The Fantastic Four were the first superhero family in the Marvel universe. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, these four superheroes have been widely loved by readers for decades. Over the years, incredible authors like Jonathan Hickman, Mark Miller, and Mark Waid have also lent their talent to create some of the best Fantastic Four comic book series.
Ever since they first appeared in the Fantastic Four comic #1 in 1961, their stories have offered readers a roller coaster of a reading experience. Their stories have had incredible action scenes, complex plot lines, great character developments, emotional themes, and stunning artwork that always had us coming back for more.
While the movies have been average at best, the comic books have always clobbered their way to the top of the list for most comic book enthusiasts. With the MCU’s version of the superhero family, The Fantastic Four: First Steps releasing on July 25, 2025, this is the perfect time to read and get into their lore.
In this article, we’re going to list some of our favorite comic book collections that feature the best stories that we’ve read and loved for years.
Who Are the Main Four Superheroes in the Fantastic Four Comics?
The Fantastic Four consists of Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards), a genius scientist with the power of elasticity and some limited shape-shifting abilities; Invisible Woman (Susan Storm), who turns invisible and creates force fields; Human Torch (Johnny Storm), controls fire, turns his body into flame, and can fly; and Thing (Ben Grimm), has superhuman strength, indestructible and rock-like skin, and immortality.
Best Fantastic Four Comics in 2025
Ready to dive into the wacky world of the Fantastic Four? Here’s the list of Fantastic Four comics that you need to read.
BEST FANTASTIC FOUR COMIC OVERALL
Fantastic Four by Jonathan Hickman: The Complete Collection Vol. 1
PHOTO CREDIT: AMAZON
Jonathan Hickman is one of the most loved authors, whose run of the Fantastic Four series is considered one of the best that this superhero family had. This collection brings some of those stories in one place. It includes Fantastic Four (1998) #570-578, Dark Reign: Fantastic Four #1-5, and material from Dark Reign: The Cabal.
The stories cover the concept of multiverse travelling where Reed Richard takes it upon himself to solve every problem in the world. He even forms the Council of Reeds, a multiversal group of his counterparts, to work together with the same goal. It also has other storylines that are exciting and surprisingly emotional. And all those stories are complemented by incredible illustrations. So, don’t miss out on this one.
BEST MARK WAID COLLECTION
Fantastic Four by Waid and Wieringo Omnibus
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Fantastic Four by Waid and Wieringo collects Mark Waid and Mike Wieringo’s most loved stories. They had a great run of series which brought a unique charm while also exploring the emotional depths of these Fantastic Four comic characters. This collection includes Fantastic Four (1998) #60-70, #500-524, and #500 Director’s Cut.
The stories take us through high-stakes adventures and drama with plenty of humor. One of the arcs includes Doctor Doom coming up with an evil and more dangerous strategy to hit the Fantastic Four where it hurts the most. Doctor Doom is the archnemesis of the Fantastic Four, the stakes here are higher than they’ve ever been before. The illustrations from the cover to the last page, look absolutely stunning. So, if you’ve seen what Mike Wieringo’s art looks like, then you know you need to have this in your collection.
BEST CLASSIC COLLECTION
Penguin Classics Marvel Collection: Fantastic Four
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As part of the Penguin Classics Marvel Collection, this edition curates issues from the early years of Fantastic Four, mainly written by Stan Lee and illustrated by Jack Kirby. This collection includes Fantastic Four #1-5, 10-11, 48-51, and Fantastic Four Annual #6. These issues showcase some of the most iconic moments in the team’s history, including their origin story and their battles with Doom, Namor, Galactus, and Silver Surfer.
This omnibus is definitely a mandatory collection as these stories defined these characters as what they are today in the Marvel universe. Each and every panel has retained the magic of artwork of the original comics, which will feel nostalgic for anyone who read the old versions. Additionally, it includes an introduction by Ben Saunders and a foreword by Jerry Craft. There’s no second thoughts about getting this one.
BEST JONATHAN HICKMAN COLLECTION
Fantastic Four by Jonathan Hickman: The Complete Collection Vol. 2
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This is the second volume of Jonathan Hickman’s complete collection and continues the amazing story from Vol. 1. This includes issues from Hickman’s ambitious and critically acclaimed run on Marvel’s First Family, collecting Fantastic Four (1998) #579-588 & FF (2011) #1-5, he takes the characters through mind-bending sci-fi adventures with deep character development.
Following a tragic event, the team finds themselves at a major turning point, leading to the reshaping of the team and the launch of FF (Future Foundation). This shifts the gear into a whole new direction. Parts of the stories also feature Spider-Man, Doctor Doom, Sub-Mariner, and the Inhumans.
BEST JOHN BYRNE COLLECTION
Fantastic Four by John Byrne Omnibus Vol. 1
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The Fantastic Four by John Byrne Omnibus Vol. 1 collects John Byrne’s legendary run as both writer and artist. It’s a massive 1000-page omnibus that is so heavy that you could probably knock out Doctor Doom with it. This collection includes Marvel Team-up (1972) #61-62, Marvel Two-In-One (1974) #50, Fantastic Four (1961) #209-218, #220-221, #232-260, Annual #17; Avengers (1963) #233, and Thing (1983) #2. The gaps between some of the issues are because they were worked on by different artists like Doug Moench.
Here, the Fantastic Four go up against some really strong foes like Doctor Doom, Annihilus, Galactus, and the Skrull. We also see them teaming up with Spider-Man, X-Men, and many more, which adds a lot of action-filled, exciting, thrilling, and humorous moments to the story. Let’s not forget that John Byrne’s artwork is a sight to behold.
BEST RYAN NORTH COLLECTION
Fantastic Four by Ryan North Vol. 1: Whatever Happened to the Fantastic Four?
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Ryan North is another fantastic writer and artist who has shaped the Fantastic Four with a fresh and inventive take on Marvel’s First Family. This volume brings the first 6 issues of this new run of Fantastic Four comics written by Ryan and illustrated by Ivan Fiorelli and Iban Coello. Ryan balances humor, heart, and high-stakes adventure with ease while delivering a story that feels both modern and true to the team’s legacy.
The issue begins with Thing and his wife, Alicia, traveling across America when they stop at a town for the night. When they wake up the next morning, they find themselves stuck in a time loop. What will they do? And where are the rest of the Fantastic Four? Read to find out. The story and writing are definitely great and if you haven’t read these yet, you should do it.
Best Roy Thomas and Len Wein Collection
Fantastic Four Epic Collection: Counter-Earth Must Die
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The Fantastic Four Epic Collection: Counter-Earth Must Die compiles Fantastic Four (1961) #168-191 and Annual (1963) #11; Marvel Two-In-One (1974) #20 and Annual (1976) #1; and Material From Marvel Treasury Edition #11. These stories have been written by various authors but mainly by Roy Thomas and Len Wein.
It showcases the team’s journey from 1960-1980, which were some of the most action-packed issues. The highlighted arc is “Counter Earth Must Die” where Reed Richards is trapped in the Negative Zone and his evil counterpart has taken his place. How will Reed fight his way back from the Negative Zone? Gotta read to find out. It also has Thundra, Tigra, the Mad Thinker, and Annihilus guest starring which makes this read so much fun!
How Many Comics Have the Fantastic Four Appeared In?
It’s quite difficult to say the exact number of comic books that the Fantastic Four have been a part of. That is mainly because, apart from their dedicated comic book issues, they have teamed up with a lot of other superheroes like Spider-Man, Inhumans, Hulk, Daredevil, and a lot more. But if you look at Marvel’s official website, you can find over 1000 comics that include standalone comics, variants, and a lot of other categories.
How We Chose the Best Fantastic Four Comics
These Fantastic Four comics were chosen by our team of avid comic book enthusiasts. They have in-depth knowledge of the lore and characters in the Marvel Universe. Before making this list, they also did an extensive search on other comic book readers to understand their favorite comics and favorite moments of this superhero family. So, whether you’re a new reader or a veteran, these comic books are a great way to delve into the Fantastic Four lore before the MCU’s movie this year.
FAQ
Was Fantastic Four the first Marvel comic?
No, Marvel Comics (1939) #1 was the first Marvel comic that featured the android Human Torch and the Sub-Mariner.
Is Fantastic Four coming to the MCU?
Yes, Fantastic Four’s first MCU movie is being released on July 25, 2025.
Who is the most powerful Fantastic Four member?
Sue Storm is said to be the most powerful among the four due to her incredibly powerful force fields that she can manipulate extensively.
Who was Marvel’s first superhero?
Marvel’s first superhero was Human Torch, not Johnny Storm, but an android named Jim Hammond.
Can Fantastic Four beat Galactus?
Although not with raw power, the Fantastic Four have faced and defeated Glactus a few times. They’ve never killed him but they have weakened him enough for him to retreat.
Who was the first villain in Fantastic Four?
The first villain the Fantastic Four ever faced was Harvey Rupert Elder, aka The Mole Man. He first appeared in Fantastic Four #1 (1961).
