Best Time to Start Reading Marvel's Fantastic Four

While Deniz Camp and Juan Frigeri's The Ultimates earned our pick for Best Comic Book Series or Original Graphic Novel of 2024, Marvel's Fantastic Four undoubtedly posed the strongest competition. Currently at its creative peak under writer Ryan North and collaborators, the series gains renewed momentum as The Fantastic Four: First Steps prepares for theatrical release this summer - Marvel's clear bid to expand its audience.

Marvel will relaunch Fantastic Four in July, with North continuing alongside new series artist Humberto Ramos (The Amazing Spider-Man). This creative team will navigate Marvel's First Family through the aftermath of One World Under Doom while propelling them through time-spanning adventures.

Fantastic Four #1: Exclusive Preview Gallery

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The relaunch strategy acknowledges the upcoming film while maintaining creative continuity. North explains to IGN: "For readers discovering these characters through the movie, we're removing barriers with a fresh #1 issue. Superhero comics can feel intimidating with legacy numbering, but everyone understands starting at #1."

The creative shift brings Ramos' signature kinetic style to Marvel's first family. "We've been planning this collaboration since meeting at San Diego Comic-Con," North reveals. "Humberto's creative energy and speed let us build something truly special - though keeping these stunning pages secret has been torture."

North emphasizes the series' accessibility: "Each issue delivers a complete adventure while contributing to larger narratives - like adding garlic to a great recipe for extra zing." He particularly focuses on the team's interpersonal dynamics: "Beyond blood relations, these are people who actively choose their bonds every day. That distinction between found family and chosen friendship fascinates me."

The relaunch immediately addresses One World Under Doom's consequences with a major Doctor Doom storyline. "We're threading the needle between accessibility and continuity," North notes. While Ben Grimm's transformation resolution will occur in the final pre-relaunch issues, its repercussions will echo through subsequent stories.

Fantastic Four #1 hits stands July 9, preceding the film's theatrical release. The second issue's solicitation teases temporal stakes:

FANTASTIC FOUR #2

Written by RYAN NORTH

Art and Cover by HUMBERTO RAMOS

Sue Storm, stranded at Earth's end-time, fights to return before civilization's final collapse. Meanwhile, Reed waits helplessly in the past - unless their profound connection can bridge millennia. In the present, Doom reveals the secret behind his invincibility...

On Sale 8/13

Marvel further expands the FF universe with an MCU-connected prequel comic exploring Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards and family origins - marking rare direct synergy between comics and films.