The Comic Book that Started the MCU…Fantastic Four #1
Fantastic Four #1, published in November 1961 by Marvel Comics, is one of the most significant comic books in the history of the medium. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the Fantastic Four introduced readers to a new type of superhero team, one that was flawed, relatable, and unlike any other team of its kind. Before this book was released, Marvel did not have any big superhero names other than Captain America, Human Torch, and the Sub Mariner. DC, however had the names of Batman, Superman, Flash, and much more. This book was a turning point for Marvel, and it all started with Stan Lee, and Jack Kirby.
The Fantastic Four consists of four individuals with unique superpowers: Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards), who can stretch his body to incredible lengths; the Invisible Girl (Susan Storm), who can become invisible and create force fields; the Human Torch (Johnny Storm), who can set himself on fire and fly; and the Thing (Ben Grimm), a monstrous being with super strength and durability. Unlike other superhero teams of the time, such as the Justice League and the Avengers, the Fantastic Four were a family, with personal relationships and conflicts that added depth and nuance to their stories.
One of the most significant aspects of the Fantastic Four was their flawed nature. Unlike other superheroes of the time, who were portrayed as near-perfect beings with few faults, the Fantastic Four were real people with real problems. Mr. Fantastic was obsessed with his scientific work and often neglected his wife, the Invisible Girl. The Thing was a tortured soul, struggling with his monstrous appearance and his inability to lead a normal life. The Human Torch was a hothead, prone to rash decisions and impulsive behavior. And the Invisible Girl was initially portrayed as timid and unsure of herself, in contrast to the confident and assertive female characters of other comics.
The Fantastic Four’s relatable nature and complex personal relationships resonated with readers and set the tone for the Marvel Universe as a whole. Marvel Comics was known for its “heroes with problems,” characters who were flawed and struggled with personal issues, in contrast to the idealized superheroes of other companies. The success of the Fantastic Four led to the creation of other Marvel Comics characters with similar themes, such as Spider-Man, the X-Men, and the Hulk. Without Fantastic Four #1, we would not have seen any of those superhero's.
Another significant aspect of Fantastic Four #1 was its creative and imaginative use of science fiction elements. The story revolved around the team’s space mission gone wrong, which resulted in them gaining their superpowers. The concept of a space mission leading to superpowers was a new and exciting idea at the time, and it helped to set the Fantastic Four apart from other superhero teams. The Fantastic Four’s adventures often featured science fiction concepts, such as alternate dimensions, time travel, and advanced technology, which added to the sense of wonder and excitement that readers felt when reading the comic.
Finally, Fantastic Four #1 marked the beginning of the collaboration between Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, two of the most important figures in the history of comic books. Lee and Kirby’s partnership lasted for over a decade and produced some of the most iconic and memorable characters and stories in comic book history. Their collaboration on the Fantastic Four helped to revolutionize the industry and set the stage for the Marvel Universe as a whole.
Fantastic Four #1 is the comic book that started it all. It introduced readers to a new type of superhero team, one that was flawed and relatable. It featured creative and imaginative science fiction concepts that helped to set the Fantastic Four apart from other superhero teams. And it marked the beginning of the collaboration between Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, two of the most important figures in the history of comic books. The Fantastic Four continues to be an important and influential part of the Marvel Universe, and its significance cannot be overstated.
