As details slowly emerge about The Fantastic Four: First Steps, fans are hopeful the Marvel Cinematic Universe captures the essence of Marvel‘s first superhero family. After all, the Fantastic Four remains one of the longest and most beloved runs in all comics.
After cosmic rays endowed them during a space expedition, Mister Fantastic (Reed Richards), the Invisible Woman (Susan Storm), the Human Torch (Johnny Storm), and the Thing (Ben Grimm) form the Fantastic Four. Taking into account the Fantastic Four’s rich and lengthy Marvel history, I’ve turned 30+ earth cycles of comic knowledge into this list of the best comic books to read before Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Fantastic Four (1961) #1
Debuting in the fall of ’61 as imaginative conceptions from Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the Fantastic Four would debut and forever change Marvel history. Here, the Hall of Fame duo vividly presents the New Yorkers’ exciting origin, their decision to fight for those in need, and their epic first battle with Mole Man.
The Fantastic Four are wonderfully received by comic fans, becoming a creative font and character avenue for Marvel. Introducing comic mainstays like Fortnite legend Doctor Doom, Silver Surfer, and Galactus, the Fantastic Four hold a prominent place in Marvel comic history.
Fantastic Four (1961) #5
Appearing five issues into their seminal run, Doctor Doom takes the Invisible Woman hostage, commanding the Fantastic Four to pull off a time heist for him. Using Doom’s Time Platform, Mr. Fantastic, the Human Torch, and the Thing must steal a pirate’s treasure chest filled with the demon lord Mephisto’s talismans if they intend to save their partner.
The Doomsday Despot Doom will become synonymous with the Fantastic Four, often as a foe but, on rare occasions, as an ally. Importantly, this comic sets the tone for the pivotal relationship between the Fantastic Four and Doom, likely teased in the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Fantastic Four (1961) #48-50
Taking the Fantastic Four into a cosmic universe, Lee and Kirby collaborate on ‘The Coming of Galactus’, introducing Uatu the Watcher and Marvel’s preeminent cosmic antagonist, Galactus. Here, the Fantastic Four become Marvel’s foremost authority on otherworldly events as they attempt to save Earth from the Planet Eater and his herald, the Silver Surfer.
The first meeting between the Fantastic Four and Galactus marks a pivotal point in their history worth reading before First Steps. Here, readers see the debut of the Silver Surfer, Galactus’ herald who defies his master, saving Earth. Ultimately, this arc lays the groundwork for future interactions between the Fantastic Four, Silver Surfer, and Galactus.
Fantastic Four (1961) #52
After a mysterious benefactor gifts the Fantastic Four a futuristic Sky-Craft, they accept his invitation to travel to the remote nation of Wakanda, a notable Deadpool Vs comics location. Here, they are set upon by the mysterious Black Panther. Eventually, their combined might overcomes the Panther’s traps, revealing the reason for his deception.
In another excellent story from Lee and Kirby’s historic run, fans are taken to exotic jungle plains as the Fantastic Four meet the Wakandan king T’Challa. Signaling the Black Panther’s debut and establishing heroic bonds that continue in Marvel, #52 checks in as one of the FF’s best comics and a must-read before First Steps.
Fantastic Four (1961) #200
In its monumental 200th issue, the Fantastic Four battle Doom after he takes Alicia Masters hostage. Angered by the death of his clone, Doom vows vengeance and traps the team within his fortress. Ultimately, the Fantastic Four backs Prince Zorba’s coup, ignorant of his evil nature, and overthrow Latveria’s ruler, Doctor Doom.
Celebrating the Fantastic Four’s 17th anniversary spectacularly, #200 highlights the deep-seated animosity Doom holds for Mr. Fantastic. Bringing their rivalry to life with moving prose and vivid panels, the creative team treats fans to a knockdown, drag-out fight between Doom and his bitterest rival in this informative Fantastic Four read.
Fantastic Four (1961) #244
Weakened due to hunger and looking to feed, Galactus returns to Earth. But, after teaming up with the Avengers to take him down, the Fantastic Four quickly realize their most formidable adversary is dying. Here, the Four will honor their oath to help others in need, even if the one in need is the planet devourer Galactus.
Importantly, FF #244 signals the Human Torch’s ex-lover Frankie Raye’s run as Galactus’ herald. A decidedly different herald than the Silver Surfer, Raye lacked her predecessor’s nobility and even temperament. Thus, with rumors of a female Surfer-esque antagonist in First Steps, it’s likely an adaption from Raye’s fiery run as Galactus’ herald.
Fantastic Four (2001) 1234
An edgy noir series by acclaimed scribes Grant Morrison and Jae Lee, Fantastic Four: 1234 gives a moody take on the primal facets of the Fantastic Four. Always looking to best Reed and earn his retribution, Doom constructs a doomsday machine, playing on fears and insecurities innate in humans.
Consequently, Doom dissects Thing’s perpetual war with his rocky aesthetic, Torch’s selfish, daredevil compulsions, Susan’s issues from a lack of intimacy, and Reed’s unrelenting need to fix everything. In conclusion, 1234 is a comic that alludes to character weaknesses Doom may exploit in the MCU’s Fantastic Four: First Steps and beyond.
FF (2011) #1
Shattered after the death of the Human Torch, the Fantastic Four becomes Three as they wrestle with their loss. Yet, unlike previous stretches, when they add an extra member, the remaining members disband out of respect for Torch’s sacrifice. Eventually, the team honors the Torch’s memory by creating the Future Foundation.
Brandishing spiffy new dichromatic uniforms and appropriately using the same FF initials, the remaining trio adds the award-winning Spider-Man, Peter Parker. Lastly, with an onus on the future and supported by Franklin and Valeria Richards, their grandfather Nathaniel, and Doctor Doom, the Foundation is another Fantastic creation that may find a home in the MCU.
Secret Wars (2015) #1-9
Following the Beyonder’s use of the Incursions in their attack on the multiverse, the trio of Doom, Dr. Strange, and the Molecule Man stand in defiance. Enacting their master plan, the Beyonders are defeated as Doom usurps their power to save all reality, becoming God-Emperor and creating Battleworld.
Unquestionably a chief RDJ Doom comic read, Secret Wars (2015) is top-notch storytelling and embodies the main storyline upcoming in the MCU. Whether Hickman’s flowing prose or Ribic and Svorcina’s indelible artwork inspires intrigue, Secret Wars checks all the boxes as an essential Marvel read before Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Fantastic Four (2018) #1
This comic picks up with the Human Torch and the Thing attempting to reconcile the “loss” of Mr. Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, and Franklin and Valeria after the incursions of Secret Wars (2015). Notably, Fantastic Four #1 alludes to the potential look of the MCU following Avengers: Secret Wars.
Presenting a heartwarming finish to a nearly two-year period of separation, #1 depicts the impact of expectancy and despair in heroes’ daily lives. Indeed, showing a momentous declaration by Johnny, Ben’s life-changing decision, and a sign of hope, this comic continues the magic of the Fantastic Four.
