The Essential Fantastic Four Comics to Prepare for the Upcoming Film

Get ready for the long-awaited comeback of the Fantastic Four on the silver screen by immersing yourself in the top-notch, must-read comics featuring Marvel's beloved first family. Excitement builds as rumors circulate about the imminent announcement of the star-studded cast for the upcoming Fantastic Four movie. Brace yourself for the anticipated performances of Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, alongside the speculated involvement of Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon-Moss Bacharach.

The property is taking a significant leap forward, considering the lackluster reception in previous film attempts. The most recent endeavor, Fantastic Four in 2017, received a disappointing rating of 27 on Metacritic.

If films are not the ideal option, immersing oneself in the comics is undoubtedly the best approach to familiarize with the FF characters before the release of the MCU's movie. Here are the top Fantastic Four comics to dive into.

The best Fantastic Four comics to read before the MCU movie

Marvel ComicsThe Fantastic Four veer into body horror with Ultimate Fantastic Four.

The Fantastic – Ultimate Fantastic Four #1-6

Originally intended as a prequel to the Ultimate Universe, with older versions making appearances in other books, Ultimate Fantastic Four has now become a forgotten piece of trivia. In its early issues, the title found itself in a peculiar limbo, disconnected from most of the Ultimate Universe.

Despite this, Ultimate Fantastic Four begins with a dramatic and intense impact. In contrast to the 616 universe, Earth-1610's FF embodies pure body horror. Mr. Fantastic lacks internal organs and possesses a literal black hole for a stomach. The Human Torch undergoes periodic molting. And the ability of The Thing to breathe remains a mystery to everyone.

For those seeking an unconventional FF experience, the Ultimate version is the ideal choice. While the series encounters some significant lows as it explores controversial storylines within the Ultimate Universe, it is also where Marvel's most significant and impressive modern concepts originate, such as Marvel Zombies and Reed's transformation into the malevolent Maker.

Buy the first volume of Ultimate Fantastic Four, titled "The Fantastic," here.

Marvel ComicsReed Richards takes on the daring task of solving every problem in his path in the compelling story arc, Solve Everything. However, his actions come with an immeasurable risk.

Solve Everything – Fantastic Four (1998) #570-574

Before Jonathan Hickman became known for his innovative work on the X-Men, he revolutionized the Fantastic Four. Following the highly regarded run by Mark Millar, the creator of Kick-Ass, Hickman boldly made his mark. The outcome was a Fantastic Four series that received widespread critical acclaim.

Starting with "Solve Everything," Reed Richards reaches his breaking point as he embarks on idea #101 to improve the world. Breaking the barriers of time and space, he encounters his own diverse counterparts known as the Council of Reeds. This parallel is eerie, as Kang and his Council of Kangs could be descendants of Reed's lineage. Witnessing Reed, a virtuous man burdened by his noble intentions, confronting multiple versions of himself, each wielding Infinity Gauntlets and sharing the same noble intentions, reveals the audacious nature of Hickman's Fantastic Four.

Buy Fantastic Four by Jonathan Hickman Vol 1: Solve Everything Here

Marvel ComicsReed Richards takes the Fantastic Four to heaven to save Ben Grimm in Hereafter.

Hereafter – Fantastic Four (1998) #509-511

The collaboration between Mark Waid and the esteemed Mike Wieringo resulted in an exceptional rendition of the Fantastic Four, with a remarkable emphasis on the familial dynamics within the team. This is perfectly exemplified in their narrative, "Hereafter," where the profound tale revolves around the efforts undertaken by the members to resurrect a deceased family member. Their unwavering determination showcases the unwavering bonds that unite them.

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The finale of a lengthy anniversary storyline begins with Fantastic Four #66 (which was later renumbered to #500 after issue #70). The Thing, under the possession of Doctor Doom's spirit, selflessly sacrifices himself to save the world. Determined not to live without him, Reed tirelessly works for weeks to conquer death. This leads the team on their most remarkable journey into the afterlife.

Ultimately, Hereafter serves as a cosmic reset, bringing The Thing back to life and healing the physical and emotional wounds endured by the team. However, this story stands out as one of the greatest Fantastic Four narratives, showcasing the unbreakable bond of the first family and featuring an unforgettable encounter with a deity who bears a striking resemblance to Jack Kirby.

Buy Fantastic Four Vol 4: Hereafter Here

Marvel ComicsThe Thing and longtime lover Alicia Masters finally tie the knot in Mr. &Mrs. Grimm

Mr. And Mrs. Grimm – Fantastic Four (2018) #5, Fantastic Four Wedding Special #1

Just like wrestling weddings, superhero weddings always seem to encounter some kind of obstacle. The Fantastic Fours experienced a similar situation when The Thing proposed to his girlfriend Alicia Masters, only to have the moment interrupted by the notorious Doctor Doom.

The wedding marks the culmination of several years of storytelling, as Reed and Sue have been absent for quite some time, reshaping the multiverse after the events of Secret Wars. This tale brings a sense of joy and togetherness as the family reunites after being apart for so long. Ben's upcoming wedding further reinforces their bonds and emphasizes that the Fantastic Four is first and foremost a family.

This run is the first significant project by acclaimed Spider-Man writer, Dan Slott, involving the Fantastic Four, and it clearly reflects his deep affection for these characters. From Sue teaching Ben how to dance to the thrilling last-minute revelation of Reed's newest invention, the grandest wedding in the Fantastic Four's history serves as an excellent introduction for new readers.

Buy Fantastic Four Vol 2: Mr. and Mrs. Grimm Here

Marvel ComicsThe Fantastic Four are separated by a great personal tragedy in Whatever Happened to the Fantastic Four?

Whatever Happened to the Fantastic Four? – Fantastic Four (2022) #1-6

Begin a fresh Fantastic Four volume by strategically separating its members. In Ryan North and Iban Coello's captivating narrative, the team finds themselves dispersed across the nation, having endured months of silence and disconnection.

After enduring a great tragedy that fractured their family, the FF quickly find their footing. Despite feeling out of place in the countryside, the initial chapters effectively highlight the significance of the team's familial bond.

The first six issues are compiled as Whatever Happened to the Fantastic Four?, making it an ideal entry point for new readers. Within this collection, readers can expect thrilling action, such as The Thing being trapped in a never-ending temporal loop, and the exhilarating sight of a dinosaur-themed collaboration between the Avengers and the FF. Moreover, the book delves into deeper themes, showcasing the Invisible Woman's remarkable abilities as she pushes herself to new limits by using her forcefields to block out the sun.

Get your copy of Fantastic Four Vol 1: Whatever Happened to the Fantastic Four today! Keep following Dexerto for the most up-to-date news on Fantastic Four and other comic book releases.

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Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z fan, I am thrilled about the upcoming Fantastic Four film and the potential it holds for introducing the iconic Marvel family to a new generation of fans. The rich history of the Fantastic Four in comics provides a wealth of material for the filmmakers to draw upon, and I am excited to see how they will interpret and update the characters for a modern audience.

The comics mentioned in the article offer a range of stories and interpretations of the Fantastic Four, from the body horror of the Ultimate Universe to the innovative and ambitious storytelling of Jonathan Hickman. These comics provide a great starting point for fans who want to learn more about the characters and their history, and I highly recommend checking them out.