Sixty years ago, the Marvel Universe exploded into existence. And it all started with the publication of Fantastic Four #1.
Publisher Timely Comics had been around for decades, publishing comics like Captain America. However, it wasn’t until the first issue of Fantastic Four that a cohesive Marvel Comics really formed. And right away, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s Fantastic Four was a hit. Because by featuring heroes with real problems, it was a comic unlike any other on the stands,
Within two years of the FF’s runaway success, Marvel introduced Spider-Man, Thor, and dozens more. But the revolution began with the Fantastic Four. Now, via Comics Beat, we’ve learned that Marvel is celebrating the FF’s 60th anniversary with a special recreating their early adventures. In November, Marvel is reinterpreting the team’s first appearance, with artists both new and old.
Marvel Comics
The Fantastic Four Anniversary Tribute #1 is reimagining two pivotal FF issues. First, there’s an all-new iteration of 1961’s Fantastic Four #1. Additionally, we’re getting 1965’s Fantastic Four Annual #3. That issue told the tale of the wedding of Reed Richards and Sue Storm. The dream team of Lee and Kirby created both comics.
Dozens of artists are contributing to this issue. Among them are legendary names like Bryan Hitch, Adam Hughes, and many, many more.
In addition, Marvel recently used this format for their recreation of Giant-Size X-Men #1. For a complete list of artists contributing to this special issue, click right here. It’s an issue every Marvel Comics history fan will want to own.
Marvel Comics
The issue will feature two different covers. With this in mind, one cover is by Civil War artist Steve McNiven and is inked by Dexter Vines. This artistic duo recreates the cover to Fantastic Four #1.
Meanwhile, the variant cover is by Young Avengers’ Jim Cheung, along with several unnamed collaborators. As a result, they’re recreating the cover to FF Annual #3 together. That cover showcases almost the entire sixties Marvel lineup.
Marvel Studios is reintroducing the FF in a new movie in the next few years. So this is the perfect way to familiarize yourself with the team’s history that paved the way for the Avengers, the X-Men, and so many more.
The Fantastic Four Anniversary Special #1 arrives in comic book shops and on digital in November.
