Editing Fantastic Four

{{Short description|Comic book superhero team}}
{{About|the superhero team}}
{{Infobox comics organization
|image     = Fantastic Four (Marvel Comics characters).jpg
|imagesize =
|caption   = Promotional art for ''Fantastic Four: The Lost Adventure'' #1 (February 2008) depicting (left-to-right): The [[Thing (comics)|Thing]], [[Mister Fantastic]], [[Invisible Woman]], and the [[Human Torch]].<br />Art by [[Jack Kirby]].<br />(repurposed from his 1970s [[Marvelmania]] poster).
|publisher = [[Marvel Comics]]
|debuthead =
|debut     = ''[[Fantastic Four (comic book)|The Fantastic Four]]'' #1<!-- "Debut" indicates the first appearance of a character, not a change to the character's backstory. Please do not add Birthright here. -->
|debutmo   = November
|debutyr   = 1961
|creators  = [[Stan Lee]] (writer/editor)<br />[[Jack Kirby]] (artist/co-plotter)
|team      = y
|base      = {{Plainlist|
* [[Baxter Building]]
* [[Avengers Mansion]] (formerly)
* [[Four Freedoms Plaza]]
* Pier 4
* 4 Yancy St.
}}
|members = {{Plainlist|
* [[Mister Fantastic]]
* [[Invisible Woman]]
* [[Human Torch]]
* [[Thing (comics)|The Thing]]
}}
|fullroster = [[List of Fantastic Four members]]
}}

The '''Fantastic Four''', often abbreviated as '''FF''', is a [[superhero]] team appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]]. The team debuted in ''[[Fantastic Four (comic book)|The Fantastic Four]]'' #1 ([[cover date|cover-date]]d November 1961), helping usher in a new level of realism in the medium. It was the first superhero team created by artist/co-plotter [[Jack Kirby]] and editor/co-scripter [[Stan Lee]], and through this title the "[[Marvel method]]" style of production came into prominence.

The four characters traditionally associated with the Fantastic Four, who gained [[superpower (ability)|superpowers]] after exposure to [[cosmic ray]]s during a scientific mission to outer space, are [[Mister Fantastic]] (Reed Richards), a scientific genius and the leader of the group, who can stretch his body into incredible lengths and shapes; the [[Invisible Woman]] (Susan "Sue" Storm-Richards), Reed's girlfriend and later wife, who can render herself invisible and project powerful invisible force fields and blasts; the [[Human Torch]] (Johnny Storm), Sue's younger brother, who can generate flames, surround himself with them and fly; and the monstrous [[Thing (comics)|Thing]] (Ben Grimm), their grumpy but benevolent friend, a former college football star, Reed's college roommate and a skilled pilot, who possesses tremendous superhuman strength, durability and endurance due to his stone-like flesh.

Since their 1961 introduction, the Fantastic Four has been portrayed as a somewhat dysfunctional, yet loving, family. Breaking convention with other comic archetypes, the members squabbled, held grudges both deep and petty, and eschewed anonymity or [[secret identities]] in favor of celebrity status. They are also well known for their recurring encounters with characters such as the villainous monarch [[Doctor Doom]]; the planet-devouring [[Galactus]]; the [[Kree|Kree Empire]]'s ruthless and tyrannical enforcer [[Ronan the Accuser]]; the [[Negative Zone]]'s ruler [[Annihilus]]; the sea-dwelling prince [[Namor]]; the spacefaring [[Silver Surfer]]; the [[Skrull]] warrior [[Super-Skrull|Kl'rt]]; and the [[Molecule Man]].

The Fantastic Four has been adapted into [[mass media|other media]], including several [[video game]]s, [[animated series]], and [[Fantastic Four in film|live-action films]].

==Publication history==
{{Further|Fantastic Four (comic book)}}

===Origins===
Apocryphal legend has it that in 1961, longtime [[magazine]] and [[comic book]] [[publishing|publisher]] [[Martin Goodman (publisher)|Martin Goodman]] was playing golf with either [[Jack Liebowitz]] or [[Irwin Donenfeld]] of rival company [[DC Comics]], then known as National Periodical Publications, <!-- also known as name is mentioned here because Stan Lee says "National Comics" in quote directly below this paragraph --> and that the top executive bragged about DC's success with the new superhero team the [[Justice League|Justice League of America]].<ref group=note>That DC all-star superhero team had debuted in ''The Brave and the Bold'' #28 ([[cover-date]]d Feb. 1960) before going on to its own hit title (issue #1 cover-dated Nov. 1960).</ref> While film producer and comics historian [[Michael Uslan]] has debunked the particulars of that story,<ref group=note>Uslan, in a letter published in ''Alter Ego'' #43 (December 2004), pp. 43–44, writes: "Irwin Donenfeld said he never played golf with Goodman, so the story is untrue. I heard this story more than a couple of times while sitting in the lunchroom at DC's 909 Third Avenue and 75 Rockefeller Plaza office as Sol Harrison and [production chief] Jack Adler were schmoozing with some of us&nbsp;... who worked for DC during our college summers&nbsp;... [T]he way I heard the story from Sol was that Goodman was playing with one of the heads of Independent News, not DC Comics (though DC ''owned'' Independent News). ...&nbsp;As the distributor of DC Comics, this man certainly knew all the sales figures and was in the best position to tell this tidbit to Goodman. ...&nbsp;Of course, Goodman would want to be playing golf with this fellow and be in his good graces. ...&nbsp;Sol worked closely with Independent News' top management over the decades and would have gotten this story straight from the horse's mouth."</ref> Goodman, a publishing trend-follower, aware of the JLA's strong sales, did direct his comics editor, [[Stan Lee]], to create a comic-book series about a team of superheroes. According to Lee, writing in 1974, "Martin mentioned that he had noticed one of the titles published by National Comics seemed to be selling better than most. It was a book called ''The'' {{sic}} ''Justice League of America'' and it was composed of a team of superheroes. ...&nbsp;'If the Justice League is selling', spoke he, 'why don't we put out a comic book that features a team of superheroes?'"<ref name="Origins">{{Cite book | last=Lee | first=Stan | author-link=Stan Lee | title=Origins of Marvel Comics | publisher= [[Simon & Schuster]]/[[Marvel Fireside Books|Fireside Books]]<!--Book predates publisher's change to ampersand in corporate name--> | date=September 1974|location= New York, New York| isbn=978-0-671-21863-8}}</ref>{{Rp|16}}

Lee, who had served as editor-in-chief and art director of Marvel Comics and its predecessor companies, [[Timely Comics]] and [[Atlas Comics (1950s)|Atlas Comics]], for two decades, found that the medium had become creatively restrictive. Determined "to carve a real career for myself in the nowhere world of comic books",<ref group=note>{{Cite book | last=Lee | first=Stan | author-link=Stan Lee | title=Origins of Marvel Comics | publisher= [[Simon & Schuster]]/[[Marvel Fireside Books|Fireside Books]]<!--Book predates publisher's change to ampersand in corporate name--> | date=September 1974|location= New York, New York| isbn=978-0-671-21863-8 | quote=[My wife] Joan was commenting about the fact that after 20 years of producing comics I was still writing television material, advertising copy and newspaper features in my spare time. She wondered why I didn't put as much effort and creativity into the comics as I seemed to be putting into my other freelance endeavors. ...[H]er little dissertation made me suddenly realize that it was time to start concentrating on what I was doing — to carve a real career for myself in the nowhere world of comic books.}}</ref> Lee concluded that, "For just this once, I would do the type of story I myself would enjoy reading&nbsp;... And the characters would be the kind of characters I could personally relate to: They'd be flesh and blood, they'd have their faults and foibles, they'd be fallible and feisty, and&nbsp;— most important of all&nbsp;— inside their colorful, costumed booties they'd still have feet of clay."<ref name="Origins"/>{{Rp|17}}

Lee provided one of his earliest recorded comments on the creation of the Fantastic Four for a fanzine in 1968, during which time [[penciller]] [[Jack Kirby]] was also working at Marvel. (Kirby is interviewed separately in the same publication.) When asked who conceived the team, he or Kirby, Lee responded "Both ' 'twas mainly my idea, but Jack created characters visually".<ref name="StufSaid">{{cite book |last1=Morrow |first1=John |title=Kirby & Lee: Stuf' Said! (Expanded Second Edition) |date=June 2019 |publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing |isbn=978-1-60549-094-6 |page=88 |edition=Second}}</ref> In the 1974 book [[Origins of Marvel Comics]] Lee described the creative process in more detail, stating that he developed the basic characters as well as a story synopsis for Jack Kirby to follow in the first issue.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Lee |first=Stan |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FXJlAAAAMAAJ |title=Origins of Marvel Comics |date=1974 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-0-671-21864-5 |language=en}}</ref> Lee noted the involvement of both Kirby and Publisher Martin Goodman prior to preparing his synopsis: "After kicking it around with Martin and Jack for a while I decided to call our quaint quartet the Fantastic Four.  I wrote a detailed first synopsis for Jack to follow and the rest is history."<ref name="Origins"/>{{Rp|18}} Kirby turned in his penciled art pages to Lee, who added dialogue and captions. This approach to creating comics, which became known as the "[[Marvel Method]]", worked so well that Lee and Kirby used it from then on, and the Marvel Method became standard for the company within a year.<ref name="Daniels">{{Cite book | last=Daniels | first=Les | author-link=Les Daniels | title=Marvel: Five Fabulous Decades of the World's Greatest Comics | publisher=[[Abrams Books|Harry N. Abrams]]| year=1993|location= New York, New York|isbn=0-8109-8146-7}}</ref>{{Rp|87}}

Kirby recalled events somewhat differently. In a 1970 Fanzine interview he confirmed Lee's involvement in the creation of the Fantastic Four but took credit for the main characters and ideas, stating "It was my idea. It was my idea to do it the way it was; my idea to develop it the way it was. I'm not saying Stan had nothing to do with it. Of course he did. We talked things out."<ref name="Rockets Blast Comic Collector">{{cite book |title=Rockets Blast Comic Collector 81 |date=1970 |publisher=GB Love}}</ref> Years later, when specifically challenged with Lee's version of events in a 1990 interview, Kirby responded: "I would say that's an outright lie",<ref name="GG">{{Cite journal | last=Groth | first=Gary | title=Interview III: 'I've never done anything halfheartedly' | journal=[[The Comics Journal]] | issue=134|publisher=Fantagraphics Books |date=February 1990|location= Seattle, Washington}} Reprinted in {{Cite book | editor-last=George | editor-first=Milo | title=The Comics Journal Library Volume 1: Jack Kirby | publisher=Fantagraphics Books | date=May 2002|location= Seattle, Washington | isbn=1-56097-434-6}}</ref>{{Rp|39}} although the interviewer, [[Gary Groth]], notes that this statement needs to be viewed with caution.<ref group=note>Groth explains in his 2002 introduction to the interview that Kirby's state of mind needs to be taken into consideration when evaluating certain statements within the interview. Kirby was involved in an acrimonious dispute with Marvel Comics regarding the return of his artwork, and his relationship with Lee had deteriorated, in part due to this dispute but also due to Lee's public statements through the years, which Kirby saw as diminishing his role. Groth states: "Lee's contribution is a matter for endless speculation, but most observers and historians consider Kirby's claims here to be excessive."</ref> Kirby claims he came up with the idea for the Fantastic Four in Marvel's offices, and that Lee merely added the dialogue after the story was pencilled.<ref name="GG"/>{{Rp|38}} Kirby also sought to establish, more credibly and on numerous occasions, that the visual elements of the strip were his conceptions. He regularly pointed to a team he created for rival publisher DC Comics in the 1950s, the [[Challengers of the Unknown]]. "[I]f you notice the uniforms, they're the same&nbsp;... I always give them a skintight uniform with a belt&nbsp;... the Challengers and the FF have a minimum of decoration. And of course, the Thing's skin is a kind of decoration, breaking up the monotony of the blue uniform."<ref>{{Cite interview | last=Kirby | first=Jack | subject-link=Jack Kirby | interviewer=Tim Skelly | title=Interview II: 'I created an army of characters, and now my connection to them is lost' | publisher=[[WNUR-FM]]|location= Evanston, Illinois| work=The Great Electric Bird | date=May 14, 1971}} Transcribed and published in ''The Nostalgia Journal'' #27. Reprinted in George, ''The Comics Journal Library''.</ref>{{Rp|4}} It is important to note, however, that the Fantastic Four wore civilian garb instead of uniforms, which were only introduced (along with the Baxter Building Headquarters) in the third issue of the series following readership feedback.<ref name="JackStanFanTwoMorrows">{{cite book |last1=Wells |first1=John |title=American Comic Book Chronicles 1960-64 |date=January 2015 |publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing |isbn=978-1-60549-045-8 |pages=74–75}}</ref> The original submitted design was also modified to include the iconic chest insignia of a "4" within a circle that was designed by Lee.<ref>{{cite journal|last= Thomas|first= Roy|date= August 2011|title= Clothes Make the Man – and the Super-hero Team!|journal= [[Alter Ego (magazine)|Alter Ego]]|issue= 104| page= 14|publisher= [[TwoMorrows Publishing]]|location= Raleigh, North Carolina|quote= Stan himself at some point played around by drawing a number of possible chest insignias, as seen at left, before settling on the simple number '4' in a circle ...}}</ref>

Given the conflicting statements, outside commentators have found it hard to ascertain who created the Fantastic Four. A typed synopsis by Lee for the introductory segment of the first Fantastic Four issue exists and outlines the characters and their origins, with various minor differences to the published version. However Earl Wells, writing in ''The Comics Journal'', points out that its existence does not assert its place in the creation: "[W]e have no way of knowing of whether Lee wrote the synopsis after a discussion with Kirby in which Kirby supplied most of the ideas".<ref name="WE">{{Cite journal | last=Wells | first=Earl | title=Once and For All, Who Was the Author of Marvel | journal=The Comics Journal | issue=181 | date=October 1995|location= Seattle, Washington}} Reprinted in George, ''The Comics Journal Library''.</ref>{{Rp|78}}

It is also notable that the Fantastic Four's first adventure in 1961 depicts a team of four adventurers (three men and a woman) led by a professor travelling to the Earth's center and encountering giant monsters while contending with a human antagonist who is also from the surface world.<ref name="JackStanFan FF1">{{cite book |last1=Lee |first1=Stan |last2=Kirby |first2=Jack |title=Fantastic Four Volume 1 Number 1 |date=November 1962 |publisher=Canam Publishers Sale Corp |pages=26–32}}</ref> Although neither Lee nor Kirby ever mentioned the 1959 film ''[[Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959 film)|Journey to the Center of the Earth]]'' as a direct inspiration, publisher Martin Goodman was well known for following popular entertainment trends to attract sales in his comics line.<ref name="JackStanFan">{{cite book |last1=Van Lente |first1=Fred |last2=Dunlavey |first2=Ryan |title=The Comic Book History of Comics |date=2012 |publisher=IDW |isbn=978-1613771976 |pages=102–103}}</ref>

Comics historian [[R. C. Harvey]] believes the Fantastic Four was a continuation of the work Kirby previously did, and so "more likely Kirby's creations than Lee's".<ref name="RC">{{Cite journal | last=Harvey | first=R. C. | author-link=R. C. Harvey | title=What Jack Kirby Did | journal=The Comics Journal | issue=167 | date=April 1994|location= Seattle, Washington}} Reprinted in George, ''The Comics Journal Library''.</ref>{{Rp|69}} But Harvey notes that the [[Marvel Method]] of collaboration allowed each man to claim credit,<ref name="RC"/>{{Rp|68}} and that Lee's dialogue added to the direction the team took.<ref name="RC"/>{{Rp|69}} Wells argues that Lee's contributions set the framework within which Kirby worked, and this made Lee "more responsible".<ref name="WE"/>{{Rp|85}} Comics historian [[Mark Evanier]], a studio assistant to Jack Kirby in the 1970s, says that the considered opinion of Lee and Kirby's contemporaries was "that ''Fantastic Four'' was created by Stan and Jack. No further division of credit seemed appropriate."<ref>{{Cite book|last=Evanier|first=Mark|author-link=Mark Evanier| title=Kirby: King of Comics|publisher=[[Abrams Books]]|year=2008|location= New York, New York| isbn=978-0-8109-9447-8}}</ref>{{Rp|122}}

===1961–1970s===
The release of ''[[Fantastic Four (comic book)|The Fantastic Four]]'' #1 (Nov. 1961) was an unexpected success. Lee had felt ready to stop working on comics at the time, but the positive response to ''Fantastic Four'' persuaded him to continue with comic books.<ref name="century"/> The title began to receive fan mail<ref>{{cite book|editor-last1 = DeFalco|editor-first1 = Tom|author-link = Tom DeFalco|editor-last2= Gilbert|editor-first2= Laura|chapter= 1960s|title = Marvel Chronicle A Year by Year History|publisher = [[Dorling Kindersley]]|year = 2008|location= London, United Kingdom|page = 84|isbn =978-0756641238|quote= It did not take long for editor Stan Lee to realize that ''The Fantastic Four'' was a hit...the flurry of fan letters all pointed to the FF's explosive popularity.}}</ref> and Lee started printing the letters in a letter column with issue #3. Also with the third issue, Lee created the hyperbolic slogan "The Greatest Comic Magazine in the World!!" With the following issue, the slogan was changed to "The World's Greatest Comic Magazine!" and became a fixture on the issue covers into the 1990s,<ref name="Daniels"/>{{Rp|87}} and on numerous covers in the 2000s.

Issue #4 (May 1962) reintroduced [[Namor|Namor the Sub-Mariner]],<ref>DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 86: "Stan Lee and Jack Kirbuy reintroduced one of Marvel's most popular Golden Age heroes – Namor, the Sub-Mariner."</ref> an aquatic [[antihero]] who was a star character of Marvel's earliest iteration, [[Timely Comics]], during the late 1930s and 1940s period that historians and fans call the [[Golden Age of Comic Books|Golden Age of Comics]]. Issue #5 (July 1962) introduced the team's most frequent nemesis, [[Doctor Doom]].<ref>DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 86: "The introduction of Dr. Doom signaled a slight shift in direction for Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. At last they were moving away from their monster-book formulas to embrace the super hero genre. Dr. Doom was their first real attempt to create an enduring super villain."</ref> These earliest issues were published bimonthly. With issue #16 (July 1963), the cover title dropped its ''The'' and became simply ''Fantastic Four''. In ''Fantastic Four'' #19 (October 1963), [[Stan Lee]] announced that [[Mister Fantastic|Reed Richards]] would remain leader of the group, due to an overwhelming fan response in the affirmative (93.47%). Stan's comment of ''{{'}}Nuff Said'' would from here become an ongoing phrase in Lee's communications with fans.<ref>[https://www.cbr.com/marvel-comics-stan-lee-fantastic-four-nuff-said/ Cronin, Brian, ''When Did Stan Lee First Use 'Nuff Said' In a Comic Book?'', CBR.com, May 29, 2019.]</ref>

While the early stories were complete narratives, the frequent appearances of these two antagonists, Doom and Namor, in subsequent issues indicated the creation of a long narrative by Lee and Kirby that extended over months. According to comics historian [[Les Daniels]], "only narratives that ran to several issues would be able to contain their increasingly complex ideas".<ref name="Daniels"/>{{Rp|88}} During its creators' lengthy run, the series produced many acclaimed storylines and characters that have become central to Marvel, including the hidden race of alien-human genetic experiments, the [[Inhumans]];<ref>{{cite web | first= Brian|last= Cronin|url= http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/09/18/a-year-of-cool-comics-day-261/|title= A Year of Cool Comics – Day 261|website=[[Comic Book Resources]]|date= September 18, 2010|access-date= September 29, 2010 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20101123190418/http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/09/18/a-year-of-cool-comics-day-261/|archive-date=November 23, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="DeFalco111">DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 111: "The Inhumans, a lost race that diverged from humankind 25,000 years ago and became genetically enhanced."</ref> the [[Black Panther (character)|Black Panther]],<ref>{{cite web |first= Brian|last= Cronin|url= http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/09/19/a-year-of-cool-comics-day-262/|title= A Year of Cool Comics – Day 262|website=Comic Book Resources|date= September 19, 2010| access-date= September 29, 2010|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110708181411/http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/09/19/a-year-of-cool-comics-day-262/|archive-date=July 8, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> an African king who would be mainstream comics' first black superhero;<ref>DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 117: Stan Lee wanted to do his part by creating the first black super hero. Lee discussed his ideas with Jack Kirby and the result was seen in ''Fantastic Four'' #52.</ref> the rival alien races the [[Kree]] and the shapeshifting [[Skrull]]s;<ref name="DeFalco84">DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 84: "The second issue of the increasingly popular ''The Fantastic Four'' introduced the shapeshifting Skrulls, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby...Like the 1956 sci-fi mmovie ''The Invasion of the Body-Snatchers'', Lee and Kirby tapped into a fear that gripped the U.S. at this time: the fear that Russian spies were infiltrating society."</ref> Him, who would become [[Adam Warlock]];<ref>DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 124: "Adam Warlock was an artificial being created by scientists to be the first of an invincible army. Simply referred to as "Him' in his early appearances, Warlock later rebelled against his creators in ''Fantastic Four'' #66."</ref> the [[Negative Zone]] and [[unstable molecules]]. The story frequently cited as Lee and Kirby's finest achievement<ref>{{Cite book|last=Thomas|first=Roy| title=Stan Lee's Amazing Marvel Universe|publisher=[[Sterling Publishing]]|location=New York, New York|year=2006|contribution=Moment 29: The Galactus Trilogy | pages=112–115 | isbn=978-1-4027-4225-5}}</ref><ref name="kirbycollector1">{{Cite journal | last=Hatfield | first=Charles | title=The Galactus Trilogy: An Appreciation | journal=The Collected Jack Kirby Collector | volume=1 | page=211 | date=February 2004}}</ref> is the three-part "[[The Galactus Trilogy|Galactus Trilogy]]" that began in ''Fantastic Four'' #48 (March 1966), chronicling the arrival of [[Galactus]], a cosmic giant who wanted to devour the planet, and his herald, the [[Silver Surfer]].<ref>{{cite web |first= Brian|last= Cronin|url= http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/02/19/a-year-of-cool-comics-day-50/| title= A Year of Cool Comics – Day 50|website=Comic Book Resources|date= February 19, 2010|access-date= September 29, 2010|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100504111741/http://goodcomics.comicbookresources.com/2010/02/19/a-year-of-cool-comics-day-50/|archive-date=May 4, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 115: "Stan Lee may have started the creative discussion that culminated in Galactus, but the inclusion of the Silver Surfer in ''Fantastic Four'' #48 was pure Jack Kirby. Kirby realized that a being like Galactus required an equally impressive herald."</ref> ''Fantastic Four'' #48 was chosen as #24 in the 100 Greatest Marvels of All Time poll of Marvel's readers in 2001. Editor [[Robert Greenberger]] wrote in his introduction to the story that, "As the fourth year of the Fantastic Four came to a close, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby seemed to be only warming up. In retrospect, it was perhaps the most fertile period of any monthly title during the Marvel Age."<ref>{{cite book|editor-last = Greenberger|editor-first = Robert|title = 100 Greatest Marvels of All Time|publisher = Marvel Comics|date = December 2001|page = 26}}</ref> Daniels noted that "[t]he mystical and metaphysical elements that took over the saga were perfectly suited to the tastes of young readers in the 1960s", and Lee soon discovered that the story was a favorite on college campuses.<ref name="Daniels"/>{{Rp|128}} The ''Fantastic Four Annual'' was used to spotlight several key events. The Sub-Mariner was crowned king of [[Atlantis (Marvel Comics)|Atlantis]] in the first annual (1963).<ref>DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 95</ref> The following year's annual revealed the origin story of Doctor Doom.<ref>DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 103: "''Fantastic Four Annual #2'' revealed that Dr. Doom had been a college classmate of Reed Richards."</ref> ''Fantastic Four Annual'' #3 (1965) presented the wedding of Reed Richards and Sue Storm.<ref>DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 110: "Having seen them together as a couple since ''Fantastic Four'' #1, the fans couldn't wait for the wedding of Sue Storm and Reed Richards."</ref> Lee and Kirby reintroduced the [[Human Torch (android)|original Human Torch]] in ''Fantastic Four Annual'' #4 (1966) and had him battle Johnny Storm.<ref>DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 119</ref> Sue Richards' pregnancy was announced in ''Fantastic Four Annual'' #5 (1967), and the Richards' son, [[Franklin Richards (character)|Franklin Richards]] was born in ''Fantastic Four Annual'' #6 (1968)<ref name="DeFalco133">DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 133: "November [1968] saw the birth of Franklin Richards, the son of Reed and Sue."</ref> in a story which introduced [[Annihilus]] as well.<ref name="DeFalco133b">DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 133: "Annihilus first encountered humanity when Mr. Fantastic, the Human Torch, and the Thing entered the Negative Zone in search of anti-matter particles."</ref>

Marvel filed for a [[trademark]] for "Fantastic Four" in 1967 and the [[United States Patent and Trademark Office]] issued the registration in 1970.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://trademark.markify.com/trademarks/uspto/fantastic+four/72276841|title= Fantastic Four|publisher= Markify|access-date= May 28, 2013|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165738/http://trademark.markify.com/trademarks/uspto/fantastic+four/72276841|archive-date= March 3, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Kirby left Marvel in mid-1970,<ref>[[Peter Sanderson|Sanderson, Peter]] "1970s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 144: "In 1970, [the Silver Age of comic books] began its end with the departure of artist Jack Kirby...marking the end of the most creative period in Marvel history."</ref> having drawn the first 102 issues plus an unfinished issue, partially published in ''Fantastic Four'' #108, with alterations, and later completed and published as ''Fantastic Four: The Lost Adventure'' (April 2008), ''Fantastic Four'' continued with Lee, [[Roy Thomas]],<ref>Sanderson "1970s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 157: "September [1972] witnessed a new generation taking command at Marvel Comics. Roy Thomas not only became writer of 'The World's Greatest Comic Magazine' with ''Fantastic Four'' #126, but also simultaneously became Marvel's Editor-in-Chief."</ref> [[Gerry Conway]] and [[Marv Wolfman]] as its consecutive regular writers, working with artists such as [[John Romita Sr.]], [[John Buscema]], [[Rich Buckler]] and [[George Pérez]], with longtime inker [[Joe Sinnott]] adding some visual continuity. [[Jim Steranko]] also contributed some covers during this time. A short-lived series starring the team, ''Giant-Size Super-Stars'', began in May 1974 and changed its title to ''Giant-Size Fantastic Four'' with issue #2.<ref>Sanderson "1970s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 165</ref> The fourth issue introduced [[Jamie Madrox]], a character who later became part of the [[X-Men]].<ref>Sanderson "1970s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 168: "New Marvel writer Chris Claremont and artist John Buscema introduced Madrox the Multiple Man, a mutant who could duplicate his own body over and over."</ref> ''Giant-Size Fantastic Four'' was canceled with issue #6 (Oct. 1975).<ref>{{gcdb series|id= 2169|title= Giant-Size Fantastic Four}}</ref> Roy Thomas and George Pérez crafted a [[metafiction]]al story for ''Fantastic Four'' #176 (Nov. 1976) in which the [[Impossible Man]] visited the offices of Marvel Comics and [[List of comics creators appearing in comics|met numerous comics creators]].<ref>Sanderson "1970s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 176: "In a venture into metafictional comedy, the mischievous Impossible Man visited the Marvel offices, where he met his creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, as well as the collaborators on his current story, writer Roy Thomas and artist George Pérez."</ref> Marv Wolfman and [[Keith Pollard]] crafted a multi-issue storyline involving the son of Doctor Doom which culminated in issue #200 (Nov. 1978).<ref>{{cite journal|last = Martini|first = Frank|title = Marv Wolfman's Bicentennial Battles|journal = [[Back Issue!]]|issue = 69|pages = 44–47|publisher = [[TwoMorrows Publishing]]|date = December 2013|location= Raleigh, North Carolina}}</ref> [[John Byrne (comics)|John Byrne]] joined the title with issue #209 (Aug. 1979), doing pencil breakdowns for Sinnott to finish. He and Wolfman introduced a new herald for Galactus named [[Terrax|Terrax the Tamer]] in #211 (Oct. 1979).<ref>Sanderson "1970s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 190: "Created by writer Marv Wolfman and artist John Byrne, Terrax would not only become a threat to the Fantastic Four but also Galactus himself."</ref>

===1980s and 1990s===
[[Bill Mantlo]] briefly followed Wolfman as writer of the series and wrote a crossover with ''[[The Spectacular Spider-Man|Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man]]'' #42 (May 1980).<ref>{{cite book|editor-last1 = Manning|editor-first1 = Matthew K.|editor-last2= Gilbert|editor-first2= Laura|chapter= 1980s|title = Spider-Man Chronicle Celebrating 50 Years of Web-Slinging|publisher = [[Dorling Kindersley]]|year = 2012|location= London, United Kingdom|page = 113|isbn = 978-0756692360|quote= In the conclusion to a tale that had begun in the pages of ''Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man'' #42 (May), writer [Bill] Mantlo and artist John Byrne had the latest incarnation of the Frightful Four face off against their Fantastic counterparts}}</ref><ref>{{cite comic| writer= [[Bill Mantlo|Mantlo, Bill]]|penciller= [[Mike Zeck|Zeck, Mike]]|inker= [[Jim Mooney|Mooney, Jim]]|story= Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death!|title= [[The Spectacular Spider-Man|Peter Parker, The Spectacular Spider-Man]]|issue= 42|date= May 1980}}</ref><ref>{{cite comic| writer= Mantlo, Bill|penciller= [[John Byrne (comics)|Byrne, John]]|inker= [[Joe Sinnott|Sinnott, Joe]]|story= When A Spider-Man Comes Calling!|title= Fantastic Four|issue= 218|date= May 1980}}</ref> Byrne wrote and drew a giant-sized Fantastic Four promotional comic for [[Coca-Cola]], which was rejected by Coca-Cola as being too violent and published as ''Fantastic Four'' #220–221 (July–Aug. 1980) instead.<ref name="Back38">{{cite journal| last= Powers|first= Tom|date= February 2010|title= John Byrne's Fantastic Four: The World's Greatest Family Magazine!|journal= Back Issue!|issue= 38|pages= 3–22|publisher = TwoMorrows Publishing|location= Raleigh, North Carolina}}</ref> Writer [[Doug Moench]] and penciller [[Bill Sienkiewicz]] then took over for 10 issues. With issue #232 (July 1981), the aptly titled "Back to the Basics",<ref>DeFalco "1980s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 200: "John Byrne went back to basics with the ''Fantastic Four'' and evoked the title's early days of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby."</ref> Byrne began his run as writer, penciller and inker, the last under the [[pseudonym]] Bjorn Heyn for this issue only.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/issue/35487/|title=GCD :: Issue :: Fantastic Four #232 [Direct Edition]|website=Comics.org}}</ref>

Byrne revitalized the slumping title with his run.<ref name="Wright"/>{{Rp|265}} Byrne was slated to write with Sienkiewicz providing the art however, Sienkiewicz left to do ''[[Moon Knight]]'', and Byrne subsequently became writer, artist, and inker. Various editors were assigned to the comic; eventually [[Bob Budiansky]] became the regular editor. Byrne told [[Jim Shooter]] that he could not work with Budiansky, although they ultimately continued to work together. In 2006, Byrne said "that's my paranoia. I look back and I think that was Shooter trying to force me off the book". Byrne left following issue #293 (Aug. 1986) in the middle of a story arc, explaining he could not recapture the fun he had previously had on the series.<ref>{{Cite book | last=Cooke | first=Jon B. |author2=Eric Nolen-Weathington | title=Modern Masters Volume Seven: John Byrne | publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing | year=2006|location= Raleigh, North Carolina| pages=42–44 | isbn=978-1-893905-56-6}}</ref> One of Byrne's changes was making the Invisible Girl into the Invisible Woman:<ref>DeFalco "1980s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 221: "After freeing herself from the Psycho-Man's control, Susan changed her name from the Invisible Girl to the Invisible Woman."</ref> assertive and confident. During this period, fans came to recognize that she was quite powerful, whereas previously, she had been primarily seen as a superpowered mother and wife in the tradition of television moms like those played by [[Donna Reed]] and [[Florence Henderson]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://fantasticfour.ugo.com/?cur=jessica-alba&gallery=true|title= Jessica Alba – Fantastic Four Girls|publisher= [[UGO]]|access-date= March 6, 2009|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080406003917/http://fantasticfour.ugo.com/?cur=jessica-alba&gallery=true|archive-date=April 6, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

Byrne staked new directions in the characters' personal lives, having the married Sue Storm and Reed Richards suffer a miscarriage and the Thing quitting the Fantastic Four, with [[She-Hulk]] being recruited as his long-term replacement. He also re-emphasized the family dynamic which he felt the series had drifted away from after the Lee/Kirby run, commenting that, "''[[Family]]''—and not ''[[dysfunctional family]]''—is the central, key element to the FF. It is an absolutely vital dynamic between the characters." [emphases in original]<ref name="Back38"/>

Byrne was followed by a quick succession of writers: [[Roger Stern]], [[Tom DeFalco]], and [[Roy Thomas]]. [[Steve Englehart]] took over as writer for issues 304–332 (except #320). The title had been struggling, so Englehart decided to make radical changes. He felt the title had become stale with the normal makeup of Reed, Sue, Ben, and Johnny, so in issue #308 Reed and Sue retired and were replaced with the Thing's new girlfriend, [[Sharon Ventura]], and Johnny Storm's former love, Crystal. The changes increased readership through issue #321. At this point, Marvel made decisions about another Englehart comic, ''[[West Coast Avengers (comic book)|West Coast Avengers]]'', that he disagreed with, and in protest he changed his byline to S.F.X. Englehart (S.F.X. is the abbreviation for Simple Sound Effects). In issue #326, Englehart was told to bring Reed and Sue back and undo the other changes he had made. This caused Englehart to take his name entirely off the book. He used the pseudonym John Harkness, which he had created years before for work he didn't want to be associated with. According to Englehart, the run from #326 through his last issue, #332, was "one of the most painful stretches of [his] career."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.steveenglehart.com/Comics/Fantastic%20Four%20304-321.html |title=''Fantastic Four'' 304–332 |last=Englehart |author-link=Steve Englehart |first=Steve |website=SteveEnglehart.com |pages=1–3 |access-date=March 9, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319012324/http://www.steveenglehart.com/comics/Fantastic%20Four%20304-321.html |archive-date=March 19, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> Writer-artist [[Walt Simonson]] took over as writer with #334 (December 1989), and three issues later began [[penciller|pencilling]] and [[inker|inking]] as well. With brief inking exceptions, two fill-in issues, and a three-issue stint drawn by [[Arthur Adams (comics)|Arthur Adams]],<ref name="Manning252">Manning, Matthew K. "1990s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 252: "Spider-Man, the Hulk, Wolverine, and Ghost Rider were tricked into forming a new Fantastic Four...Written by Walter Simonson with art by Arthur Adams, this new FF found themselves locked in battle with the Mole Man."</ref><ref>Cowsill, Alan "1990s" in Gilbert (2012), p. 186: "Take Spidey, Ghost Rider, Wolverine, and the Hulk, add a script by Walt Simonson and illustrations by Art Adams, and the result is one of the best Marvel comics of the decade."</ref> Simonson remained in all three positions through #354 (July 1991).

Simonson, who had been writing the team comic ''[[The Avengers (comic book)|The Avengers]]'', had gotten approval for Reed and Sue to join that team after Engelhart had written them out of ''Fantastic Four''. Yet by ''The Avengers'' #300, where they were scheduled to join the team, Simonson was told the characters were returning to ''Fantastic Four''. This led to Simonson quitting ''The Avengers'' after that issue. Shortly afterward, he was offered the job of writing ''Fantastic Four''. Having already prepared a number of stories involving the Avengers with Reed and Sue in the lineup, he then rewrote these for ''Fantastic Four''. Simonson later recalled that working on ''Fantastic Four'' allowed him the latitude to use original Avengers members [[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]] and [[Iron Man]], which he had been precluded from using in ''The Avengers''.<ref>{{Cite book | last=Nolen-Weathington | first=Eric | title=Modern Masters Volume Eight: Walter Simonson | publisher=TwoMorrows Publishing | year=2006|location= Raleigh, North Carolina| page=66 | isbn=978-1-893905-64-1 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ILopomw3UpMC&q=%22fantastic+four%22+Steve+Englehart&pg=PA65}}</ref>

After another fill-in, the regular team of writer and Marvel editor-in-chief [[Tom DeFalco]], penciller [[Paul Ryan (cartoonist)|Paul Ryan]] and inker Dan Bulanadi took over, with Ryan self-inking beginning with #360 (Jan. 1992). That team, with the very occasional different inker, continued for years through #414 (July 1996). DeFalco nullified the Storm-Masters marriage by [[retroactive continuity|retconning]] that the alien Skrull Empire had kidnapped the real Masters and replaced her with a spy named [[Lyja]]. Once discovered, Lyja, who herself had fallen for Storm, helped the Fantastic Four rescue Masters. Ventura departed after being further mutated by Doctor Doom. Although some fans were not pleased with DeFalco's run on ''Fantastic Four'', calling him "The Great Satan", the title's sales rose steadily over the period.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=12309|title= Brand New (May) Day: DeFalco talks ''Amazing Spider-Girl''|last= Manning|first= Shaun|date= January 15, 2008|website=Comic Book Resources|access-date= March 10, 2009|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131019204901/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=12309|archive-date= October 19, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.fantasticfourheadquarters.co.uk/blog/tom-defalco-interview|title=Blog Posts|website=Fantasticfourheadquarters.co.uk|access-date=2019-02-22|archive-date=2019-02-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223074158/http://www.fantasticfourheadquarters.co.uk/blog/tom-defalco-interview|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Other key developments included Franklin Richards being sent into the future and returning as a teenager; the return of Reed's time-traveling father, Nathaniel, who is revealed to be the father of time-travelling villain [[Kang the Conqueror]] and Reed's apparent death at the hands of a seemingly mortally wounded Doctor Doom.<ref>Manning "1990s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 265: "In this issue penned by Tom DeFalco and penciled by Paul Ryan, Dr. Doom...managed to lure Reed Richards to him and seemingly ended both of their lives"</ref> It would be two years before DeFalco resurrected the two characters, revealing that their "deaths" were orchestrated by the supervillain [[Hyperstorm]].

The ongoing series was canceled with issue #416 (Sept. 1996) and relaunched with vol. 2 #1 (Nov. 1996) as part of the multi-series "[[Heroes Reborn (1996 comic)|Heroes Reborn]]" [[Crossover (comics)|crossover]] story arc. The yearlong volume retold the team's first adventures in a more contemporary style,<ref>Manning "1990s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 280: "Jim Lee both wrote and drew this Heroes Reborn relaunch title with the help of fellow scripter Brandon Choi."</ref> and set in a parallel universe. Following the end of that experiment, ''Fantastic Four'' was relaunched with vol. 3 #1 (Jan. 1998). Initially by the team of writer [[Scott Lobdell]] and penciller [[Alan Davis]],<ref>Manning "1990s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 288: "Writer Scott Lobdell rearranged his X-schedule to try his hand at writing a different team of Marvel heroes in this new Heroes Reborn series. It was drawn by Alan Davis."</ref> it went after three issues to writer [[Chris Claremont]] (co-writing with Lobdell for #4–5) and penciller [[Salvador Larroca]]; this team enjoyed a long run through issue #32 (Aug. 2000).

===2000s===
Following the run of Claremont, Lobdell and Larroca, [[Carlos Pacheco]] took over as penciller and co-writer, first with [[Rafael Marín]], then with Marín and [[Jeph Loeb]]. This series began using dual numbering, as if the original ''Fantastic Four'' series had continued unbroken, with issue #42 / #471 (June 2001). At the time, the Marvel Comics series begun in the 1960s, such as ''[[Thor (Marvel Comics)|Thor]]'' and ''[[The Amazing Spider-Man]]'', were given such dual numbering on the front cover, with the present-day volume's numbering alongside the numbering from the original series. After issue #70 / #499 (Aug. 2003), the title reverted to its original vol. 1 numbering with issue #500 (Sept. 2003).

[[Karl Kesel]] succeeded Loeb as co-writer with issue #51 / #480 (March 2002), and after a few issues with temporary teams, [[Mark Waid]] took over as writer with #60 / 489 (October 2002) with artist [[Mike Wieringo]] with Marvel releasing a promotional variant edition of their otherwise $2.25 debut issue at the price of nine cents US.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.maelmill-insi.de/UHBMCC/fantfou6.htm#S462|publisher=  The Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators|title= ''Fantastic Four'' (III) (1998–2003)}}</ref><ref>{{cite comic| writer= [[Mark Waid|Waid, Mark]]|penciller= [[Mike Wieringo|Wieringo, Mike]]|inker= [[Karl Kesel|Kesel, Karl]]|story= Inside Out|title= Fantastic Four|volume= 3|issue= 60|date= October 2002}}</ref> Pencillers [[Mark Buckingham (comic book artist)|Mark Buckingham]], Casey Jones, and Howard Porter variously contributed through issue #524 (May 2005), with a handful of issues by other teams also during this time. Writer [[J. Michael Straczynski]] and penciller [[Mike McKone]] did issues #527–541 (July 2005 – Nov. 2006), with [[Dwayne McDuffie]] taking over as writer the following issue, and [[Paul Pelletier]] succeeding McKone beginning with #544 (May 2007).

As a result of the events of the "[[Civil War (comics)|Civil War]]" company-crossover storyline, the [[Black Panther (character)|Black Panther]] and [[Storm (Marvel Comics)|Storm]] temporarily replaced Reed and Susan Richards on the team. During that period, the Fantastic Four also appeared in ''Black Panther'',<ref>{{cite book|last = Hudlin|first = Reginald|author-link = Reginald Hudlin|author2=Portela, Francis|title = Black Panther: Four the Hard Way|publisher = Marvel Comics|year = 2007|page = 120|isbn = 978-0785126553}}</ref><ref>{{cite book|last = Hudlin|first = Reginald|author2=Portela, Francis|title = Black Panther: Little Green Men |publisher = Marvel Comics|year = 2008|page = 96|isbn = 978-0785126577}}</ref> written by [[Reginald Hudlin]] and pencilled primarily by Francis Portela. Beginning with issue #554 (April 2008), writer [[Mark Millar]] and penciller [[Bryan Hitch]] began what Marvel announced as a sixteen-issue run.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.comicsbulletin.com/features/120286510850855.htm |title=Mark Millar: Tripping the Light Fantastic|first= Sean|last= Boyle|publisher= [[Comics Bulletin]]|date= February 12, 2008|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20080515215816/http://www.comicsbulletin.com/features/120286510850855.htm|archive-date=May 15, 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=11167|title= WWC: Mark Millar is the New ''Fantastic Four''-Man|first= Dave|last= Richards|date= August 11, 2007|website=Comic Book Resources|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140521092533/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=11167|archive-date= May 21, 2014|url-status=live|access-date= May 26, 2013}}</ref> Following the summer 2008 crossover storyline, "[[Secret Invasion]]", and the 2009 aftermath "[[Dark Reign (comics)|Dark Reign]]", chronicling the U.S. government's assigning of the Nation's security functions to the seemingly reformed supervillain [[Green Goblin|Norman Osborn]], the Fantastic Four starred in a five-issue [[miniseries]], ''Dark Reign: Fantastic Four'' (May–Sept. 2009), written by [[Jonathan Hickman]], with art by [[Sean Chen (artist)|Sean Chen]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.maelmill-insi.de/UHBMCC/dreign.htm#S568|publisher=  The Unofficial Handbook of Marvel Comics Creators|title= ''Dark Reign: Fantastic Four''}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Zack |url=http://www.newsarama.com/comics/010912-Hickman.html |title=Jonathan Hickman – Secret Warriors, the FF and More |work=[[Newsarama]] |date=January 12, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110034440/http://www.newsarama.com/1925-jonathan-hickman-secret-warriors-the-ff-and-more.html |archive-date=November 10, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last= Richards|first= Dave|url= http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=20040|title= The Osborn Supremacy: Fantastic Four|website=Comic Book Resources|date= February 13, 2009|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130624110200/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=20040|archive-date= June 24, 2013|url-status=live}}</ref> Hickman took over as the series regular writer as of issue #570 with Dale Eaglesham<ref>{{cite comic| writer= [[Jonathan Hickman|Hickman, Jonathan]]|penciller= [[Dale Eaglesham|Eaglesham, Dale]]|inker= Eaglesham, Dale|story= Solve Everything Part One|title= Fantastic Four|issue= 570|date= October 2009}}</ref> and later Steve Epting on art.

===2010s===
In the storyline "Three", which concluded in ''Fantastic Four'' #587 ([[cover date]] March 2011, published January 26, 2011), the [[Human Torch]] appears to die stopping a horde of monsters from the other-dimensional [[Negative Zone]]. The series ended with the following issue, #588, and relaunched in March 2011 as simply ''FF''.<ref name="JohnnyDeath1">{{cite news |last=Ching |first=Albert |url=http://blog.newsarama.com/2011/01/25/associated-press-spoils-fantastic-four-587-hours-before-comic-goes-on-sale/ |title=Associated Press Spoils ''Fantastic Four'' #587 Hours Before Comic Goes on Sale |work=Newsarama |date=January 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616160700/http://blog.newsarama.com/2011/01/25/associated-press-spoils-fantastic-four-587-hours-before-comic-goes-on-sale/ |archive-date=June 16, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="JohnnyDeath2">{{cite news |last=Ching |first=Albert |url=http://www.newsarama.com/comics/hickman-fantastic-four-587-110125.html |title=Hickman Details ''Fantastic Four'' #587's Big Character Death |work=Newsarama |date=January 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921171546/http://www.newsarama.com/6902-hickman-details-fantastic-four-587-s-big-character-death.html |archive-date=September 21, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Moore |first=Matt |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jan/25/after-half-century-its-1-fantastics-farewell/?page=all |title=After Half Century, It's 1 Fantastic's Farewell |publisher=Associated Press via [[The Washington Post]] |date=January 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610193054/http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jan/25/after-half-century-its-1-fantastics-farewell/?page=all |archive-date=June 10, 2015 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The relaunch saw the team assume a new name, the [[Future Foundation]], adopt new black-and-white costumes, and accept longtime ally [[Spider-Man]] as a member.<ref name="ElectricPrimate">{{cite web |last=Khouri |first=Andy |url=http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/02/09/fantastic-four-FF-new-costumes-spider-man/ |title=Fantastic Four Get a New Name, New Costumes and an Old Spider-Man |website=ComicsAlliance.com |date=February 9, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824112129/http://www.comicsalliance.com/2011/02/09/fantastic-four-FF-new-costumes-spider-man/ |archive-date=August 24, 2012 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Hanks |first=Henry |url=http://www.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/02/10/spiderman.ff.go/index.html?hpt=C2 |title=Spider-Man replacing Human Torch on new 'FF' team |publisher=CNN |date=February 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211073959/http://www.cnn.com/2011/SHOWBIZ/02/10/spiderman.ff.go/index.html?hpt=C2 |archive-date=February 11, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Cowsill "2010s" in Gilbert (2012), p. 336: "In a hologram left for Reed, [Johnny Storm] urged his teammates to continue their work, and to replace him on the team with Spider-Man."</ref> In October 2011, with the publication of ''FF'' #11 (cover-dated Dec. 2011), the ''Fantastic Four'' series reached its 599th issue.

In November 2011, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Fantastic Four and of Marvel Comics, the company published the 100-page ''Fantastic Four'' #600 (cover-dated Jan. 2012),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.comics.org/issue/899879/|title=GCD :: Issue :: Fantastic Four #600|website=Comics.org}}</ref> which returned the title to its original numbering and featured the return of the Human Torch. It revealed the fate of the character of Johnny Storm after issue #587, showing that while he did in fact die, he was resurrected to fight as a gladiator for the entertainment of Annihilus. Storm later formed a resistance force called Light Brigade and defeated Annihilus.<ref name="FF600" />

Although it was launched as a continuation of the ''Fantastic Four'' title, ''FF'' continues publication as a separate series. Starting with issue #12, the title focuses upon the youthful members of the Future Foundation, including Franklin and Valeria Richards.

In the graphic novel ''Fantastic Four: Season One'', the Fantastic Four is given an updated origin story set in the present day instead of the 1960s.<ref name="nyt-20120311">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2012-03-11/hardcover-graphic-books/list.html |title=Best Sellers – ''The New York Times'' – Hardcover Graphic Books |date=March 11, 2012 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=May 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130521063607/http://www.nytimes.com/best-sellers-books/2012-03-11/hardcover-graphic-books/list.html |archive-date=May 21, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref> The hardcover compilation debuted at number four on [[The New York Times Best Seller list|''The New York Times'' Best Seller list]] for graphic novels.<ref name="nyt-20120311"/>

As part of [[Marvel NOW!]] ''Fantastic Four'' ended with #611, ending Jonathan Hickman's long run on ''FF'' titles, and the title was relaunched in November 2012 with the creative team of writer [[Matt Fraction]] and artist [[Mark Bagley]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://marvel.com/news/story/19200/marvel_now_qa_fantastic_four |title=Marvel NOW! Q&A: ''Fantastic Four'' |first=Jim |last=Beard |date=August 13, 2012 |publisher=Marvel Comics |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511144455/http://marvel.com/news/story/19200/marvel_now_qa_fantastic_four |archive-date=May 11, 2013 |url-status=live |access-date=May 26, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=42363|title= Fraction Celebrates Marvel's First Families in ''Fantastic Four'' & ''FF''|first= Dave|last= Richards|date= November 27, 2012|website=Comic Book Resources|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130512074944/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=42363|archive-date= May 12, 2013|url-status=live|access-date= May 26, 2013}}</ref> In the new title with its numbering starting at #1, the entire Fantastic Four family explore space together, with the hidden intent for Reed Richards to discover why his powers are fading.

Writer [[James Robinson (writer)|James Robinson]] and artist [[Leonard Kirk]] launched a new ''Fantastic Four'' series in February 2014 ([[cover date]]d April 2014).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=49246|title= James Robinson Ushers in a New Era for the ''Fantastic Four''|first= Dave|last= Richards|date= November 20, 2013|website=Comic Book Resources|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140429060419/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=49246|archive-date= April 29, 2014|url-status=live|quote= These questions and more will be explored in an all-new volume of ''Fantastic Four'' by writer James Robinson and artist Leonard Kirk, which kicks off in February.}}</ref>

Robinson later confirmed that ''Fantastic Four'' would be cancelled in 2015 with issue #645, saying that "The book is reverting to its original numbers, and the book is going away for a while. I'm moving towards the end of ''Fantastic Four''. I just want to reassure people that you will not leave this book with a bad taste in your mouth."<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=56241|title= NYCC: Marvel's Axel-In-Charge Panel Reveals ''Fantastic Four'' Fate, New ''Ant-Man'' and More|first= Albert|last= Ching|date= October 12, 2014|website=Comic Book Resources|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150928124025/http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=56241|archive-date= September 28, 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> In the aftermath of the "[[Secret Wars (2015 comic book)|Secret Wars]]" storyline, the Thing is working with the Guardians of the Galaxy and the Human Torch is acting as an ambassador with the Inhumans.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.bleedingcool.com/2015/10/14/more-secrets-from-all-new-all-different-marvel-human-torch-and-rogue-really/|title= More Secrets From All-New All-Different Marvel – Human Torch And Rogue? Really?|first= Rich|last= Johnston|date= October 14, 2015|publisher= Bleeding Cool|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151015132106/http://www.bleedingcool.com/2015/10/14/more-secrets-from-all-new-all-different-marvel-human-torch-and-rogue-really/|archive-date= October 15, 2015|url-status=live|quote= The Thing has joined the Guardians Of The Galaxy amidst cosmic wordplay between Rocket Raccoon and the Kitty Pryde Starlord. While the Human Torch has joined the Uncanny Avengers, and we already know is getting down with Inhuman Queen Medusa.}}</ref> With Franklin's powers restored and Reed having absorbed the power of the Beyonders from Doom, the Richards family is working on travelling through and reconstructing the multiverse,<ref>{{cite comic| writer= Hickman, Jonathan|penciller= Ribić, Esad|inker= Ribić, Esad|story= Beyond|title= Secret Wars|issue= 9|date= March 2016}}</ref> but Peter Parker has purchased the Baxter Building to keep it "safe" until the team is ready to come back together.<ref>{{cite comic|writer= [[Dan Slott|Slott, Dan]]|penciller= [[Giuseppe Camuncoli|Camuncoli, Giuseppe]]|inker= [[Cam Smith (artist)|Smith, Cam]]|story= Friendly Fire|title= [[The Amazing Spider-Man]]|volume= 4|issue= 3|date= January 2016}}</ref>

A new volume for the Fantastic Four was released in August 2018, written by [[Dan Slott]], as part of Marvel's [[Fresh Start (comics)|Fresh Start]] event.<ref>[https://news.marvel.com/comics/86780/fantastic-four-return/ THE FANTASTIC FOUR RETURN] -Marvel.com</ref><ref>[https://www.newsarama.com/39277-marvel-s-fantastic-four-are-back-sort-of.html Marvel's FANTASTIC FOUR Are Back] -Newsarama</ref> The first issue of the new series was met with strong sales,<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.comicsbeat.com/comixology-sales-charts-fantastic-four-2-lands-big-catwoman-2-goes-splat-week-of-8-8-18/|title=Comixology Sales Charts: Fantastic Four #2 Lands Big, Catwoman #2 Goes Splat – Week of 8.8.18|first=Todd|last=Allen|date=13 August 2018|website=Comicsbeat.com}}</ref> and a positive critical reaction.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bleedingcool.com/2018/08/06/advance-review-fantastic-four-1-spoilers/|title=Advance Review: Fantastic Four #1 - Managed Expectations [Spoilers]|website=Bleedingcool.com|date=6 August 2018 |access-date=10 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/comics/2018/8/8/17661880/new-fantastic-four-comic-dan-slott-marvel|title=The Fantastic Four have returned — but where have they been?|first=Kieran|last=Shiach|date=8 August 2018|website=Polygon.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://comicbookroundup.com:443/comic-books/reviews/marvel-comics/fantastic-four-(2018)/1|title=Fantastic Four #1 Reviews|website=ComicBookRoundup.com}}</ref> When the Future Foundation is threatened by the Griever at the End of All Things, Mister Fantastic plays on her ego to convince her to provide him with equipment that will allow him to summon his teammates. When Human Torch and Thing are reunited with Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman, the other superheroes that were part of the Fantastic Four at some point in their lives also arrived, including, unexpectedly, [[X-Men]]'s [[Iceman (Marvel Comics)|Iceman]].<ref>''Fantastic Four'' Vol. 6 #2. Marvel Comics.</ref> With the gathered heroes assisted the Fantastic Four into causing so much damage to the Griever's equipment, she is forced to retreat in her final telepod or be trapped in that universe. This left the heroes to salvage components from the broken ship to create their own teleport system to return to their universe.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' Vol. 6 #3. Marvel Comics.</ref> The Fantastic Four and their extended family returned to Earth where they find that [[Liberty Legion|Liberteens]] members Ms. America, 2-D, Hope, and Iceberg have come together as the Fantastix with Ms. America taking the codename of Ms. Fantastix. Following the staged bank robbery that the [[Wrecking Crew (comics)|Wrecking Crew]] committed and their involvement of being hired to humiliate the Fantastix in public, the Fantastic Four gave the Fantastix their blessing to continue using the Baxter Building while the FF operate in a house on Yancy Street with a dimensionally-transcendental interior.<ref name="ReferenceA">''Fantastic Four'' Vol. 6 #4. Marvel Comics.</ref>

In the storyline ''Point of Origin'', the Fantastic Four entrust Alicia, H.E.R.B.I.E., Franklin and Valeria to protect Earth while they begin their mission to learn a further origin of the cosmic radiation that granted them their powers in the first place, piloting a new space ship called Marvel-2.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' Vol. 6 #14. Marvel Comics.</ref> While in the middle of a space adventure to find the origin, the Fantastic Four are attacked by a group who believed themselves to be the superheroes of Planet Spyre, the [[Unparalleled (comics)|Unparalleled]]. Reed and Sue are separated from the Thing, Human Torch is revealed to be the soulmate of the Unparalleled member named Sky, and they learn that the Unparalleled's leader and the Overseer of Planet Spyre, Revos, was responsible for the cosmic rays that struck the team on their original trip, as he wanted to stop them coming to his planet. Revos subsequently mutated his people to "prepare for their return" before trying to eradicate the mutates{{efn|In Marvel comics, the term "mutate" is used as a noun to designate characters that received superpowers from an external source, as opposed to Marvel's [[Mutant (Marvel Comics)|mutants]].}} who are unable to retain their original forms in the same manner as the Thing, accusing the mutates of being "villains and imperfects"; as a result, through his own paranoia and [[xenophobia]], the Overseer himself is responsible for the fateful creation of the Fantastic Four and mutated his entire race to face a non-existent threat.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' Vol. 6 #15-17. Marvel Comics.</ref> Revos challenges Mr. Fantastic to a fight over their differences, until it is settled and they finally made peace. As the Fantastic Four are about to depart Spyre after helping its citizens clean up the Planet (as well as Reed providing the mutates with a variation of the temporary 'cure' he has created for Ben), Skye join them to learn about Earth and every unseen galaxy.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' Vol. 6 #18-20. Marvel Comics.</ref> When the [[Incoming! (comics)|incoming]] Kree-Skrull [[Empyre]] occur at the same time as teen heroes are being [[Outlawed (comics)|outlawed]], the original Fantastic Four went to space with Avengers to stop this Empyre, leaving Franklin and Valeria being backed by Spider-Man and Wolverine to defend Earth.<ref>''Fantastic Four'' Vol. 6 #21. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===2020s===
In August 2022, Marvel announced that writer [[Ryan North]] and artist Iban Coello would launch a new volume of Fantastic Four in November of that year after Slott had concluded his run on the title with issue #46.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/comics/fantastic-four-1-2022-ryan-north-iban-coello-new-era | title=A New Era of 'Fantastic Four' Begins with Ryan North & Iban Coello }}</ref>

==Spin-offs==
Ancillary titles and features spin off from the flagship series include the 1970s quarterly ''Giant-Size Fantastic Four'' and the 1990s ''Fantastic Four Unlimited'' and ''Fantastic Four Unplugged''; ''[[Fantastic Force]]'', an 18-issue spinoff (November 1994 – April 1996) featuring a young adult Franklin Richards, from a different timeline, as Psi-Lord. A 12-issue series ''Fantastic Four: The World's Greatest Comics Magazine'' ran in 2001, paying homage to [[Stan Lee]] and [[Jack Kirby]]'s legendary run. A spinoff title ''[[Marvel Knights 4]]'' (April 2004 – August 2006) was written by [[Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa]] and initially illustrated by [[Steve McNiven]]<ref>Manning "2000s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 321: "Playwright Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and artist Steve McNiven focused on the family dynamic that holds the Fantastic Four together in this new ongoing series."</ref> in his first Marvel work. There have also been numerous [[Limited series (comics)|limited series]] featuring the group.

In 1996, Marvel launched the series ''[[Fantastic Four 2099]],'' part of the company's [[Marvel 2099]] imprint which explored an alternate future of the Marvel Universe. The four protagonists inexplicably find themselves in 2099, with the world believing them to be clones of the original members of the Fantastic Four. The series ran for 8 issues (Jan. – Aug. 1996), serving as a companion to ''[[Doom 2099]]''—an original Marvel 2099 title featuring an individual claiming to be the original [[Doctor Doom|Victor von Doom]]. In 2021, the series was brought back for a single issue.

In 2004, Marvel launched ''[[Ultimate Fantastic Four]]''. As part of the company's [[Ultimate Marvel]] imprint, the series re-imagined the team as young adults.<ref>Manning "2000s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 320: "Brian Michael Bendis, Mark Millar, and Adam Kubert reexamined Marvel's first family, creating this alternate version of the Fantastic Four."</ref> It ran for 60 issues (Feb. 2004 – Feb. 2009). The issues were repackaged into four-issue graphic novel volumes. The characters continued to appear in other Ultimate Marvel franchises, including ''[[Ultimatum (comics)|Ultimatum]]''. Ultimate Reed Richards became a mainstay of both the [[Earth-1610]] and [[Earth-616]] continuities as the villain [[Maker (character)|the Maker]]. In 2008, they also launched ''Marvel Adventures: Fantastic Four'', an out-of-continuity series aimed at younger readers.

Although it was launched by Marvel as a continuation of the Fantastic Four title in 2011, ''[[Future Foundation|FF]]'' continued publication as a separate series after the regular series resumed in 2012. From issues #12, the title focused on the youthful members of the Future Foundation, including Franklin and Valeria Richards. A second volume was launched as part of [[Marvel NOW!]] by [[Matt Fraction]] and [[Mike Allred]] depicting a substitute Fantastic Four team starring [[Ant-Man (Scott Lang)|Scott Lang]], [[Medusa (comics)|Medusa]], [[She-Hulk]] and Ms. Thing.

===Solo series===
====The Human Torch solo====
The Human Torch was given a solo strip in ''[[Strange Tales]]'' in 1962 to bolster the title's sales.<ref name="Daniels"/>{{Rp|98}} The series began in ''[[Strange Tales]]'' #101 (October 1962), in 12- to 14-page stories plotted by Lee and initially scripted by his brother [[Larry Lieber]], and drawn by penciller Kirby and inker [[Dick Ayers]].

Here, Johnny was seen living with his older sister, Susan, in fictional Glenview, [[Long Island]], New York, where he continued [[High school (North America)|high school]] and, with youthful naiveté, attempted to maintain a "secret identity". In ''Strange Tales'' #106 (March 1963), Johnny discovered that his friends and neighbors knew of his dual identity all along from Fantastic Four news reports, but were humoring him. Supporting characters included Johnny's girlfriend, Doris Evans, usually in consternation as Johnny cheerfully flew off to battle bad guys. She was seen again in a 1973 issue of ''Fantastic Four'', having become a heavyset but cheerful wife and mother.<ref>{{cite comic| writer= [[Gerry Conway|Conway, Gerry]]|penciller= [[John Buscema|Buscema, John]]|inker= Sinnott, Joe|story= A Dragon Stalks the Skies|title= Fantastic Four|issue= 134|date= May 1973}}</ref> Ayers took over the penciling after ten issues, later followed by original [[Human Torch (android)|Golden Age Human Torch]] creator [[Carl Burgos]] and others. The Fantastic Four made occasional cameo appearances, and the Thing became a co-star with issue #123 (Aug. 1964).

The Human Torch shared the split book ''[[Strange Tales]]'' with fellow feature [[Doctor Strange]] for the majority of its run, before being replaced in issue #135 (August 1965) by [[Nick Fury|Nick Fury, Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D.]] The Silver Age stories were republished in 1974, along with some Golden Age Human Torch stories, in a short-lived ongoing ''Human Torch'' series.

A later ongoing solo series in Marvel's [[manga]]-influenced [[Tsunami (Marvel Comics)|Tsunami]] [[Imprint (trade name)|imprint]], ''Human Torch'', ran 12 issues (June 2003 – June 2004), by writer [[Karl Kesel]] and [[penciler]] [[Skottie Young]].<ref>[http://www.comics.org/series/10987/ ''Human Torch'', Marvel, 2003 series] at the Grand Comics Database.</ref> The series was followed by the five-issue limited series ''Spider-Man/Human Torch'' (March–July 2005), an untold tales [[team-up]] arc spanning the course of their friendship.

====The Thing solo====
The Thing appeared in two team-up issues of ''[[Marvel Feature]]'' (#11–12, September–November 1973). Following their success, he was given his own regular team-up title ''[[Marvel Two-in-One]]'', co-starring with Marvel heroes not only in the present day but occasionally in other time periods (fighting alongside the [[World War II]]-era [[Liberty Legion]] in #20 and the 1930s hero [[Doc Savage]] in #21, for example) and in [[Parallel universe (fiction)|alternate realities]]. The series ran 100 issues (January 1974 – June 1983), with seven summer annuals (1976–1982) and was immediately followed by the solo title ''The Thing'' #1–36 (July 1983 – June 1986). Another ongoing solo series, also titled ''The Thing'', ran eight issues (January–August 2006).

A six issue miniseries written by [[Walter Mosely]], entitled ''The Thing'', was released in November 2021.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.marvel.com/comics/issue/91624/the_thing_2021_1 | title=The Thing (2021) #1 &#124; Comic Issues &#124; Marvel }}</ref>

====Invisible Woman solo====
In April 2019, Marvel Comics announced that it would publish ''Invisible Woman'', a five-issue miniseries written by [[Mark Waid]] and drawn by artist Mattia De Lulis.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.comicsbeat.com/invisible-woman-miniseries-waid-de-iulis/ | title=Syndicated Comics | date=9 April 2019 }}</ref> This was Sue Storm's first solo title. [[Adam Hughes]] drew the cover for all five issues.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://comicbook.com/marvel/news/invisible-woman-series-marvel-comics-mark-waid/|title=Marvel Announces 'Invisible Woman' Series|website=Marvel|date=9 April 2019 }}</ref>

==Characters {{Anchor|The team}}==
The Fantastic Four is formed after four civilian astronauts are exposed to [[cosmic rays]] during an unauthorized [[outer space]] test flight in an experimental [[rocket]] ship designed by Dr. Reed Richards. Pilot Ben Grimm and crew-members Susan Storm and her brother Johnny Storm survive an emergency [[Emergency landing|crash-land]]ing in a field on Earth. Upon exiting the rocket, the four discover they have developed incredible [[Superpower (ability)|superpowers]] and decide to use these powers to help others.

In the first issue the crew talks about Reed Richards' rocketship flying to the stars. Stan Lee's original synopsis described the crew's plan to fly to Mars, but Lee later shortly afterward wrote that due to "the rate the Communists are progressing in space, maybe we better make this a flight to the STARS, instead of just to Mars, because by the time this mag goes on sale, the Russians may have already MADE a flight to Mars!"<ref>Note reprinted in {{cite book|last = Lee|first = Stan|title = Marvel Firsts: The 1960s|chapter= Snopses" [''sic''] The Fantsiuc [''sic''] Four July '61 Schedule (#)|publisher = Marvel Comics|year = 2011|pages = 484–485 |isbn = 978-0785158646}}</ref>

In a significant departure from preceding superhero conventions, the Fantastic Four make no effort to maintain secret identities or, until issue #3, to wear superhero costumes, instead maintaining a public profile and enjoying celebrity status for scientific and heroic contributions to society. At the same time, they are often prone to arguing and even fighting with one another. Despite their bickering, the Fantastic Four consistently prove themselves to be "a cohesive and formidable team in times of crisis."<ref name="Wright">{{Cite book | last=Wright | first=Bradford W. | year=2001 | title=Comic Book Nation: The Transformation of Youth Culture in America | url=https://archive.org/details/comicbooknationt00wrig | url-access=registration | location=Baltimore, Maryland |publisher= [[Johns Hopkins University Press]]| isbn=0-8018-7450-5}}</ref>{{Rp|204–205}}

While there have been a number of lineup changes to the group, the four characters who debuted in ''Fantastic Four'' #1 remain the core and most frequent lineup. They consist of:

* '''[[Mister Fantastic]]''' (Reed Richards) - A scientific genius, can stretch, twist and re-shape his body to inhuman proportions. Mr. Fantastic serves as the father figure of the group, and is "appropriately pragmatic, authoritative, and dull".<ref name="Wright"/>{{Rp|19}} Richards blames himself for the failed space mission, particularly because of how the event transformed pilot Ben Grimm.<ref name="Wright"/>{{Rp|205}} Stan Lee said the stretch powers were inspired by DC's [[Plastic Man]], which had no equivalent in Marvel.<ref name=conversation>{{cite book|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zLmB3GprtboC&pg=PA179|title=Stan Lee: Conversations|editor=McLaughlin, Jeff|chapter=Stan Lee Looks Back: The Comics Legend Recalls Life with Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, and Heroes|page=179|year=2007|location= Jackson, Mississippi|publisher= [[University Press of Mississippi]]|isbn=978-1578069859}}</ref>
* '''[[Invisible Woman|Invisible Girl/Invisible Woman]]''' (Susan Storm) - Reed Richards' girlfriend (and eventual wife) has the ability to bend and manipulate light to render herself and others invisible. Stan Lee did not want Sue to have superstrength, "to be [[Wonder Woman]] and punch people", so eventually he came to invisibility, inspired by works such as ''[[The Invisible Man (1933 film)|The Invisible Man]]''.<ref name=conversation/> She later develops the ability to generate invisible force fields, which she uses for a variety of defensive and offensive effects.
* '''[[Human Torch]]''' (Johnny Storm) - Sue Storm's younger brother, possesses the ability to control fire, allowing him to project fire from his body, as well as the power to fly. This character was loosely based on a [[Human Torch (android)|Human Torch]] character published by Marvel's predecessor [[Timely Comics]] in the 1940s, an android that could ignite itself. Lee said that when he conceptualized the character, "I thought it was a shame that we didn't have The Human Torch anymore, and this was a good chance to bring him back".<ref name="Daniels"/>{{Rp|85}} Unlike the teen sidekicks that preceded him, the Human Torch in the early stories was "a typical adolescent — brash, rebellious, and affectionately obnoxious."<ref name="Wright"/>{{Rp|204}} Johnny Storm was killed in the 2011 storyline "Three",<ref name="JohnnyDeath2"/> before being brought back and rejoining the reformed Fantastic Four.<ref name="FF600">{{cite comic| writer= [[Jonathan Hickman|Hickman, Jonathan]]|penciller= [[Carmine Di Giandomenico|Di Giandomenico, Carmine]]|inker= Di Giandomenico, Carmine|story= Whatever Happened to Johnny Storm?|title= Fantastic Four|issue= 600|date= January 2012}}</ref>
* '''[[Thing (comics)|Thing]]''' (Ben Grimm) - Reed Richards' college roommate and best friend, has been transformed into a monstrous, orange, rock-like humanoid possessing high levels of superhuman strength and durability. The Thing is often filled with anger, self-loathing and self-pity over his new existence. He serves as "an uncle figure, a long-term friend of the family with a gruff [[Brooklyn]] manner, short temper, and caustic sense of humor".<ref name="Wright"/>{{Rp|204}} In the original synopsis Lee gave to Kirby, The Thing was intended as "the heavy", but over the years, the character has become "the most lovable group member: honest, direct and free of pretension".<ref name="Daniels"/>{{Rp|86}} Lee said his original pitch to Kirby stated that The Thing was "someone who turned into a monster" and is bitter because unlike the other three he cannot change back to a normal appearance.<ref name=conversation/>

The Fantastic Four has had several headquarters, most notably the [[Baxter Building]], located at [[42nd Street (Manhattan)|42nd Street]] and [[Madison Avenue]]<ref>{{cite web |last=Irving |first=Christopher |work=[[New York (magazine)|New York]] |url=https://nymag.com/arts/books/features/55001/ |title=A Land of Geeks and Goblins |access-date=July 14, 2010 |date=March 1, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130810063149/http://nymag.com/arts/books/features/55001/ |archive-date=August 10, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> in New York City. The Baxter Building was replaced by [[Four Freedoms Plaza]] at the same location after its destruction at the hands of [[Kristoff Vernard]], adopted son of the team's seminal foe [[Doctor Doom]] (prior to the completion of Four Freedoms Plaza, the team took up temporary residence at [[Avengers Mansion]]).<ref>{{Cite comic | writer= Byrne, John|penciller= Byrne, John|inker= [[Jerry Ordway|Ordway, Jerry]]|story= Towards Infinity!|title= Fantastic Four|issue= 282|date= September 1985}}</ref> Pier 4, a waterfront warehouse, served as a temporary headquarters after Four Freedoms Plaza was destroyed by the ostensible superhero team the [[Thunderbolts (comics)|Thunderbolts]]<ref>{{Cite comic |writer= [[Kurt Busiek|Busiek, Kurt]]|penciller= [[Mark Bagley|Bagley, Mark]]|inker= Russell, Vince|story= Heroes' Reward|title= [[Thunderbolts (comics)|Thunderbolts]]|issue= 10|date=January 1998}}</ref> shortly after the revelation that they were actually the supervillain team the [[Masters of Evil]] in disguise. Pier 4 was eventually destroyed during a battle with the longtime Fantastic Four supervillain [[Diablo (Marvel Comics)|Diablo]],<ref>{{Cite comic | writer= [[Carlos Pacheco|Pacheco, Carlos]]; [[Rafael Marín|Marin, Rafael]]|penciller= Pacheco, Carlos|inker=[[Jesus Merino|Merino, Jesus]]|story= Shadows in the Mirror!|title= Fantastic Four|volume= 3|issue= 35|date= November 2000}}</ref><ref>{{cite comic| writer= Pacheco, Carlos; Marin, Rafael|penciller= Pacheco, Carlos|inker= Merino, Jesus|story= Day of the Dark Sun|title= Fantastic Four|volume= 3|issue= 36|date= December 2000}}</ref> after which the team received a new Baxter Building, courtesy of one of team leader Reed Richards' former professors, Noah Baxter. This second Baxter Building was constructed in Earth's orbit and teleported into the vacant lot formerly occupied by the original.<ref>{{Cite comic |writer= Pacheco, Carlos; Marin, Rafael|penciller= Pacheco, Carlos|inker= Merino, Jesus|story= Things Change|title= Fantastic Four|volume= 3| issue= 39|date= March 2001}}</ref> After their brief hiatus creating universes after the Secret Wars event, they took residence on 4 Yancy Street before moving back into the newly rebuilt Baxter Building.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

==Supporting characters==
===Allies and supporting characters===
{{main|List of Fantastic Four members}}
A number of characters are closely affiliated with the team, share complex personal histories with one or more of its members but have never actually held an official membership. Some of these characters include, but are not limited to: [[Namor|Namor the Sub-Mariner]] (previously an antagonist), [[Alicia Masters]],<ref>DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 89: "[The Puppet Master] used his blind stepdaughter Alicia in a plot to destroy the Fantastic Four, but the young sculptress soon fell in love with the Thing."</ref> [[Lyja|Lyja the Lazerfist]], [[H.E.R.B.I.E.]], [[Kristoff Vernard]] ([[Doctor Doom]]'s former protégé), [[Wyatt Wingfoot]],<ref>DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 116: "Roughly based on the Native American athlete Jim Thorpe, Wyatt Wingfoot casually sauntered into Johnny Storm's life in ''Fantastic Four'' #51."</ref> Sue and Johnny's father [[Franklin Storm]], the receptionist android [[Roberta (comics)|Roberta]], governess [[Agatha Harkness]],<ref>Sanderson "1970s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 144: "Issue #94 of the ''Fantastic Four'' introduced Agatha Harkness, the kindly witch who dwelt in a Gothic mansion atop Whisper Hill."</ref> and Reed and Sue's children [[Franklin Richards (character)|Franklin Richards]]<ref name="DeFalco133" /> and [[Valeria Richards]].

Several allies of the Fantastic Four have served as temporary members of the team, including [[Crystal (character)|Crystal]], [[Medusa (comics)|Medusa]],<ref>Sanderson "1970s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 159: "In ''Fantastic Four'' #132, Medusa of the Inhumans replaced Susan Richards briefly on the FF."</ref> [[Luke Cage|Power Man]] (Luke Cage), [[Nova (Frankie Raye)|Nova]] (Frankie Raye),<ref name="FF238">{{cite comic| writer= Byrne, John|penciller= Byrne, John|inker= Byrne, John|story= The Lady Is for Burning!|title= Fantastic Four|issue= 238|date= January 1982}}</ref> [[She-Hulk]], [[Sharon Ventura|Ms. Marvel]] (Sharon Ventura), [[Ant-Man (Scott Lang)]], [[Namorita]], [[Storm (Marvel Comics)|Storm]], and the [[Black Panther (character)|Black Panther]]. A temporary lineup from ''Fantastic Four'' #347–349 (December 1990 – February 1991) consisted of the [[Hulk]] (in his "Joe Fixit" persona), [[Spider-Man]], [[Wolverine (character)|Wolverine]], and [[Ghost Rider (Danny Ketch)|Ghost Rider]].<ref name="Manning252" />

Other notable characters who have been involved with the Fantastic Four include [[Alyssa Moy]], [[Captain Britain Corps|Caledonia]] ([[Alysande Stuart]] of Earth-9809), [[Fantastic Force]], the [[Inhumans]]<ref name="DeFalco111" /> (particularly the royal family members [[Black Bolt]], Crystal, Medusa, [[Gorgon (Inhuman)|Gorgon]], [[Karnak (comics)|Karnak]], [[Triton (comics)|Triton]], and [[Lockjaw (character)|Lockjaw]]), Reed's father [[Nathaniel Richards (Marvel Comics)|Nathaniel Richards]], the [[Silver Surfer]] (previously an antagonist), Franklin's teleporting pet [[List of Marvel Comics characters: P#Puppy|Puppy]], [[Thundra]], postal worker [[Willie Lumpkin]], Baxter Building landlord [[Walter Collins (comics)|Walter Collins]], the Thing's rivals the [[Yancy Street Gang]] and [[Uatu|Uatu the Watcher]].

Author [[Christopher Knowles (comics)|Christopher Knowles]] states that Kirby's work on creations featured in the ''Fantastic Four'' comics such as the Inhumans and the Black Panther served as "a showcase of some of the most radical concepts in the history of the medium".<ref name="Our Gods">{{Cite book|last=Knowles|first=Christopher| author-link=Christopher Knowles (comics)|title=[[Our Gods Wear Spandex]]|publisher=[[Red Wheel Weiser Conari|Weiser]]|year=2007|location= Newburyport, Massachusetts|page= [https://books.google.com/books?id=93Mv-1R5yskC&pg=PA173 173]–174|isbn=978-1-57863-406-4}}</ref>

==Antagonists==
{{Main|List of Fantastic Four enemies}}
Writers and artists over many years have created a variety of characters to challenge the Fantastic Four. Knowles states that Kirby helped to create "an army of villains whose rage and destructive power had never been seen before," and "whose primary impulse is to smash the world."<ref name="Our Gods"/> Some of the team's oldest and most frequent enemies have involved such foes as the [[Mole Man]], the [[Skrull]]s,<ref name="DeFalco84" /> [[Namor|Namor the Sub-Mariner]], [[Doctor Doom]], the [[Puppet Master (Marvel Comics)|Puppet Master]], [[Kang the Conqueror|Kang the Conqueror/Rama-Tut]]/[[Immortus]], [[Blastaar]], the [[Frightful Four]],<ref>DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 107: "The Wizard...gathered together his former partner the Trapster, along with the Sandman and Medusa to form the Frightful Four."</ref> [[Annihilus]],<ref name="DeFalco133b" /> [[Galactus]], and [[Klaw (character)|Klaw]]. Other prominent antagonists of the Fantastic Four have included the [[Wizard (Marvel Comics)|Wizard]], the [[Impossible Man]],<ref>DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 90: "An alien with the power to morph into any shape or substance he desired, the Impossible Man was hated by readers at first because he was not a serious menace."</ref> the [[Red Ghost (character)|Red Ghost]] and the [[Super-Apes]],<ref>DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 92: "With the Cold War's space race dominating the news, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby mixed real world events with comic book fantasy in ''The Fantastic Four'' #13...Familiar with the Fantastic Four's origin, Ivan Kragoff – the Red Ghost – trained a crew of apes to pilot a space  ship...he deliberately exposed himself and them to cosmic rays so that they could develop super-powers."</ref> the [[Mad Thinker]], the [[Super-Skrull]], the [[Molecule Man]],<ref>DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 95: "Owen Reece...became Molecule Man when he inadvertently gained the power to control and reshape matter on the molecular level."</ref> [[Diablo (Marvel Comics)|Diablo]], [[Dragon Man (comics)|Dragon Man]],<ref>DeFalco "1960s" in Gilbert (2008), p. 107: "The fire-breathing monster known as Dragon Man first took wing ''Fantastic Four'' #35. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby modeled him after both Frankenstein and King Kong."</ref> [[Psycho-Man]], [[Ronan the Accuser]], [[Salem's Seven]], [[Terrax]], [[Terminus (comics)|Terminus]], [[Hyperstorm]], and [[Lucia von Bardas]].

==Fantastic Four Incorporated==
'''Fantastic Four Incorporated''', also known as '''Fantastic Enterprises''',<ref name="MK4no28">''Marvel Knights 4'' #28</ref> is a fictional organization appearing in [[American comic book]]s published by [[Marvel Comics]]. It was founded by Reed Richards to license use of Richard's patents and funded the Fantastic Four's operation and their source of income.

Staff are:
*[[Invisible Woman|Susan Richards (Invisible Woman)]]<ref name="Fantastic Four vol. 3 #61">''Fantastic Four'' vol. 3 #61</ref> - CEO of Fantastic Four Inc.
*[[Human Torch|Johnny Storm (Human Torch)]]<ref name="Fantastic Four vol. 3 #61"/> - made COO by Susan to give him some work ethic.
*Christi Stoger<ref name="Fantastic Four vol. 3 #62">''Fantastic Four'' vol. 3 #62</ref> - with Ethan Crane, tried to frame Johnny Storm for a screw-up to get themselves promoted
*Ethan Crane<ref name="Fantastic Four vol. 3 #62"/> - with Christi Stoger, tried to frame Johnny Storm for a screw-up to get themselves promoted
*Jian Feeta<ref name="Fantastic Four vol. 3 #61"/> - Johnny's Personal Assistant
*Bethany Palmer<ref name="MK4no28" /> -  assisted out of abusive relationship with ex-husband, Jeff, by the Invisible Woman
*Jed Schultz<ref>''Marvel Knights 4'' #1</ref> - informed Reed about the embezzlement of their funds
*Margaret Kofpulski<ref>''Marvel Knights 4'' #19</ref>

== Cultural impact and legacy ==
[[File:NYCC 2016 - Fantastic Four (30109524962).jpg|thumb|Fantastic Four cosplay at the 2016 [[New York Comic Con]]]]

=== Critical reception ===
Abraham Riesman of ''[[Vulture Magazine|Vulture]]'' included the Fantastic Four in their "12 Teams That Defined Superhero Storytelling" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Riesman |first=Abraham Josephine |title=12 Teams That Defined Superhero Storytelling |url=https://www.vulture.com/2015/04/12-teams-that-defined-superhero-storytelling.html |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=Vulture |date=27 April 2015 |language=en-us}}</ref> Laura Bradley of ''[[Vanity Fair (magazine)|Vanity Fair]]'' included the Fantastic Four in their "Stan Lee’s Most Iconic Characters" list.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2018-11-12 |title=Stan Lee's Most Iconic Characters |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/photos/2018/11/best-stan-lee-characters |magazine=Vanity Fair |language=en-US |access-date=2023-02-12}}</ref> ''[[CBR.com]]'' ranked the Fantastic Four 1st in their "10 Most Fashionable Teams In Marvel Comics" list,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Alford |first=Alicea |date=2023-01-30 |title=10 Most Fashionable Teams In Marvel Comics |url=https://www.cbr.com/best-marvel-team-costumes/ |access-date=2023-02-03 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref> 3rd in their "Every Marvel Superhero Team" list,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Leroy |first=Kath |date=2021-02-08 |title=Every Marvel Superhero Team, Ranked |url=https://www.cbr.com/every-marvel-superhero-team/ |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref> and 5th in their "Marvel: The 10 Strongest Superhero Teams" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allan |first=Scoot |date=2021-06-23 |title=Marvel: The 10 Strongest Superhero Teams |url=https://www.cbr.com/marvel-strongest-superhero-teams/ |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=CBR |language=en}}</ref> Brooke Wright of ''[[MovieWeb]]'' ranked the Fantastic Four 2nd in their "Most Famous Superhero Families" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wright |first=Brooke |date=2022-12-27 |title=The Most Famous Superhero Families, Ranked |url=https://movieweb.com/most-famous-superhero-families-ranked/ |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=MovieWeb |language=en}}</ref> Jason Serafino of ''[[Complex Magazine|Complex]]'' ranked the Fantastic Four 3rd in their "10 Best Superhero Teams In Comics" list.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The 10 Best Superhero Teams In Comics |url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2012/05/the-10-best-superhero-teams-in-comics/ |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=Complex |language=en}}</ref> Michael Doran of ''[[Newsarama]]'' ranked the Fantastic Four 4th in their "Best superhero teams of all time" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doran |first=Michael |date=2022-02-01 |title=Best superhero teams of all time |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/best-superhero-teams/ |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=gamesradar |language=en}}</ref> Geoff Boucher of ''[[Deadline Hollywood|Deadline]]'' ranked the Fantastic Four 9th in their "Stan Lee’s Legacy: Ranking The Hollywood Heroes Co-Created By The Marvel Comics Icon" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Boucher |first=Geoff |date=2018-12-29 |title=Stan Lee's Legacy: Ranking The Hollywood Heroes Co-Created By The Marvel Comics Icon |url=https://deadline.com/feature/stan-lee-black-panther-marvel-avengers-endgame-x-men-spider-man-iron-man-1202526807/ |access-date=2023-03-26 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> Chris Isaac of ''[[Screen Rant]]'' ranked the Fantastic Four 15th in their "15 Best Superhero Teams Of All Time" list.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Isaac |first=Chris |date=2016-08-08 |title=15 Best Superhero Teams Of All Time |url=https://screenrant.com/best-superhero-teams-ever/ |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=ScreenRant |language=en}}</ref>

=== Impact ===
The Fantastic Four's characterization was initially different from all other superheroes at the time. One major difference is that they do not [[secret identity|conceal their identities]], leading the public to be both suspicious and in awe of them. Also, they frequently argued and disagreed with each other, hindering their work as a team.<ref name="Wright" /> Described as "heroes with hangups" by Stan Lee,<ref name="Wired">{{cite magazine|url= https://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.07/fantastic.html?pg=2&topic=fantastic&topic_set=|title= The Doom-Defying, Two-Fisted Marketing of Fantastic Four|last= Bing|first= Jonathon|date= July 2005|magazine= [[Wired (magazine)|Wired]]|access-date= 2009-02-25|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090810212954/http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/13.07/fantastic.html?pg=2&topic=fantastic&topic_set=|archive-date= August 10, 2009|url-status=live}}</ref> the Thing has a temper, and the Human Torch resents being a child among adults. Mr. Fantastic blames himself for the Thing's transformation. Social scientist Bradford W. Wright describes the team as a "volatile mix of human emotions and personalities." In spite of their disagreements, they ultimately function well as a team.<ref>{{cite book |url= https://archive.org/details/comicbooknationt00wrig|url-access= registration|quote= fantastic four.|title= Comic Book Nation|publisher= JHU Press|last= Wright|year= 2001|page = [https://archive.org/details/comicbooknationt00wrig/page/205 205]|isbn= 9780801865145}}</ref>

The first issue of ''The Fantastic Four'' proved a success, igniting a new direction for superhero comics and soon influencing many other superhero comics.<ref>{{Cite book |last= Fein|first= Eric|title= The Creation of the Fantastic Four|publisher= The Rosen Publishing Group|year= 2006|page= 6|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n1KHmaeMvwcC&q=%22fantastic+four%22|isbn=978-1-4042-0765-3}}</ref> Readers grew fond of Ben's grumpiness, Johnny's tendency to annoy others and Reed and Sue's spats. Stan Lee was surprised at the reaction to the first issue, leading him to stay in the comics field despite previous plans to leave. Comics historian Stephen Krensky said that "Lee's natural dialogue and flawed characters appealed to 1960s kids looking to 'get real.'"<ref name="century">{{Cite book |last= Krensky|first= Stephen|title= Comic Book Century: The History of American Comic Books| publisher= [[Lerner Publishing Group|Twenty-First Century Books]]|year= 2007|location= Minneapolis, Minnesota|page= 59|isbn=978-0-8225-6654-0| url= https://books.google.com/books?id=n23M0Bn0JmwC&q=%22fantastic+four%22&pg=PA58}}</ref>

==== Sales ====
As of 2005, more than 150 million ''Fantastic Four'' comic books have been sold.<ref name="Wired" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Rahan |first=Kaleon |title=The Fantastic Four turns 60: Here's why they are still Marvel's First Family |url=https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/culture/2021/10/14/the-fantastic-four-turns-60-here039s-why-they-are-still-marvel039s-first-family |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=The Star |date=14 October 2021 |language=en}}</ref> In 2022, the first issue of ''The Fantastic Four'' was sold for 1.5 million dollars at an auction.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Porterfield |first=Carlie |title=First 'Fantastic Four' Comic Sells For $1.5 Million |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/carlieporterfield/2022/04/08/first-fantastic-four-comic-sells-for-15-million/ |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=Forbes |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-08 |title=First Captain America Comic fetches £2.3 million at auction |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2022-04-08/first-captain-america-comic-fetches-huge-amount-at-auction |access-date=2023-01-03 |website=ITV News |language=en}}</ref>

==Other versions==
{{expand section|date=September 2024}}
===Marvel 1602===
In the pages of the ''[[Marvel 1602]]'' story titled "[[Marvel 1602: Fantastick Four]]", the Fantastic Four of this reality are known as the Four from the Fantastick who are known explores.<ref>''Marvel 1602: Fantastick Four'' #1-5. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Marvel 2099===
{{main|Fantastic Four 2099}}

In the [[Marvel 2099]] reality of Earth-96943, the Fantastic Four of 2099 were revealed to be clones created by [[Uatu#Marvel 2099|Uatu the Watcher]]. Before Uatu can plan to dispose of the clones, he was talked out of it by the [[Moon Knight#Marvel 2099|2099 version of Moon Knight]]. The clones of the Fantastic Four then established themselves the Fantastic Four of 2099.<ref>''2099: Manifest Destiny'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Marvel Apes===
In the "[[Marvel Apes]]" reality, the Fantastic Four are primates like every other inhabitant. Mister Fantastic is a baboon, Human Torch is an ape known as the Simian Torch, Invisible Woman was known as Invisible Simian who was also turned into a human, and Thing is a rock-skinned gorilla.<ref>''Marvel Apes'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===MC2===
In the "[[Marvel Comics 2]]" reality, the Fantastic Four has been upgraded to the [[Fantastic Five]].<ref>''Fantastic Five'' #1. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Mutant X===
In the "[[Mutant X (comics)|Mutant X]]" reality, the Fantastic Four have no powers. Instead, they wear special suits. Mister Fantastic's suit has extra mechanical arms, Invisible Woman's suit uses stealth technology, Human Torch's suit had pyrokinetic abilities and enables him to fly, and Thing wears armor that enables him to possess super-strength.<ref>''Mutant X'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Old Man Logan===
In the original "[[Old Man Logan]]" reality set in Earth-807128, [[Hawkeye (Clint Barton)#Old Man Logan|Hawkeye]] told Old Man Logan a rumor made by [[Shocker (character)#Old Man Logan|Shocker]] that Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman were dumped into the timestream by Kang the Conqueror. Thing's arm was seen as a trophy in President Red Skull's trophy room. Human Torch's fate is unknown.<ref>''Wolverine'' Vol. 7 #69-72. Marvel Comics.</ref>

In the similar reality of Earth-21923 as seen in the pages of "Old Man Quill", Human Torch and Thing were killed by different supervillains that attacked the Baxter Building causing Invisible Woman to put a forcefield around it.<ref name="Old Man Quill #10">''Old Man Quill'' #10. Marvel Comics.</ref> Thing's rock skin was later used to decorate the throne of [[Doctor Doom#Old Man Logan|Doctor Doom]].<ref>''Old Man Quill'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref> An older Star-Lord arrived from the villain-dominated future during the day the villains rose to power in order to get the Ultimate Nullifier needed to stop his time period's Universal Church of Truth. This plan didn't work as Kang the Conqueror showed up and banished Mister Fantastic and Invisible Woman into the timestream.<ref name="Old Man Quill #10"/> By the time Star-Lord found them in the timestream, they were found dead where they left him a recorded message apologizing for not believing him and allowed him to have the Ultimate Nullifier.<ref>''Old Man Quill'' #11. Marvel Comics.</ref>

Because Doctor Doom of Earth-21923 was dying of cancer, he later created clones of the Fantastic Four so that he can die in battle against them. Unfortunately, the clones were flawed due to lack of enough DNA samples of them where the Mister Fantastic clone had his skin melting off his bones, the Invisible Woman clone was melting, the Human Torch clone was not immune to the burns, and the Thing clone came out deformed. The flawed clones all died from their conditions.<ref>''Avengers of the Wastelands'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Ultimate Marvel===
{{main|Ultimate Fantastic Four}}

In the [[Ultimate Marvel]] reality, the Fantastic Four were revealed to have gotten their powers from the [[Negative Zone#Ultimate Marvel|N-Zone]].<ref>''Ultimate Fantastic Four'' #13. Marvel Comics.</ref>

===Ultimate Universe===
During the "[[Ultimate Invasion]]" storyline, [[Maker (character)|Maker]] visited [[Ultimate Universe|Earth-6160]] and remade it into his own image. One of the things he did was delay the launch of the rocket that would've carried [[Mister Fantastic#Ultimate Universe|Reed Richards]], [[Invisible Woman#Ultimate Universe|Susan Storm]], [[Human Torch#Ultimate Universe|Johnny Storm]], and [[Thing (comics)#Ultimate Universe|Ben Grimm]] into outer space. Maker's memory log lists Susan Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm as "dead" and Reed Richards as "controlled".<ref>''Ultimate Invasion'' #2. Marvel Comics.</ref>

More of the flashback revealed that Reed, Susan, Johnny, and Ben went against the orders of their space program's director [[Franklin Storm#Ultimate Universe|Franklin Storm]] and hijacked a space shuttle. Because of Maker's sabotage, Johnny burned to death, Reed and Susan were detained, and Ben was later found dead at the bottom of a quarry. Franklin Storm used his connections to allow an incarcerated Reed to see Susan who is dying from the radiation as Franklin blamed Reed for killing his children. Later, Reed was brought to The City by Maker and tortured into becoming Doom. In the present, [[Iron Man#Ultimate Universe|Iron Lad]] learned about Doom's history as he experiments with cosmic radiation on four laboratory rats as each of the four laboratory rats keep dying. While having noted his lack of availability in missions, Doom states that he'll help out in them if they need him. He also states that when it comes to the day when one group of four rats survive the cosmic radiation experiments, Earth-6160 will have its Fantastic Four.<ref>''Ultimates'' Vol. 4 #4. Marvel Comics.</ref>

==In other media==
There have been four ''The Fantastic Four'' animated series and three released feature films. The Fantastic Four also guest-starred in the "Secret Wars" story arc of the 1990s [[Spider-Man: The Animated Series|''Spider-Man'' animated series]], and the Thing guest-starred (with a small cameo from the other Fantastic Four members) in the "Fantastic Fortitude" episode of the 1996 [[The Incredible Hulk (1996 TV series)|''The Incredible Hulk'']] series. The Fantastic Four also appeared in the 2010 series ''[[The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes]]''.

There was a short-lived [[radio programming|radio show]] in 1975 that adapted early Lee/Kirby stories<ref>{{cite web |url= http://pulpinterest.com/entertainment/fantastic-four-marvel-lous/|title= Marvel-lous – The Fantastic Four|first= Adrian|last= Carty|date= February 22, 2014|website=PulpInterest.com|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140223145956/http://www.pulpinterest.com/entertainment/fantastic-four-marvel-lous/|archive-date= February 23, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> and is notable for casting a pre-''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' [[Bill Murray]] as the Human Torch. Also in the cast were Bob Maxwell as [[Mister Fantastic|Reed Richards]], Cynthia Adler as [[Invisible Woman |Sue Storm]], Jim Pappas as [[Thing (comics)|Ben Grimm]] and Jerry Terheyden as [[Doctor Doom]]. Other Marvel characters featured in the series included [[Ant-Man]], [[Namor]], [[Nick Fury]] and the [[Hulk]]. Stan Lee narrated the series and the scripts were taken almost verbatim from the comic books. The radio show was packaged into five-minute segments, with five segments comprising a complete adventure.<ref name=rm100>{{cite journal|last=Mangels|first=Andy|author-link= Andy Mangels|title=Reel Marvel: Fantastic Four in the cartoons history|journal=Marvel Age|date=May 1991|volume=1|issue=100|url=http://www.andymangels.com/marvelage.html|access-date=June 25, 2012|publisher=Marvel Comics}}</ref> The team appeared on the [[Peter Pan Records|Power Records]] album ''Fantastic Four: "The Way It Began"'' book and record set, an audio dramatization of ''Fantastic Four'' #126.<ref>{{gcdb series|id= 10254|title= Fantastic Four: ''"The Way It Began" book and record set''}}</ref>

===Television===
The Fantastic Four has been the subject of four animated television series. The first, ''[[The Fantastic Four (1967 TV series)|The Fantastic Four]]'', produced by [[Hanna-Barbera]],<ref>{{cite book|last = Thomas|first = Roy|author-link = Roy Thomas|author2=Sanderson, Peter |author-link2=Peter Sanderson |title = The Marvel Vault: A Museum-in-a-Book with Rare Collectibles from the World of Marvel|url = https://archive.org/details/marvelvaultmuseu00thom|url-access = limited|publisher = [[Running Press]]|year = 2007|location= Philadelphia, Pennsylvania|page = [https://archive.org/details/marvelvaultmuseu00thom/page/n57 101]|isbn = 978-0762428441|quote= In 1967, ''Spider-Man'' and ''Fantastic Four'' took over Saturday morning slots on ABC-TV, the latter produced by [[Hanna-Barbera Productions]].}}</ref> ran 20 episodes on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] from September 9, 1967 to September 21, 1968. The second ''[[The New Fantastic Four|Fantastic Four]]'' series, produced by [[DePatie-Freleng Enterprises|DePatie-Freleng]], ran 13 episodes from September 9, 1978, to December 16, 1978; this series features a [[H.E.R.B.I.E.]] Unit in place of the Human Torch.<ref name=rm100/>

In 1979, the Thing was featured as half of the Saturday morning cartoon ''[[Fred and Barney Meet the Thing]]''. The character of the Thing received a radical make-over for the series. The title character for this program was Benjy Grimm, a teenage boy who possessed a pair of magic Thing-rings which could transform him into the Thing when he put them together and said "Thing-rings, do your thing!" The other members of the Fantastic Four do not appear in the series, nor do the animated ''[[The Flintstones]]'' stars [[Fred Flintstone]] and [[Barney Rubble]], despite the title of the program.<ref name=rm100/>
The third ''[[Fantastic Four (1994 TV series)|Fantastic Four]]'' was broadcast as part of ''[[The Marvel Action Hour]]'' umbrella, with introductions by Stan Lee. This series ran 26 episodes from September 24, 1994 to February 24, 1996. The fourth series, ''[[Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes]]'', debuted on September 2, 2006, on [[Cartoon Network]] and ran for 26 episodes.

Different Fantastic Four members appear briefly and with little or no dialogue and are mentioned various times throughout the first season of ''[[The Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes]]''. Their most prominent appearances are in the episode "The Private War of Doctor Doom", in which the Avengers team up with the Fantastic Four to battle the titular supervillain, and in the final episode of season two, in which the groups team up to battle [[Galactus]]. The Thing becomes a member of the New Avengers in the episode "New Avengers".

The Fantastic Four make several appearances in ''[[The Super Hero Squad Show|Super Hero Squad Show]]'', such as the episodes "If this Be My Thanos" and "Last Exit Before Doomsday".<ref>"If This Be My Thanos" ''Super Hero Squad Show''. October 24, 2009</ref><ref>"Last Exit Before Doomsday!" ''Super Hero Squad Show''. February 13, 2010</ref>

The Fantastic Four appear in the ''[[Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.]]'' episode "Monster No More", where the Agents of S.M.A.S.H. assist them in thwarting the Tribbitite invasion.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3802334/ |title=Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H Monster No More |author=<!--Not stated--> |date= 29 June 2014|website=IMDb.com|access-date= 3 January 2019|quote=The Fantastic Four appear in the ''[[Hulk and the Agents of S.M.A.S.H.]]'' episode "Monster No More.}}</ref>

===Film===
{{main|Fantastic Four in film}}
A film adaptation of the characters, ''[[The Fantastic Four (unreleased film)|The Fantastic Four]]'', was completed in 1994 by producer [[Roger Corman]] and stars [[Alex Hyde-White]] as Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic, [[Rebecca Staab]] as Sue Storm-Richards/Invisible Woman, [[Jay Underwood]] as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, [[Michael Bailey Smith]] as Ben Grimm, [[Carl Ciarfalio]] as The Thing and [[Joseph Culp]] as Victor von Doom/Doctor Doom. The film was made to allow [[Constantin Film]] to keep the film rights to the characters, and therefore was not publicly released, though it has since been made available through bootleg video distributors.<ref name=avclub>{{cite news|last1=Vishnevetsky |first1=Ignatiy |title=Our option on ''Atlas Shrugged'' expires in two days: 6-plus copyright extensions disguised as movies |url=https://www.avclub.com/article/our-option-atlas-shrugged-expires-two-days-6-plus--212280 |newspaper=[[The A.V. Club]] |date=December 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208004658/http://www.avclub.com/article/our-option-atlas-shrugged-expires-two-days-6-plus--212280 |archive-date=December 8, 2014 |url-status=live |access-date=December 2, 2014 }}</ref> According to producer [[Bernd Eichinger]], [[Avi Arad]] had Marvel purchase the film for a few million dollars.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.teako170.com/ffmovie.html|title= The Fantastic Four-Gotten|first= Terrence J.|last= Brady|website=Teako170.com|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140731081907/http://www.teako170.com/ffmovie.html|archive-date= July 31, 2014|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2005, the second film adaptation, ''[[Fantastic Four (2005 film)|Fantastic Four]]'' directed by [[Tim Story]], was released by [[20th Century Fox]]. Despite mixed reviews from critics, it earned US$155 million in North America and $330 million worldwide.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/fantastic_four/|title= ''Fantastic Four''|work= [[Rotten Tomatoes]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140904223653/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/fantastic_four/|archive-date= September 4, 2014|url-status=live|access-date= April 27, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{mojo title|fantasticfour}}</ref> The sequel, ''[[Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer]]'', directed by Story and written by [[Don Payne (writer)|Don Payne]], was released in 2007. Despite mixed-to-negative reviews, the sequel earned $132 million in North America and a total of $330.6 million worldwide.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=fantasticfour2.htm |title=''Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer'' |website=Box Office Mojo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006100952/http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=fantasticfour2.htm |archive-date=October 6, 2015 |url-status=live }}</ref> Both films feature [[Ioan Gruffudd]] as Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic, [[Jessica Alba]] as Susan Storm / Invisible Woman, [[Chris Evans (actor)|Chris Evans]] as Johnny Storm / Human Torch, [[Michael Chiklis]] as Ben Grimm / The Thing, and [[Julian McMahon]] as Victor Von Doom / Dr. Doom. Stan Lee makes cameo appearances as the mailman [[Willie Lumpkin]] in the first film and as himself in the second film.

A reboot directed by [[Josh Trank]] (also titled ''[[Fantastic Four (2015 film)|Fantastic Four]]'', but stylized as ''Fant4stic'') was released on August 7, 2015.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/x-men-spin-deadpool-gets-734172?mobile_redirect=false|title=''X-Men'' Spin-Off ''Deadpool'' Gets Winter 2016 Release Date|last=McClintock|first=Pamela|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=September 18, 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140919020612/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/x-men-spinoff-deadpool-gets-734172|archive-date= September 19, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=September 18, 2014}}</ref> The film stars [[Miles Teller]] as Reed Richards, [[Kate Mara]] as Sue Storm, [[Michael B. Jordan]] as Johnny Storm, [[Jamie Bell]] as Ben Grimm and [[Toby Kebbell]] as [[Doctor Doom]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/08/miles-teller-on-what-appealed-to-him-about-the-fantastic-four-reboot|title=Miles Teller on What Appealed to Him About The ''Fantastic Four'' Reboot|last=Vejvoda|first=Jim|website=Ign.com|date=March 8, 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140505190806/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/03/08/miles-teller-on-what-appealed-to-him-about-the-fantastic-four-reboot|archive-date= May 5, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=March 8, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/toby-kebbell-fantastic-four-doctor-doom-1201125911/|title=Toby Kebbell to Play ''Fantastic Four'' Villain Doctor Doom (Exclusive)|magazine= [[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=April 1, 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140828003810/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/toby-kebbell-fantastic-four-doctor-doom-1201125911/|archive-date= August 28, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=April 1, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= https://twitter.com/ItsTobyKebbell/statuses/451493684509306880|title= Thank you for all the support.|first= Toby|last= Kebbell|date= April 2, 2014|publisher= [[Twitter]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140417113441/https://twitter.com/ItsTobyKebbell/statuses/451493684509306880|archive-date= April 17, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> It is based on ''[[Ultimate Fantastic Four]]''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url= https://variety.com/2014/film/news/miles-teller-kate-mara-fantastic-four-1201099921/|title=''Fantastic Four'' Cast Revealed|last= Kroll|first= Justin|magazine= Variety|date= February 19, 2014|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140904093243/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/miles-teller-kate-mara-fantastic-four-1201099921/|archive-date= September 4, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=February 20, 2014}}</ref> It earned poor reviews and box office results.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/aug/11/global-box-office-fantastic-four-trainwreck-monster-hunt-man-from-uncle|title= Fantastic Four flop: the biggest superhero disaster since Catwoman |first= Phil|last= Hoad|date= August 11, 2015 |work= [[The Guardian]]|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20151230125323/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/aug/11/global-box-office-fantastic-four-trainwreck-monster-hunt-man-from-uncle|archive-date= December 30, 2015|url-status=live|quote= Fox’s handling of ''Fantastic Four'' – Marvel’s original multi-superhero squad, the rights for whom were leased out to Constantin Film back in 1986 – is a total disaster. A competent marketing campaign, casting Josh Trank’s $120m reboot in a Christopher Nolan-esque penumbra, has fooled no one.}}</ref> On March 20, 2019, due to the [[acquisition of 21st Century Fox by Disney]], the film rights of ''Fantastic Four'' reverted to [[Marvel Studios]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://northernstar.info/entertainment/disney-fox-merger-complete-x-men-deadpool-and-the-fantastic/article_eaba4abe-4b2a-11e9-8adb-078a926621b8.html|title=Disney/Fox merger complete: X-Men, Deadpool and The Fantastic Four officially in the Mouse's hands|last=Otto|first=Parker|website=Northern Star Online|language=en|access-date=2019-03-21|archive-date=2019-03-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190321140852/https://northernstar.info/entertainment/disney-fox-merger-complete-x-men-deadpool-and-the-fantastic/article_eaba4abe-4b2a-11e9-8adb-078a926621b8.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In July 2019 at [[San Diego Comic-Con]], producer and head of Marvel Studios [[Kevin Feige]], announced that a Fantastic Four film set within the [[Marvel Cinematic Universe]], later titled ''[[The Fantastic Four: First Steps]]'', is in development.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/marvel-studios-phase-4-fantastic-four-blade-and-mutants|title=Marvel Studios drops huge Phase 4 details plus Fantastic Four, Blade, and mutants|first=Don Kaye and Matthew|last=Jackson|date=July 20, 2019|website=Syfy.com|access-date=July 21, 2019|archive-date=July 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721044910/https://www.syfy.com/syfywire/marvel-studios-phase-4-fantastic-four-blade-and-mutants|url-status=dead}}</ref> In December 2020, it was announced [[Jon Watts]] will direct the film,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MarvelStudios/status/1337200479063994368 |title=Tweet |website=twitter.com |access-date=2020-12-11}}</ref> but he left the project for personal reasons in April 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/jon-watts-exits-marvel-fantastic-four-1235138382/|title=Jon Watts Exits Marvel's Fantastic Four|website=Hollywood Reporter|first=Ryan|last=Parker|date=April 29, 2022|access-date=May 3, 2022}}</ref> On September 10, 2022 at the [[D23 Expo]], Kevin Feige revealed director [[Matt Shakman]] would be taking over the film, with a release date of November 8, 2024.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://collider.com/fantastic-4-matt-shakman-directing-confirmed/ | title=Matt Shakman is Officially Directing 'Fantastic Four' | website=[[Collider (website)|Collider]] | date=10 September 2022 }}</ref> On September 21, 2022, Jeff Kaplan and [[Ian Springer]] were announced to be writers for the film.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Kroll |first1=Justin |date=2022-09-21 |title='Fantastic Four': Jeff Kaplan & Ian Springer To Write New Film For Marvel Studios |url=https://deadline.com/2022/09/fantastic-four-jeff-kaplan-ian-springer-marvel-studios-1235123893/ |access-date=2022-09-21 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> By March 2023, [[Josh Friedman]] was hired to rewrite the script.<ref name="FriedmanFF">{{Cite news |last=Kit |first=Borys |date=March 31, 2023 |title='Fantastic Four' Movie Gets New Writer with 'Avatar 2' Scribe Josh Friedman (Exclusive) |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/fantastic-four-movie-gets-new-writer-marvel-1235364511/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331195053/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/fantastic-four-movie-gets-new-writer-marvel-1235364511/ |archive-date=March 31, 2023 |access-date=March 31, 2023 |url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2024, [[Pedro Pascal]], [[Vanessa Kirby]], [[Joseph Quinn (actor)|Joseph Quinn]] and [[Ebon Moss-Bachrach]] were officially announced as Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Vary|first1=Adam B.|url=https://variety.com/2024/film/news/fantastic-four-cast-marvel-studios-1235875766/|title=Marvel's 'The Fantastic Four' Lands Its Cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach|date=14 February 2024|publisher=Variety}}</ref>''The Fantastic Four: First Steps'' is scheduled to be released in the United States on July 25, 2025.<ref>{{cite news |last1=D'Alessandro |first1=Matt Grobar,Anthony |title='The Fantastic Four: First Steps' Unveiled As Official Title Of Marvel Pic; Core Four Will Appear In Next Two 'Avengers' Movies – Comic-Con |url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/the-fantastic-four-first-steps-marvel-comic-con-1236021939/ |work=Deadline |date=28 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Roxborough |first1=Scott |title=Imax Unveils 2025 Film Slate, Including 'Superman' and 'The Fantastic Four' |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/imax-2025-film-slate-cannes-1235899771/ |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=16 May 2024}}</ref>

===Video games===
In 1985, the Fantastic Four starred in ''[[Questprobe: Featuring Human Torch and the Thing|Questprobe #3 The Fantastic Four]]'', an adventure game from [[Adventure International]] for the Atari 8-bit computers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Atari 400 800 XL XE Questprobe #3 - Fantastic Four : scans, dump, download, screenshots, ads, videos, catalog, instructions, roms |url=http://www.atarimania.com/game-atari-400-800-xl-xe-questprobe-3-fantastic-four_28571.html |access-date=2022-07-15 |website=www.atarimania.com}}</ref> In 1997, the group starred in the [[Fantastic Four (1997 video game)|''Fantastic Four'' video game]].<ref>{{Citation |title=Fantastic Four |date=1997-09-30 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0291900/ |type=Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi |publisher=Probe Entertainment Limited |access-date=2022-07-15}}</ref> The team appeared in the ''[[Spider-Man: The Animated Series (video game)|Spider-Man: The Animated Series]]'' video game, based on the 1990s [[Spider-Man (1994 TV series)|Spider-Man animated series]], for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super NES]] and [[Sega Genesis]].{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} The Thing and the Human Torch appeared in the 2005 game ''[[Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects]]''.<ref>{{Citation |title=Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects |date=2005-09-20 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0492680/ |type=Action, Adventure, Fantasy |publisher=Nihilistic Software, Electronic Arts (EA), Sensory Sweep Studios |access-date=2022-07-15}}</ref>

All of the Fantastic Four appear as playable characters in the game ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance]]'' with Doctor Doom being the main enemy.<ref>{{Citation |last=Amonitti |first=Glenn |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance |date=2006-10-24 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0814207/ |type=Action, Adventure, Fantasy |publisher=Marvel Enterprises, Beenox, Raven Software |access-date=2022-07-15}}</ref> The members of the Fantastic Four are also featured in ''[[Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2]]'', although the team is separated over the course of the game, with Mister Fantastic being 'locked' into the Pro-Registration side of the game's storyline and the Thing briefly becoming unavailable to the player - just as he left America in protest of the war - until he returns to assist in preventing civilian casualties during the conflict.<ref>{{Citation |last1=Donovan |first1=Ali |title=Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 |date=2009-09-15 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1266580/ |type=Action, Adventure, Fantasy |publisher=Marvel Entertainment, Savage Entertainment, Vicarious Visions |access-date=2022-07-15 |last2=Tanguay |first2=Dan}}</ref> The Fantastic Four also appear in ''[[Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order]]'' this time as playable DLC (downloadable content) alongside additional members of [[Marvel Knights]] and the [[X-Men]].<ref>{{Citation |last1=Usuda |first1=Hiroya |title=Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order |date=2019-07-19 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9445030/ |type=Action, Adventure, Fantasy |publisher=Marvel Entertainment, Team Ninja, Tecmo Koei |access-date=2022-07-15 |last2=Kimoto |first2=Ariko |last3=Shimbori |first3=Yohei}}</ref>

The Human Torch has an appearance in a mini-game where the player races against him in all versions of ''[[Ultimate Spider-Man (video game)|Ultimate Spider-Man]]'', except on the [[Game Boy Advance]] platform.<ref>{{Citation |last=Busse |first=Chris |title=Ultimate Spider-Man |date=2005-09-26 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0479196/ |type=Action, Adventure, Crime |publisher=Marvel Enterprises, Vicarious Visions, Beenox |access-date=2022-07-15}}</ref> The Fantastic Four star in tie-in videogames based on the 2005 film ''[[Fantastic Four (2005 film)|Fantastic Four]]'',<ref>{{Citation |title=Fantastic Four |date=2005-06-27 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0476458/ |type=Action, Adventure, Fantasy |publisher=7 Studios, Marvel Enterprises, Twentieth Century Fox |access-date=2022-07-15}}</ref> and [[Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer|its sequel]].<ref>{{Citation |title=Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer |date=2007-06-15 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1027810/ |type=Action, Adventure, Fantasy |publisher=2K Games, 7 Studios, Marvel Enterprises |access-date=2022-07-15}}</ref> The Fantastic Four are also playable characters in ''[[Marvel Heroes (video game)|Marvel Heroes]]'',<ref>{{Citation |last1=Hu |first1=Peter |title=Marvel Heroes |date=2013-06-04 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2967308/ |type=Action, Adventure, Fantasy |publisher=Gazillion Entertainment, Marvel Entertainment, Secret Identity Studios |access-date=2022-07-15 |last2=Book |first2=Josh}}</ref> ''[[Lego Marvel Super Heroes]],''<ref>{{Citation |last=Burton |first=Jon |title=Lego Marvel Super Heroes |date=2013-10-22 |url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2620204/ |type=Action, Adventure, Fantasy |publisher=Marvel Enterprises, Plastic Wax Studios, TT Games |access-date=2022-07-15}}</ref> and ''[[Marvel Rivals]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title='Marvel Rivals' Season 1 Introduces Fantastic Four to Ever-Expanding Roster of Heroes |url=https://www.marvel.com/articles/games/marvel-rivals-season-1-trailer-eternal-night-falls-fantastic-four |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=www.marvel.com}}</ref>

The Fantastic Four starred in their own virtual pinball game [[Pinball FX 2#Tables|Fantastic Four]] for ''[[Pinball FX 2]]'' released by [[Zen Studios]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://marvel.com/news/video_games/15748/download_the_marvel_pinball_fantastic_four_table |title=Download the Marvel Pinball Fantastic Four Table |date=April 27, 2011 |publisher=Marvel Comics |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122034403/http://marvel.com/news/video_games/15748/download_the_marvel_pinball_fantastic_four_table |archive-date=January 22, 2016 |url-status=dead |quote=Marvel Pinball is celebrating 50 years of the Fantastic Four with the addition of its newest table, which highlights the teamwork of Mister Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Thing and the Human Torch! |access-date=February 18, 2014}}</ref>

==See also==
* ''[[Maximum Fantastic Four]]''

==Notes==
{{Reflist|35em|group=note}}
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{Cite book | title=The Science of Superheroes | last=Gresh | first=Lois H. |author2=Robert Weinberg |author-link2=Robert Weinberg (author)  | year=2002 | publisher=[[John Wiley & Sons]] | isbn=0-471-02460-0 | page=[https://books.google.com/books?id=TCv0LyEnzsUC&pg=PA21 21]–29 | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TCv0LyEnzsUC}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{Comic Book DB|type=team|id=4|title=Fantastic Four}}
* Archive of [https://web.archive.org/web/20071224050113/http://www.ffplaza.com/database/ FFPlaza.com Database] from the [http://www.ffplaza.com/database/ original page]

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