Fantastic Four comic book reading guide for beginners

In Marvel, the '60s were crazy. Stan Lee, editor-in-chief of those years, screenwriter, charismatic leader and white-collar thief, was lucky enough to meet artists like Ditko and Everett, with whom he created Spider-Man, Doctor Strange and Daredevil, but there is a name that deep comic books dude are excited to mention: Jack Kirby, who in the '60s was like Diego Maradona in '86 or like Jordan in the '90-'91 NBA seasons, pure magic. Among his many creations, The Fantastic Four would be the kickoff of the golden age of Marvel Comics and the beginning of the legacy that we celebrate today with this reading guide.

Who are The Fantastic Four?

Although its secret origin is well known, and even parodied, for many years it seems that it is the only part that people have left about this group. In its first appearance, published in November 1961 in The Fantastic Four #1, four astronauts travel to "the stars" testing a space rocket created by the project leader, the scientist Reed Richards. The rest of the crew are Ben Grimm, pilot and Reed's best friend, and Sue and Johnny Storm, wife and brother-in-law of the scientist. During the trip they are exposed to cosmic rays, causing the prototype ship to collapse. After an emergency landing, back on Earth, they discover that these rays changed them forever.

Let's review the power of this family and what they represent. Reed Richards is a scientific genius who over time would end up becoming one of the most intelligent beings in the Marvel Universe. But his intelligence isn't a power given to him by the accident; cosmic rays gave him the ability to be "rubber," allowing him to stretch and transform his body. It may seem like a somewhat fake power, but the writers managed to put it to great use both in everyday life or combat.

Sue Storm, Reed's wife, acquired the power to become invisible by controlling light and, over time, developed the ability to make force fields, although her true gift within the team would be common sense.

We also have the Human Torch, Johnny Storm (sue's brother), who has the ability to control fire and create it around his body, making him one of the muscles of the team. Over time we will know that Johnny is not only an eternal and insufferable teenager, but his true personality also reflects rebellion and a lot of charisma.

Finally, Ben Grimm is the one who suffered the most from his origin. His body mutated, turning him into the orange rock golem we know as The Thing. Ben underwent a transformation into a monster, but he's the most human member of the team, and his dramatic story takes him through several moments where he has to understand and accept himself. Obviously, he's the strongest member of the team and another of the fighting muscles: Ben stood up to Hulk and survived.

They are The Fantastic Four, who are here to save humanity from great dangers but also to venture forth in the name of science and discovery. And as these adventures unfolded, many important characters were born within their pages, such as Doctor Doom, Galactus, Silver Surfer, Namos, the Inhumans, and Black Panther, among others.

The difficulty with starting to read Fantastic Four lies in the fact that their stories are closer to science fiction than superheroic mambo. Therefore, we're going to review some of the stories you should read if you've never picked up a Fantastic Four comic.

The Fantastic Four #1, #5 and #48-50 (1961) 

Let's start at the beginning. Jack Kirby and Stan Lee left us an immortal legacy with their contributions to Fantastic Four. The groundwork Kirby laid in the first 50 or 60 issues of his run is the bible for any writer tackling new story arcs for the family. Since it's difficult to read all of the Fantastic Four from the '60s, I want to recommend these must-haves from the original.

The Fantastic Four #1 (1961) introduces us to Marvel's First Family. With the dazzling origin of Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben, the authors redefined the then-existing concept of superheroes, focusing on family dynamics and personal issues as much as on epic adventures closer to science fiction and pulp fiction.

The Fantastic Four #5 introduces us to one of the most complex and fascinating villains in the Marvel Universe. It is presented to us Doctor Doom, who will have a rivalry with Reed and his family that will lead him to turn around several times throughout their history in their relationship.All Hail to Doom.

The Galactus Trilogy (Fantastic Four #48, #49, and #50) is the pinnacle of the great American novel, with the arrival of the world-devouring Galactus and his herald, the Silver Surfer. The Fantastic Four are challenged to confront threats beyond their comprehension, in what would truly be a turning point for the world of comics. In its time, the Galactus Trilogy was a nuclear bomb in the minds of readers.

Fantastic Four 1234 (2001)

Wordsmith Grant Morrison collaborated with artist Jae Lee to bring us an arc that taps into the very essence of Fantastic Four, delving into the team's darkest and most complex aspects. In this intense story, each Fantastic Four member confronts their own inner demons. Morrison weaves a narrative that explores the insecurities and personal conflicts of Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben, while the ever-enigmatic Doctor Doom sets in motion a plan to destabilize them from within.

As Doom manipulates their deepest fears and desires, we see Reed torn between logic and emotion, Sue grapple with her role on the team and her relationship with Reed, Johnny confront his impulsiveness, and Ben question his humanity. Morrison not only honors the foundations of the mythos but also adds his own personal touch, writing superheroes in a situation of character breakdown to forge them stronger. Meanwhile, Jae Lee conveys every panel with spectacular art.

The Trial of Reed Richards, Fantastic Four #262 (1984)

John Byrne, one of Marvel's most influential storytellers, brings us a tale that blends cosmic epic with profound moral dilemmas. Published in 1984, this issue focuses on the complex consequences of the heroes' actions. Reed Richards is put on trial for his decision to save Galactus's life, arguing that even the devourer of worlds deserves a chance at redemption, which polarizes the universe.

During the trial, questions of law, justice, and the limits of Reed's idealism are explored. Featuring appearances from cosmic figures, attendees, and a passionate defense from his colleagues, the trial reflects on the responsibility of the most powerful and reaffirms the foundations of Fantastic Four.

The Fantastic Four - Unstable Molecules (2003)

Set in the 1950s, before the world knew the heroes they would become, this story delves into the family's personal lives, showing us what they might have been like in a realistic world, devoid of cosmic powers and villains. In this drama, Reed is a scientist working on research into "unstable molecules" and their possible uses for humanity. He's so caught up in his world that he forgets he's supposed to host a party at his university, where he's going to reconnect with his old friend Ben Grimm. Meanwhile, Susan struggles with her own interests, her life as a housewife, being a mother figure to her brother Johnny, and being a girlfriend.

This Eisner Award-winning miniseries, written by James Sturm and featuring art by Guy Davis, offers a reimagined and surprisingly down-to-earth take on Marvel's First Family. Personally, it's a "What If?" I'd love to see adapted into a film.

Fantastic Four (2009-2012)

If you've gotten here, it's because you really want this quartet, because it's an advanced-level read. Jonathan Hickman is an incredible writer who, during his time with Fantastic Four, decided to break all the boundaries of what we knew and created a ton of new lore that was very well received by fans. In his run of more than three years, Reed decides to create the Future Foundation, a group dedicated to solving the universe's most complex problems, expanding the family and collaborative core of the Fantastic Four.

Travels across universes and realities, interdimensional wars, the relationship between Reed and Sue's children, their powers, and the death of one of the originals. Hickman leaves no commandment of the Kirby bible unexplored, broken, or bent. The comic is a 10, but it requires you to be familiar with the group's important stories.

This concludes this guide for non-comic book readers. I hope you enjoy Fantastic Four and explore its universe filled with adventures and incredible characters like Doctor Doom, Marvel's best character.