inspiration for the Fantastic Four's first adventure, given Martin Goodman's tendency to follow popular entertainment trends.
November 1961: Fantastic Four Debut
In November 1961, the Fantastic Four made their debut in The Fantastic Four #1, marking a new era of realism in comics. This was the first superhero team created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, and it led to the prominence of the "Marvel method" of comic production.
1961: Fantastic Four's First Adventure
In 1961, the Fantastic Four's first adventure featured a team of explorers encountering giant monsters and a human antagonist during a journey to Earth's center.
1961: Introduction of the Fantastic Four
The Fantastic Four were introduced in 1961 as a unique superhero team, portrayed as a dysfunctional but loving family. They broke conventions by openly squabbling and embracing celebrity status instead of secret identities.
1961: Success and Impact of Fantastic Four #1
The release of Fantastic Four #1 in 1961 was a surprise success, influencing Stan Lee to continue working in comics. It led to the introduction of a letter column and the slogan "The World's Greatest Comic Magazine!"
May 1962: Namor the Sub-Mariner's Reintroduction
In May 1962, Namor the Sub-Mariner, a classic Timely Comics character, was reintroduced in Fantastic Four #4.
July 1962: Introduction of Doctor Doom
Doctor Doom, the Fantastic Four's arch-nemesis, was introduced in July 1962 in Fantastic Four #5.
July 1963: Title Change
In July 1963, the comic's title was simplified to "Fantastic Four" from "The Fantastic Four."
October 1963: Reed Richards Confirmed as Leader and "Nuff Said"
In October 1963, Reed Richards was officially confirmed as the leader of the Fantastic Four following a fan vote. This issue also marked the first appearance of Stan Lee's catchphrase, "'Nuff Said."
1963: Sub-Mariner's Coronation
The Sub-Mariner was crowned king of Atlantis in Fantastic Four Annual #1 in 1963.
1965: Reed and Sue's Wedding
Reed Richards and Sue Storm were married in Fantastic Four Annual #3 in 1965.
March 1966: The Galactus Trilogy
In March 1966, the "Galactus Trilogy" began in Fantastic Four #48, introducing the planet-devouring cosmic entity Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer. This story arc is considered a landmark achievement for Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
1967: Fantastic Four Trademark Filing
Marvel filed a trademark application for "Fantastic Four" in 1967.
1967: Sue's Pregnancy Announcement
Sue Richards' pregnancy was announced in Fantastic Four Annual #5 in 1967.
1968: Birth of Franklin Richards
Franklin Richards, son of Reed and Sue, was born in Fantastic Four Annual #6 in 1968, with the debut of Annihilus.
1968: Early Account of Fantastic Four's Creation
In 1968, Stan Lee described the creation of the Fantastic Four as a collaborative effort with Jack Kirby, primarily his idea but with Kirby's visual creation of characters.
1970: Fantastic Four Trademark Registration
The United States Patent and Trademark Office issued the registration for the "Fantastic Four" trademark in 1970.
1970: Jack Kirby Leaves Marvel
Jack Kirby left Marvel in mid-1970 after drawing the first 102 issues of Fantastic Four and a partial issue.
1970: Jack Kirby's Account of the Fantastic Four's Creation
In 1970, Jack Kirby asserted his claim to the Fantastic Four's creation, emphasizing his conceptualization of the characters and storyline, while acknowledging Stan Lee's contributions.
May 1974: Giant-Size Super-Stars Debut
The series "Giant-Size Super-Stars", featuring the Fantastic Four, debuted in May 1974 and was later renamed to "Giant-Size Fantastic Four".
1974: Detailed Account of the Creative Process
In 1974, Stan Lee provided a detailed account of the Fantastic Four's creation, describing the "Marvel Method" where he developed the story and characters, Kirby drew the panels, and Lee added dialogue.
1974: Stan Lee's Account of the Fantastic Four's Creation
In 1974, Stan Lee shared his perspective on the creation of the Fantastic Four, emphasizing his role in developing the characters and story synopsis for the first issue, while acknowledging Jack Kirby's visual contribution and the input from Martin Goodman.
1975: Giant-Size Fantastic Four Cancellation
Giant-Size Fantastic Four was cancelled with issue #6 in October 1975.
1976: Metafictional Story in Fantastic Four
In November 1976, Fantastic Four #176 featured a metafictional story where the Impossible Man visited Marvel Comics' offices.
1978: Doctor Doom's Son Storyline
A multi-issue storyline featuring Doctor Doom's son concluded in Fantastic Four #200 in November 1978.
1979: John Byrne Joins Fantastic Four and Introduction of Terrax
John Byrne began working on Fantastic Four with issue #209 in August 1979. He and Marv Wolfman introduced Terrax the Tamer, a new herald for Galactus, in issue #211 in October 1979.
May 1980: Fantastic Four and Spider-Man Crossover
A crossover between Fantastic Four and Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man #42, was released in May 1980, written by Bill Mantlo.
July 1981: John Byrne's "Back to the Basics" Run Begins
John Byrne started his run as writer, penciller, and inker (under the alias Bjorn Heyn) on Fantastic Four with issue #232, "Back to the Basics", in July 1981.
1986: John Byrne Leaves Fantastic Four
John Byrne left Fantastic Four after issue #293 in August 1986, citing a loss of enjoyment in the series. One of the key developments during his run was transforming the Invisible Girl into the more assertive Invisible Woman.
December 1989: Walt Simonson Takes Over Fantastic Four
Walt Simonson became the writer for Fantastic Four starting with issue #334 in December 1989. He later took on the roles of penciller and inker as well.
1990: Kirby Disputes Lee's Account
In 1990, Jack Kirby disputed Stan Lee's version of the Fantastic Four's creation, claiming Lee's account was a lie and emphasizing his own role in developing the visual elements and story.
July 1991: Walt Simonson's Fantastic Four Run
Walt Simonson's run on Fantastic Four, where he wrote, penciled, and inked the series, continued until issue #354 in July 1991.
1992: Tom DeFalco's Run on Fantastic Four Begins
The team of Tom DeFalco, Paul Ryan, and Dan Bulanadi began their run on Fantastic Four in 1992, starting with issue #360 in January.
July 1996: Tom DeFalco's Run Ends
Tom DeFalco's run as writer on Fantastic Four, alongside penciller Paul Ryan and inker Dan Bulanadi, concluded with issue #414 in July 1996. Despite some fan criticism, the title's sales increased during this period.
2001: Fantastic Four #48 Recognition
In 2001, Fantastic Four #48, the first part of the Galactus Trilogy, was voted #24 in the 100 Greatest Marvels of All Time poll by Marvel readers.
2006: John Byrne Reflects on Fantastic Four Departure
In 2006, John Byrne reflected on his departure from Fantastic Four, expressing his belief that editor Jim Shooter attempted to force him off the book.
April 2008: Release of Fantastic Four: The Lost Adventure
In April 2008, "Fantastic Four: The Lost Adventure" was published, completing an unfinished issue originally started by Jack Kirby.