MARVEL COMICS LIBRARY FANTASTIC FOUR 1961-1963

Collected here are the first 20 issues of the series, reproduced from the most pristine, pedigreed original comics available, which were all cracked open and photographed in close collaboration with Marvel and the Certified Guaranty Company. Some of the most iconic moments in Marvel history are here, starting with Reed Richards, his girlfriend Sue Storm, his best friend Ben Grimm, and Sue's younger brother Johnny Storm, crash-landing their rocket after it was bombarded by cosmic rays. They soon learn that they have been transformed by the experience, adopting the heroic titles of "Mr. Fantastic," the "Invisible Girl," "The Thing," and the "Human Torch," respectively. These were emotionally complex characters, who weren’t always sure whether their powers were a benefit or a burden. Super-powered, but human, nonetheless.

Hoping to break out of a sales slump at Marvel in the early 1960s, veteran comic creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby hit on the idea of doing a super-team, following the success of DC's Justice League of America (whose cover from The Brave and The Bold #28 was the inspiration for the cover of FF #1). Kirby, who thought superheroes were due for a revival after 15 years of being pushed aside by romance, horror, and war comics, saw it as smart business. Lee just once wanted to "do the type of story I myself would enjoy reading." The Fantastic Four forever changed their careers, their lives, and the comic book industry. These early stories were set in New York City, not some fictional stand-in, and the Marvel heroes regularly crossed over into each other’s books. The art was dynamic and the writing conversational and engaging. Lee and Kirby were like the Lennon and McCartney of comic books. Where the talents of one ended and the other began was not always clear, but together one plus one equaled three.

Featured alongside the comics is an in-depth essay by acclaimed Marvel writer Mark Waid, plus original art, photographs, and other Marvel rarities. Welcome, True Believers, to the Marvel Age of Comics!

Collects Fantastic Four #1-20 (1962-1963).