Retro Saturday Morning: The New Fantastic Four (1978)(NBC)

 Written By Ken Hulsey

Growing up, I was always captivated by Marvel's Fantastic Four comic book series. So you can imagine my excitement when NBC announced they were launching a cartoon adaptation featuring my beloved heroes! The series included many of the iconic elements I adored from the comics: Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic, with his incredible ability to stretch his body in almost every way conceivable, the brilliant Sue Storm, famously dubbed The Invisible Girl, and the tough-as-nails Ben Grimm, who transforms into The Thing. The stories also prominently featured the Baxter Building and the Fantasticar, and even included guest appearances from other Marvel favorites like the Inhumans, Spider-Man, and the X-Men.

Ken's Favorite Comics - Fantastic Four 38 - Defeated by the Frightful Four!

From Marvel Fandom

Cover pencils by the legendary Jack Kirby with inks by Chic Stone. In the thrilling tale "Defeated by the Frightful Four!”, crafted by the brilliant Stan Lee and brought to life by Kirby and Stone. 

We dive into an exciting adventure! 

How ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ Gives Fans a New Look at Galactic Villains

 From Marvel Comics

Ralph Ineson and Julia Garner take us behind the scenes of the highly anticipated Marvel Studios film, unveiling the unique inspirations that contribute to their powerful vocal performances. Set against the eye-catching backdrop of a vibrant 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios’ “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” marks the thrilling introduction of Marvel’s iconic First Family: Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic (portrayed by the talented Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm, or the Invisible Woman (played by Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm, the Human Torch (embodied by Joseph Quinn), and Ben Grimm, famously known as The Thing (acted by Ebon Moss-Bachrach). This dynamic team faces their most incredible challenge to date! 

Ken's Favorite Comics - Fantastic Four 37 - Behold A Distant Star!

Cover pencils are by the legendary Jack Kirby, with inks by the talented Chic Stone. This thrilling adventure titled "Behold! A Distant Star!" is crafted by the brilliant scriptwriter Stan Lee, featuring iconic pencils by Kirby and inked with precision by Stone. 

In an explosive mishap while testing his new power-ray, Reed inadvertently ignites Johnny, causing him to go up in flames and destroy his tuxedo in the process! Later, when Reed meets Sue, tensions rise as she expresses her anger over the fact that her father's killers remain at large. Determined to bring justice, Reed commissions a groundbreaking spacecraft from NASA, designed for an audacious journey through sub-space to the Skrull homeworld.

Ken's Favorite Comics - Fantastic Four 35 - Calamity on the Campus!

Cover work by the legendary Jack Kirby with pencils and Dick Ayers on inks sets the stage for an exciting adventure in “Calamity on the Campus!” The storyline, expertly penned by Stan Lee, features Kirby's brilliant artwork and is further enhanced by Chic Stone's inking. The plot kicks off as Reed Richards is invited back to his beloved State University to give a lecture, and he brings along his trusty teammates from the Fantastic Four. 

What Sets the New 'Fantastic Four' Apart? It’s All About Family

 The heartwarming essence of collective strength and the inspiring optimism of the 1960s shine brightly in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” as highlighted by stars Pedro Pascal and Vanessa Kirby. Under the keen direction of Matt Shakman, best known for his work on "WandaVision," this film serves as a refreshing reboot of the beloved “Fantastic Four” series, which draws its narrative from the iconic Marvel Comics super-team. This new installment arrives a decade after the previous film struggled at the box office and faced harsh criticism from reviewers, making it a much-anticipated renaissance for fans.

Ken's Favorite Comics - Fantastic Four 28 - We Have to Fight the X-Men!

Cover pencils by the legendary Jack Kirby, with inks expertly handled by Sol Brodsky, sets the stage for an exciting tale in "We Have to Fight the X-Men!" The script, crafted by the iconic Stan Lee, follows the brilliant pencils of Kirby and the ink work of Chic Stone.

The story begins with The Thing, who is in the middle of moving a captivating sculpture created by Alicia Masters. Interestingly, this piece of art astonishingly portrays the rocky hero himself! Meanwhile, Reed Richards and Sue Storm are engrossed in reading the latest newspaper headlines featuring the mysterious and enigmatic mutant team known as the X-Men.

'Fantastic Four: First Steps' Is Evocative of Films From the 1960s | Movie News

 By Ernesto Valenzuela - MovieWeb

Much of Matt Shakman's approach to the film was due to the aesthetic of the period that Fantastic Four: First Steps is based on. The film doesn't take place in the mainline Marvel Cinematic Universe, but instead is set in an alternate version of New York that is reminiscent of the 1960s with the design of its technology, buildings, and wardrobe. Because of that, Shakman explained that the way films were made in that period was replicated with the production of Fantastic Four, with the director saying:

Ken's Picks - Batman vs Sgt Rock - Dinosaurs vs The Fantastic Four and the Return of Grogg!

Brave and the Bold #96 (1st Series 1955) July 1971 DC Comics

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"The Striped Pants War!":
When friend of Bruce Wayne, Ambassador Adams is murdered by the Companeros De La Muerte, a terrorist outfit, Bruce Wayne is asked to go to the country of the Companeros' origin as temporary ambassador and sign a treaty before a given deadline, the President and the Secretary of State have asked Batman to act as Wayne's bodyguard (Batman making an appearance at the meeting thanks to Alfred in disguise); Flying to the country, Bruce is surprised to see that Sgt. Rock has been stationed as the embassy's chief of security; Rock is upset that after 30 years of service that he's been delegated to embassy duty and being given a hard time after botching protecting the ambassador; Believing there is a traitor in their midst, Batman begins to suspect Rock as the one working with the Companeros. - READ MORE

Fantastic Four #161 (1st Series 1961) August 1975 Marvel Comics

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"All the World Wars at Once!" Part 2 of 4:
The Thing's odyssey with Lockjaw has taken him to an Alternate Earth (Earth-721), where years ago cosmic rays transformed Reed Richards into the Thing, and Susan Storm married Ben Grimm instead. What a pair of revolting developments! But the plot is only beginning to get complicated as Johnny Storm travels to the 5th Dimension to visit Valeria and discovers that her homeland is under attack from robots...built by the Reed Richards! And now the Human Torch and the 5th Dimension prepare to counterattack Earth! But which Earth? Chaos and confusion reign as three worlds move towards all-out war! - READ MORE

Battlestar Galactica #20 October 1980 Marvel Comics

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"Hell Hath No Fury!"
In Launch Baby Beta of the Battlestar Galactica, Apollo and Starbuck are preparing to board an armed scoutship, Shuttlescout Centaurus. They are to meet the incoming fleet of Scavege World ships. Aware that Queen Eurayle will probably use her mind control on Apollo (Starbuck is immune), Apollo is tied to his chair as a precaution. Eurale appears on the ship's viewscreen and indeed orders Apollo to kill Starbuck, but he is unable to move his arms. The Scavenge ships attack the Scuttlescout, but Starbuck proves to be a much better pilot and shot than any of the pirates. - READ MORE

Uncanny X-Men #227 (1st Series 1963) March 1987 Marvel Comics

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The Fall of the Mutants tie-in.
"The Belly of the Beast!" Part 3 of 3:
Continued from last issue...As the X-Men and reporter Neal Conan venture into Eagle Plaza to try and free Roma and face the Adversary, the building suddenly explodes, leaving the Freedom Force and Manoli Wetherell to wonder if anyone inside survived. They are happily surprised and horrified to see that they indeed did and that Neal is filming the X-Men as are in what appears to be the Vietnam jungle where Viet Cong soldiers appear to be fighting demons. As the X-Men battle the creatures, Madelyne Pryor runs for cover and stumbles upon Forge's past self. She watches in horror as he casts a spell that takes the spirits of his fellow wounded American soldiers and opens a portal that unleashes a torrent of beasts. - READ MORE

Monsters on the Prowl #23 June 1973 Marvel Comics

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"The Return of... Grogg!":
Koslov is sent back home to investigate mysterious happenings in a remote area, where he discovers that the dragon Grogg is still on the loose. He Kept Him in Stitches!; A surgeon gets the chance to operate on a Communist overlord and leaves his scalpel inside of him near his heart so that when he recovers enough in two days to move, he will die. The Macabre Mirror!, art by Don Heck; A greedy duke exacts crippling taxes from his people, taking their property when they run out of money; he ignores a gypsy's warnings and tries to seize her ancient mirror. - READ MORE

Emma Frost #2 April 2003 Issue Marvel Comics

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Written by KARL BOLLERS Pencils by RANDY GREEN Cover by GREG HORN

"HIGHER LEARNING" Pt. 2 (of 6)?A young Emma Frost continues to explore the ramifications of her blossoming powers ... 32 PGS./MARVEL PG+... READ MORE

Chamber of Clues #28 April 1955 Harvey Comics

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Written by Allen Saunders with pencils and inks by Alfred Andriola

1st code issue - you can see where the references to narcotics smuggling were changed before publication. Featured stories: "Julep Frost" Starring Kerry Drake, "What can a girl do in the Wild West..." Starring Kitty Carson. - READ MORE

Adventure Comics #435 (1938 1st Series) October 1974 DC Comics

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Cover art by Jim Aparo, script by Michael Fleisher and Russell Carley, art by Jim Aparo, pencils by Frank Thorne.

Synopsis for "The Man Who Stalked the Spectre":
A freelance writer for Newsbeat Magazine is intrigued by all of the weird deaths of criminals in the city and is convinced some unearthly being is responsible for it, so he decides to track this being down. As the Undersea City Sleeps starring Aquaman, script by Steve Skeates, art by Mike Grell. Letter to the editor from comic art historian Arlen Schumer. - READ MORE

 

The Hottest Comic Book Back Issues For June 2023 @ Atomic Robot Comics & Toys!

Batman #121 February 1959 DC Comics Grade PR/FR *1st Mr. Freeze*

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"The Ice Crimes of Mr. Zero"
Mr. Zero, a new super-villain, begins pulling incredible robberies in Gotham with the help of his gang and his "ice gun", one barrel firing acetylene flame and the other emitting a fast-freezing gas. Batman and Robin try to stop one of his capers as his gang robs diamonds--"ice" in criminal slang-- from a jewelry exchange, but Mr. Zero freezes the street under the dynamic duo's skates and stops them. Later, in his lair, which is kept cold except for a warmed bench for his gang, he tells a new member of his group of the accident that befell his when he was saturated with the cold-gas solution used in his gun. He immediately lost the ability to breathe at room temperature, and had to dwell in an artificially cold environment, such as his refrigerated lair or his "air-conditioned" Mr. Zero costume. Batman and Robin try to stop a subsequent Mr. Zero robbery of a visiting prince and princess's diamonds, but their Batropes are frozen in mid-swing and, when the heroes attempt to use an ice-slide to reach Zero's getaway car, the frigid felon melts it.

Action Comics #239 (1938 DC) April 1958 DC Comics

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Synopsis for "Superman's New Face":
Superman is caught in an atomic explosion and afterwards must bandage his face, or wear a lead mask, to keep anyone from seeing what happened to him. One-page Tricksy the World's Greatest Stunt Man story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Puzzle of the Jungle Pyramid!" starring Congo Bill, art by Howard Sherman. Untitled Jerry the Jitterbug story by Henry Boltinoff. Untitled Casey the Cop story by Henry Boltinoff. "The Toys That Stopped Space Crime" starring Tommy Tomorrow, script by Otto Binder, art by Jim Mooney.

Fantastic Four #78 (1st Series 1961) September 1968 Marvel Comics

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"The Thing no more!":
Arriving on Earth from the Microverse, Reed, Ben and Johnny are happily surprised to find the threat of Galactus has been averted. Elsewhere, the Wizard has been released from prison and vows revenge against the Fantastic Four, creating "Wonder Gloves" that increase his strength. After testing the weapons out, he flies towards the Baxter building to get revenge on his foes. Meanwhile, Reed has come up with yet another invention to change Ben back to a normal human, and surprisingly this time it works with no side effects. Just then the Wizard attacks, and without the added strength of the Thing, Reed and Johnny are unable to match the villain's new powers. While at the hospital, the doctors have some concerns about the baby Susan is carrying. Speaking to Crystal in private they show her medical charts which show that the cosmic rays in Sue's body could effect the baby.

X-Force #28 (1st Series 1991) November 1993 Marvel Comics

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Cover pencils by Tony Daniel, inks by Jon Holdredge, script by Fabian Nicieza, pencils by Tony Daniel, inks by Kevin Conrad

"The Axe Falls":
X-Force rescues Gyrich; Feral quits X-Force and joins the MLF; Sunspot disappears in one of Locus' teleports.

Space Pirate Captain Harlock FCBD #0 August 2021 Ablaze Comics

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Preview the forthcoming full color, original 'Space Pirate Captain Harlock' series from ABLAZE, personally overseen by the legendary Leiji Matsumoto! In this brand-new Captain Harlock adventure, planet Earth is threatened by an upcoming invasion by the Sylvidres and despite being banished as a pirate, Captain Harlock won't give up trying to save the world. Will Captain Harlock and his crew manage to solve this mystery and save the Earth from yet another menace? Also includes teasers for 3 highly anticipated upcoming manga/manhwa releases from ABLAZE, including The Breaker Vol 1 omnibus (critically acclaimed martial arts manhwa), Versus Fighting Story Vol 1 (Capcom e-sports shonen manga) and Crueler Than Dead Vol 1 (zombie horror seinen manga).

Wolverine #66A (2nd Series 2003) August 2008 Marvel Comics

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"Old Man Logan" Part 1 of 8:
Nobody knows what happened on the night the heroes fell. All we know is that they disappeared and evil triumphed and the bad guys have been calling the shots ever since. What happened to Wolverine is the biggest mystery of all. For 50 years, no one has heard hide nor hair from him...and in his place stands an old man called Logan. A man concerned only about his family. A man pushed to the brink by the HULK GANG. A man forced to help an old friend-the blind archer, HAWKEYE-to drive three thousand miles to secure his family's safety. Get ready for the ride of your life, Logan.

True Believers #1 King in Black Black Cat January 2021 Marvel Comics

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"Never Let The Black Cat Cross Your Path!" Part 1 of 2:
Reprint of the 1st story from Amazing Spider-Man #194
One of the landmark issues of the Amazing Spider-Man series! The dazzling debut of the Black Cat! The wall-crawler has spent the first 193 issues of his title chasing super-villains! But tonight he's going to kiss one instead! Wow! Does the web-slinger stand a chance against the beauty and charm of Felicia Hardy? Not when the alluring cat has his tongue! And maybe later his heart! A terrific issue! Cameo appearances by Aunt May, Betty Brant, Ned Leeds, Harry Osborn, Flash Thompson, Mysterio (in civilian clothes), and the burglar.

Symbiote Spider-Man King in Black #5A May 2021 Marvel Comics

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"I was flown here by a talking raccoon and an Avengers villain... to a place where the head of security is a talking dog... and a troll brother is ritualistically hunting his sister! All to fight a villain who thinks he's my brother! Forget seriousness."
~Spider-Man

"The Sword and the Spirit" Part Five:
The god-king of the symbiotes has made his presence known across space and time - will the assembled heroes of Marvel's yesteryear be enough to stave off his suffocating darkness, or will every corner of the Marvel Universe fall to the KING IN BLACK?!

New In The Store This Week: Captain Marvel, Thor, Ultraman, Fantastic Four & More!

Captain Marvel #1 Walmart Exclusive Artgerm Variant Cover March 2019 Issue Marvel Comics Grade NM

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ALL THE STARS ALIGN AS KELLY THOMPSON AND CARMEN CARNERO TAKE ON MARVEL'S PREMIER FEMALE SUPER HERO! As Captain Marvel, Carol Danvers has spent months in space protecting Earth from alien threats big and small, but now it's time for Earth's mightiest hero to come home. New York City has never looked so good. But every re-entry comes with the unexpected, and Carol is about to hit a whole lot of unexpected. It's a fresh start and an oversized, star-studded welcome home for a hero who's been punching the glass ceiling since the 1970s - and just in time for the first female-led film from Marvel Studios! The next 50 years of Captain Marvel starts here! 48 pages, full color. Rated T+

Thor #700 Lenticular Cover Variant December Issue Marvel Comics Grade NM

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The Death of Mighty Thor: Part 1 - Written by Jason Aaron. Art by Walter Simonson, Russell Dauterman, Daniel Acuna, James Harren, Becky Cloonan, Das Pastoras, Chris Burnham, Andrew MacLean, Jill Thompson, Mike Del Mundo and Olivier Coipel. The final judgement comes as the Mangog arrives! The War Thor will meet the beast head on. But even the bloodthirst of this Ultimate Thor may pale in comparison to the might of the Mangog! The battle rages as Jane's cancer takes a turn for the worse, and she might not have to wait for the final judgment at all. The clock is ticking, and no hammer can save her this time. It's the beginning of the end that will lead to the most dramatic return in the Marvel Universe! PLUS: Includes 3 bonus MARVEL PRIMER PAGES! Story by Robbie Thompson and Valerio Schiti! 60 pages, full color. Rated T+

The Trials of Ultraman #1 Walmart Variant Cover May 2021 Marvel Comics Grade NM

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Ultraman narrowly averted a catastrophe decades in the making. The world was saved - but, also, forever changed. Now…come the consequences. Much of the populace regard their defenders with suspicion. Enemies hide in plain sight, and even those closest to Shin Hayata don't necessarily have faith in the Giant of Light. But at last, a long-thought-lost comrade has mysteriously returned! That's a good thing…right? The RISE is over. The training wheels are off, and the stakes have never been higher. THE TRIALS OF ULTRAMAN begin here! 44 pages, full color. Rated T+

Fantastic Four #24 2nd Printing Art Adams Variant December 2020 Marvel Comics Grade NM

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Hey, remember that time Iceman replaced the Human Torch as a member of the Fantastic Four? No? Well, Johnny Storm sure remembers! And now it's time to let everybody else in on the secret of the Fantastic Four story we were never supposed to talk about! Don't miss the revelations in "Cold Snap" by Dan Slott and Paco Medina. Plus: Thor in the bonus Fortnite/Marvel crossover story "Nexus War" by Donny Cates, Greg Land and Jay Leisten. Issue also includes a 2-page tribute to actor Chadwick Boseman by Ta-Nehisi Coates and Brian Stelfreeze. 44 pages, full color. Rated T

Black Knight Curse of the Ebony Blade #1 Walmart Exclusive Variant Cover May 2021 Marvel Comics Grade NM

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Dane Whitman is the BLACK KNIGHT and wielder of the magical EBONY BLADE, but the blade's power comes at a terrible price. Dane forever bears the burden of its curse: an insatiable lust for blood and mayhem that constantly threatens to swallow its owner in darkness. Must that be Dane's fate? Following the battle against the KING IN BLACK, a reinvigorated Dane has a greater sense of purpose than ever before. But his sword is the key to a new enemy's evil plan and only the Black Knight can prevent the coming death and destruction. This conflict spanning mythical Camelot to modern-day NYC will test Dane like never before and challenge everything he believes about himself, the Ebony Blade, and the entire history of the Black Knight! Guest starring the AVENGERS! 36 pages, full color. Rated T+

X of Swords Creation #1 November 2020 Issue Marvel Comics Grade NM

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X of Swords: Part 1 of 22 - Written by Jonathan Hickman and Tini Howard. Art and Cover by Pepe Larraz. X OF SWORDS - CHAPTER 1 A tower. A mission. A gathering of armies. 68 pages, full color. Rated T+

Story continues in X-Factor (2020 Marvel) 4.

Detective Comics #997 (3rd Series) Variant Cover March 2019 DC Comics Grade NM

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Written by Peter J. Tomasi. Art by Doug Mahnke, Christian Alamy and Mark Irwin. Cover by Brian Stelfreeze.

There's no man on Earth more convinced that he knows what makes Batman tick than Dr. Hugo Strange! Which makes him a natural target for the thing that's hunting Batman, unless Batman gets there first! 32 pages, full color. Rated T

Superman #9 July 2012 DC Comics Grade NM

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Cover by Ivan Reis (W) Fritz Saalfeld, Keith Giffen (A) Dan Jurgens, Jesus Merino SUPERMAN faces new supervillainess MASOCHIST! How can Superman fight an opponent he can't touch? LOIS LANE faces a turning point in her career as a journalist.

Deadpool In Wade We Trust! Hardcover Edition February 2014 Marvel Comics Grade NM

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Volume 1 - 1st printing. Collects Deadpool (2012-2015 3rd Series) #1-12. Gerry Duggan and Brian Posehn's hilarious, nonstop reinvention of the Merc With a Mouth! When a cadre of dead U.S. presidents - from George Washington to Gerald Ford - rise from the grave to terrorize their countrymen, only someone with the already-sullied reputation, indiscriminate killing skills and implicit insanity defense of a heavily armed madman can be trusted with this abhorrent operation. But who in the Marvel Universe will dirty their hands by bashing in these resurrected heads of state? NOW! is the time for Deadpool! Then: A demon hires Deadpool to reclaim damned souls! And just in case you didn't think he could get any stranger, Wade gets in touch with his feminine side! Guest-starring your Superior Neighborhood Spider-Man and some dude with aquatic powers! And we promise Deadpool kills one of those two! Plus: Flash back to Wade's adventures of yesteryear with Iron Man! Hardcover, 280 pages, full color.

The Walking Dead Compendium Volume 2 TPB October 2012 Image Comics Grade NM

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Volume 2 - 2nd printing. Collects Walking Dead (2003 Image) #49-96. Written by ROBERT KIRKMAN. Art by Charlie Adlard. Cover by Charlie Adlard and Cliff Rathburn. Returning with the second eight volumes of the fan-favorite, New York Times Best Seller series collected into one massive paperback collection! This is the perfect collection for any fan of the Emmy Award-winning television series on AMC: over one thousand pages chronicling the next chapter of ROBERT KIRKMAN's Eisner Award-winning continuing story of survival horror- beginning with Rick Grimes' struggle to survive after the prison raid, to the group's finding short solace in The Community, and the devastation that follows... In a world ruled by the dead, we are finally forced to finally start living. Softcover, 1,068 pages, B&W. MATURE READERS.

Fantastic Four #197 (1st Series 1963) August 1978 Marvel Comics

Written by Marv Wolfman. Pencils by Keith Pollard. Inks by Joe Sinnott. Cover by George Perez and Joe Sinnott

$14.24 - On Sale Here!

Garbed in his Fantastic Four uniform, Reed Richards stands next to a small space rocket at the Cynthian Associates research facility. At his side is his captor, the supervisor of the complex. Reed asks him why he is willing to pay out a fortune to help Reed reacquire his stretching power. What does he want in return? The man does not answer but simply states that if Reed does not do as he is told, his teammates will be killed. Reed declares that his calculations are complete and that he is ready to take off, and asks to see his wife and friends before he leaves. The supervisor declines, stating that they will remain his prisoners until Reed returns repowered. Then Reed climbs the ladder into the shuttle-craft and straps himself into his seat. For months, he muses, he fantasized about regaining his powers, but he realized that it would take the resources of a small country to do so. Now, as his dream seems to be coming true, Reed wonders who the mysterious person is who financed the operation, and to what end. And why, Reed wonders as the ship lakes off, does the supervisor seem so hauntingly familiar?

Dismissing these thoughts, Reed turns his attention to the compu-screens. The supervisor reports to Dr. Doom that Reed is on his way. With a rasping laugh, Doom declares that Operation: Coronation is proceeding on schedule. It is time to return to Latveria, he says, where the destruction of the Fantastic Four will take place and where he will become the ruler of Earth. In space, Reed discovers that his ship's controls are all present so that he can make only a minor course alterations. His costume, which the supervisor returned to him, feels quite comfortable, like a second skin, even though it nas been a long time since he has worn it. As he monitors his trajectory, however, he remains unaware of a strange scarlet mist that envelops the ship and seeps into the cabin. Awaiting the moment when he must deploy the adjusting pods, he wonders why he and his teammates received superhuman powers from cosmic radiation but astronauts after them did not. Then he discovers a very slight course error that he corrects in time. When he disengages the equating pods, he muses, everything must be exactly as it was that day years ago. Otherwise, the cosmic rays could turn him into anything from a monster to a microbe.

Fortunately, the compu-screens register zero divergences and in a few seconds the pods position themselves correctly. It has taken years, thinks Reed, to prove his hunch that the cosmic rays that showered them then were slightly altered by heightened sunspot activity, a flaring of the Van Allen Belt, and an increase in neutron activity. If this chain of events is precisely recreated, then Mr Fantastic will live again. Tense, Reed switches on the Cosmic Ray Collector and waits. Suddenly he feels the rays slicing through him, and his head starts to pound with pain—exactly like before, he shouts. As the rays bombard the ship, his stretching power returns, and he quickly extends across the cabin to steer the ship out of the radiation before it becomes overpowering. Fighting the ray-induced lethargy, Reed squeezes the collector switch, and then he passes out. Unconscious, he does not see the other person in the ship with him, who entered as a scarlet vapor and was also irradiated. His atoms reintegrated, the Red Ghost—the Fantastic Four's mortal foe— materializes next to Reed. As Ben, Johnny, and Sue regain consciousness in Doom's Latverian castle, they see Doom at his piano playing a Wagner composition. Doom explains that Ben is held prisoner in a power compressor. The more energy he uses trying to escape, the harder the machine holds him then Doom orders his guards to bring in the 'artist," and when Alicia Masters enters, Ben becomes furious. Doom declares that she has not been harmed. She is a brilliant craftsman, and such people are welcome to roam the kingdom then Doom says that the Human Torch is trapped in a liquid prison that keeps him from using his flame, while Sue is imprisoned in a power dampener. Alicia tells Ben that Doom has promised their freedom once She completes work on Doom's statue.

Then Doom removes a cloth from the massive golden likeness of himself. Only the face remains incomplete, and Alicia must use her talent to sculpt it as it appeared before Doom's fateful accident. Doom removes his mask so Alicia can run her sensitive fingers over his face, and as she does, she remarks that she can feel that he is basically a good man whom circumstances have twisted into a man filled with hatred and suspicion. Doom says that she is mocking him and pushes her away. Then Sue asks him why he is going to such trouble to make the statue. He replies that he has ruled Latveria for many years, transforming his countrymen from peasants into a proud people. Later this week, because of the laws of Latveria, he must abdicate his throne in the Ceremony of Coronation. As the supervisor of Cynthian Associates enters the chamber, Doom says that the statue will be donated to the United Nations then Doom introduces the man to them and declares that the scepter of power will be turned over—to his son.

In outer space the Red Ghost congratulates the unconscious Reed for succeeding beyond anyone's wildest dreams. He exults that his powers are now greater than ever, and he will no longer need his unpredictable Super-Apes. Holding Reed's head, the Ghost recalls their early battles on the moon. Then he remembers his last battle, in which Iron Man used a Cosmitronic Cannon to disperse the Ghost's atoms throughout the galaxy. Fortunately, he says, he was able to draw his atoms together mentally. He circled the Earth as a scarlet mist, seeking the cosmic rays that would restore him. When he saw Reed's ship, he instantly divined its purpose. Not only did he regain his powers, but they have been considerably increased. But Reed revives as the Ghost is gloating and slams him with a massive, spiked fist. Incredulous, the Ghost staggers away and shoots a meteor-smasher at Reed, but Reed absorbs the missiles in his elastic body and snaps them back. The Ghost quickly turns intangible, so the missiles pass through him to explode against the bulkhead behind him. Their battle continues for some time, with the Ghost's intangibility power helping him avoid Reed's blows but hindering him from landing blows of his own. Finally, the Ghost realizes that he can make objects other than himself intangible and he dematerializes the floor below Reed. Reed slips through, and then the Ghost solidifies the floor, trapping Reed in between the shuttlecraft's levels. He gloats that the spaceship's orbit will soon decay and Reed will perish in the fiery re-entry.

In Latveria, Doom's "son" reports that control over the shuttle has been lost. Sensors have reported the presence of two life forms aboard, he continues, and the Ship is about to re-enter the atmosphere and burn up. Doom is furious. Alicia is shocked, and Reed's three teammates are horrified. Back in the spacecraft, Reed slowly works himself free of the atoms of the ship's flooring, hoping that the unstable molecular structure of his uniform will allow him to slip out. Fortunately, it is not long before his hands are liberated, and then the rest of his body follows. Just as the Red Ghost finishes blasting apart the ship's computers, Reed enters the chamber and punches him. The Ghost recovers and lures Reed into leaping through the airlock door, which he momentarily dematerializes. This traps Reed in the decompression chamber, and the Ghost declares that Reed will spend his last moments aboard the ship alone. Then he dematerializes himself and passes through the ship's hull into the vacuum outside. It is very cold inside the chamber, and Reed thinks it is ironic that he could freeze to death before the heat of re-entry incinerates him. Desperately, he feels around the walls for some way back to the control panels, and before long he discovers a hairline crack, evidently made when the Ghost used the meteor smasher missiles.

Now that his elasticity has been increased, he can actually squeeze through the incredibly thin orifice, and he manages to stretch to the control panel just in time. On Doom's monitor, however, all Doom and his prisoners can see is the burn-up of the ship. They do not see the small steel canister ejected instants before the blast, nor do they see the SHIELD helicopter pluck the tiny container out of the ocean moments later. Aboard the aircraft, Nick Fury congratulates Reed on getting his radio dispatch out in time. They located him perfectly, he says. Reed requests that Fury takes the Fantastic Four's pogo plane out of storage. He has finally figured out that Dr. Doom is behind everything, he says, and this time nothing will stop him from ending Doom's menace forever.

 

When Marvel Went British: The Complete Fantastic Four

The Mighty World Of Marvel (commonly shortened to MWOM) was a British comic book series published by Panini Comics. Initially debuting on 30 September 1972, it was the first title published by Marvel UK and ran until 1984. The series was revived in 2003 by Panini Comics, who are licensed to reprint Marvel US material in Europe, and was published monthly until November 2019.

Spending much of the 1970s as Marvel UK's flagship title, MWOM published black & white reprints of American Marvel four-colour material. Thanks in large part to the success of MWOM, Marvel UK gained a foothold in the (at the time) vast UK weekly comic market, allowing the company to cross-market and later introduce non-superhero UK-reprint titles such as Planet of the Apes and Star Wars.

The Complete Fantastic Four was a weekly title launched by Marvel UK on 28th September 1977, and ran for 37 issues until 8th June 1978. The first 36 page issue gave away a free gift of a plastic snap together model of a Boeing 747, while the second gave away a free Boeing Clipper boat plane model. Early issues contained just two reprint strips; early '70s Fantastic Four reprints continuing from their run in Super Spider-Man and 'classic' '60s reprints beginning with Fantastic Four #1 in the backup slot. In later issues, a third strip was included, 'The Invaders'. Following the title's cancellation, both the Fantastic Four and the Invaders moved into the pages of Mighty World of Marvel Vol 1.

The Complete Fantastic Four #4 October 19, 1977 Marvel UK Grade VF

$52.49 On Sale Now!

Written by Gerry Conway. Cover art by John Busecma and art by Joe Sinnott.


Rumble On Planet 3; The Thing; The Fantastic Four Fight Back


Searching for the Brain and his ultimate weapon the Warhead, Mister Fantastic and the Thing come across a medieval castle in this strange world based on 1950s pop-culture. By this point they have shaken off the Patriot's mental conditioning that made them loyal to their cause. Trying to infiltrate the castle they are attacked by soldiers that are guarding the ramparts with lances that fire ray beams. Having had enough of this twisted reality, the Thing smashes through the draw bridge and fights through the knights. Suddenly they are joined by the Human Torch and Medusa who are seeking the Warhead on behalf of the Wild Ones. Still under the Wild Ones' influence, the Torch and Medusa fight their comrades as the Brain -- secretly Slugger Johnson the man responsible for this reality warp -- watches on. He complains to the Shaper of Worlds that this reality he has created has not been ideal and that the Fantastic Four appear to have been unaffected by the changes. Tricking the Shaper into thinking that the Fantastic Four are evil, he convinces the alien to unleash the Warehead.

The Complete Fantastic Four #6 November 2, 1977 Marvel UK Grade VF

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As the Fantastic Four continue to fight among each others, the castle suddenly changes into a drive-in movie theater and the knights in to members of the Wild Ones. Suddenly on the drive-in screen appears footage of a monster movie which features a giant monster with an ape-body and Sputnik for a head. It eventually passes through the movie screen and out into reality prepared to attack everyone in sight. Witnessing this from their bomb shelter are Senator McHammer and his Patriots. He orders the Patriots to gear up and head out to claim the Warhead for themselves. As they exit, they push back one of the African-American workers on the facility. Finally fed up of being unseen by the Patriots, the black man goes down into the basement of the facility where his people live in squalor. He tells his people that they should not longer live in poverty and rise up and show McHammer and his people that they are equals.

Back at the drive-in, the Fantastic Four and the Wild Ones battle the Warhead but fail to gain any ground when suddenly the Patriots arrive in their flying cars. At that moment the mental conditioning between Johnny and Medusa begin to wear off and they agree to help Reed and Ben stop the menace of the Warhead. Seeing the Sputnik on the Warhead's shoulders as its weakness, the Thing flags down one of the Wild Ones and hops on his bike. Flown up to the monster's head, Ben jumps down and smashes it with his strongest punch. The Sputnik shatters causing the Warhead to explode as it falls back through the movie screen.

With the battle over the Wild Ones and the Patriots confront each other. During the heated exchange the leader of the Wild Ones tells McHammer that they need the "Youthies" because nothing lasts forever in society. This proclamation is agreed with by the approaching group of African-Americans. Their leader begins demanding that they be given their civil rights and that the fifties must end to give way to the sixties. As the black man forces McHammer and his people face their consciences, they begin to fade from existence. The Shaper of Worlds appears and announces that his experiment is over and it has ended in failure. He explains that he is leaving Earth, but will be curing Thomas Gideon and taking him along in order to provide the dreams that the Shaper needs to shape reality. As the Shaper teleports away as he restores reality to normal. The Fantastic Four find themselves back aboard their carious crafts heading back to New York City.

Just in case you were interested, DC Comics also printed comics in magazine form in the UK.

Batman Monthly #15 September 1989 London Editions Magazines/DC Comics Grade VG

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Cover Art by Jim Aparo and Art Gibson. Colorist Adrienne Roy. Letterer Ben Kazuhito Oda

Reprints of Batman #335 and The Brave and the Bold #166. Batman Monthly was launched by London Editions Magazines, later Fleetway Editions, in July 1988 and ran for 56 issues until February 1993. It was then relaunched for a further volume of 11 issues from March 1993 to January 1994. Then the series was merged with Fleetway's Superman title and the numbering restarted again under the title Batman & Superman; this lasted another eleven issues. All issues featured reprints of American Batman stories, with the first two years worth focusing largely on stories from the 1970s and early 1980s (and the occasional older story) and later issues bringing the character more up to date with stories from the late 1980s and early 90s. The first issue carried a free gift of a cover-mounted Batman badge. Batman Monthly also spawned an intermittent series of Specials, Batman Monthly Presents, featuring characters such as the Joker and The Penguin. A must have for all Batman collectors!

New In Our Store This Week: What If... Captain America and Bucky Had Both Survived World War II?

Mystique #2 July 2003 Marvel Comics Grade NM - On Sale Now For $2.99!

The mutant chameleon Mystique is captured and sentenced to death for her terrorist crimes. When a shocking figure from her past offers her the chance at a new life, will she accept or choose to escape on her own?

Sheena Queen Of The Jungle #5 Cover A January 2018 Dynamite Entertainment Grade NM - On Sale For $2.99 Now!

As monsters and mercenaries clash, Sheena must race to prevent a war that could annihilate all she holds dear!

Fantastic Four #338 (1st Series 1961) March 1990 Marvel Comics Grade VF - On Sale For $2.24!

The FF and the two Avengers have penetrated the time bubble and arrive in a futuristic New York City. Once there they encounter Death's Head and battle Kang! Next, Thor transports the heroes to the awesome source of the time bubble, where the time travelers find...Galactus!

What If #5 (1st Series 1977) October 1977 Marvel Comics Grade F/VF - Only $7.49 Shop Now!

Captain America and Bucky succeed in disarming the drone plane that would have otherwise ended their careers in the 40s. The Red Skull has Baron Zemo put into a twenty-year deep sleep for his failure. Cap and Bucky continue to fight crime and Communism into the 60s, with Barnes switching to calling himself "Buck" as he gets older.

Marvel Team-Up #55 (1st Series 1972) March 1977 Marvel Comics Grade VF - $8.24 Shop Now!

Guest-starring Spider-Man and Adam Warlock
After narrowly escaping from Tranquility Base in New Mexico, a semi-conscious wall-crawler rockets into outer space on a spaceship rapidly leaking oxygen!

Spawn #37 November 1995 Image Comics Grade NM - A Great Deal At Only $7.49!

The Freak is introduced into the alleyways, and is threatened by street thugs. Spawn steps in and rescues the Freak from his attackers. As the Freak explains his origins, Spawn realizes that both of them are victims of evil men.

Spectacular Spider Man #14 (1st Series 1976) January 1978 Marvel Comics Grade VF+ - Only $5.99 !!

The wall-crawler, Razorback, and Flash are prisoners of the Hate Monger! The trio is chained to a wall and staring down a time bomb set to explode! Can the heroes escape the Hate Monger's trap?

Star Wars Adventures 1 Fried Pie Variant Cover September 2017 IDW Publishing Grade NM - A Variant Cover Only $5.99!

Introducing an exciting new era in all-ages Star Wars comics! This debut issue will reveal Rey's early adventures on Jakku as well as a comical tale of clone catastrophe!

Countdown #41 September 2007 DC Comics Grade NM - A Great Comic Book For Only $1.00!!!!

Learn more about the search for Ray Palmer! Travel into the Nanoverse! All this plus appearances by the Suicide Squad, the Penguin and the Atom!

Star Wars #23 (1977 Marvel) May 1979 Marvel Comics Grade VF/NM - Only $8.99 Wow!

Have Luke, Leia, and the rest survived their arduous ordeals at the Wheel only to fall into the clutches of Darth Vader himself?

Ghost Rider #26 (1st Series 1973) October 1977 Marvel Comics Grade F/VF - A Bronze Age Gem For Only $5.99!

When the mystic Dr. Druid arrives on set to investigate Johnny Blaze, the supernatural sparks fly.

Spawn #36 October 1995 Image Comics Grade NM - $7.49 On Sale!

Terry prevents Spawn from Murdering Jason Wynn. Spawn accuses his former best friend of being a traitor but he doesn't realize that Terry is trying take down Wynn himself by working undercover. Plus, Spawn finally tries to tell Wanda who he really is.

And Much Much More!!!

Venom #18 November 2004 Spider-Man & The Fantastic Four Must Stop Venom! Marvel Comics Grade NM

Venom #18 November 2004 Spider-Man & The Fantastic Four Must Stop Venom! Marvel Comics Grade NM

$24.99 - Shop Here

Written by Daniel Way. Pencils & Cover by Skottie Young

"TWIST" Part 5 (of 5)?:
The thrilling conclusion that everyone has been waiting for, as Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four must stop the two Venom symbiotes from destroying the earth!

1st printing.
This comic book is in new condition and has never been read. It has only been removed from it's bag once to be scanned for this listing. Comic is complete with cover and all pages attached. This comic has very few flaws that warrant a NM grade.
Comic Book will be shipped bagged and boarded!

The Fantastic Four: Celebrating 80 Years Of Marvel

The Fantastic Four Battle Mole Man

From Marvel Comics

Some might think that the rebirth of the super heroes at Marvel with FANTASTIC FOUR #1 rang an immediate death knell for the giant monsters who had ruled the roost for the previous few years, but that’s not quite the case. In fact, the two carried on side by side for a while.

FANTASTIC FOUR #1 marks an interesting merging of the two genres as Stan Lee and Jack Kirby pitted their brand new first family of comics up against, you guessed it, giant monsters. Just look at the cover if you don’t believe us!

The issue from 1961 began with each member of the team already equipped with their powers out in New York City until a mysterious figure sent out a Fantastic Four flare that grabbed their attention. Upon the group getting together the reader discovered that Reed Richards called the meeting. After recounting their cosmic ray-filled trip to outer space that granted them amazing powers, the quartet focused on the task at hand: stopping The Mole Man from sending his enormous monsters surface-side to destroy nuclear plants.

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The 7 Best Fantastic Four Fantasti-Cars

Franklin and Valeria Richards may have traveled through space and time, but in this week's FANTASTIC FOUR #11 by Dan Slott, Paco Medina, Kevin Libranda, Paolo Villanelli, and Juanan Ramirez, they face a new force of nature: the Department of Extra-Normal Motor Vehicles!

The very first version of the iconic vehicle debuted on the cover to FANTASTIC FOUR #3 in 1962 thanks to Stan Lee and Jack Kirby!

The team flew in the bathtub-like craft home from Miracle Man's performance before readers saw it split into four platforms that each team member could fly around in. Over the years, the team has returned to this version more than a few times, including immediately after making their way home after HEROES REBORN! More recently, Thing and Torch used this version to ride around when they starred in MARVEL 2-IN-ONE (2018)!

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The Complete Fantastic Four #5 October 26, 1977 Marvel UK

Written by Gerry Conway. Cover art by John Busecma and art by Joe Sinnott.

Rumble On Planet 3; The Thing; The Fantastic Four Fight Back

The Complete Fantastic Four was a weekly title launched by Marvel UK on 28th September 1977, and ran for 37 issues until 8th June 1978. The first 36 page issue gave away a free gift of a plastic snap together model of a Boeing 747, while the second gave away a free Boeing Clipper boat plane model. Early issues contained just two reprint strips; early '70s Fantastic Four reprints continuing from their run in Super Spider-Man and 'classic' '60s reprints beginning with Fantastic Four #1 in the backup slot. In later issues, a third strip was included, 'The Invaders'. Following the title's cancellation, both the Fantastic Four and the Invaders moved into the pages of Mighty World of Marvel Vol 1.

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A Fantastic Four Wedding Retrospective

From Marvel Comics

Reed Richards and Susan Storm had been romantically linked for most of the FF’s early years. Still, it was a surprise when Stan Lee and Jack Kirby actually let them get married. However, the ceremony wasn’t without its complications. Doctor Doom wanted to get his revenge on Reed and the team by sending nearly every villain on Earth to break up the wedding. Fortunately, the X-Men, Doctor Strange, and the Avengers were all on the guest list, with Spider-Man also swinging by for an assist.

In terms of spectacle, none of the subsequent Fantastic Four weddings have outdone the first one. Lee and Kirby also couldn’t resist including themselves among the well-wishers for the happy couple, even if they couldn’t get past Nick Fury to attend the reception.

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Every Fantastic Four Costume Ever

From Marvel Comics

While they stand among Marvel Comics' most historic figures, the Fantastic Four's ideology has proven them to be the most forward-looking and aspirational unit at the House of Ideas.

They mean so much to the Marvel Universe; the First Family have personally introduced 8% of all Marvel characters into existence. But they’re not only heroes in the conventional sense, they’re also explorers, inventors, and pioneers. And in a major way, they’re fashion icons.

The Fantastic Four has been around for 50 years, and over the course of that time, they've tweaked and changed their look to adapt to the times and reflect the state of the world that they are so instrumental in building. The team’s had so many iterations and compositions over the years that it’s important to remember that despite the Four’s status as the rock upon which Marvel was built, they’ve always been changing and adapting and growing.

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Fantastic Four #88 July 1969 Marvel Comics

Script by Stan Lee. Pencils by Jack Kirby. Inks by Joe Sinnott. Cover by Jack Kirby and Joe Sinnott.

"A House There Was!":

A jubilant Fantastic Four reunite with baby Franklin and Alicia after their episode in Latveria ended last issue! Reed, Sue, Ben, Johnny, and Crystal are ready for some rest, relaxation, and house-hunting! Following a realtor's tip, the Invisible Girl leads the team to a contemporary house located in a secluded forest. Seems like a strange place for a modern house. But everything goes smooth as Reed and Sue move in and then sit down for their first meal with Johnny and Crystal. However, shortly thereafter everything goes dark! The foursome are suddenly blind! Who owns this house?! Could there be a mole inside? Or perhaps more specifically…a mole man? Last 12¢ issue. (Notes: This issue is the third appearance of (the still unnamed baby) Franklin Richards. The Mole Man previously appeared in Uncanny X-Men 34.)

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Replacement Roundup

From Marvel Comics

Marvel’s First Family may be the Fantastic Four, but while there are four core members -- Reed and Sue Richards, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm -- there have been numerous close friends and associates that have filled in as one of the official Four, usually on a temporary basis, and sometimes a more permanent one. In FANTASTIC FOUR #3, available now, it looks like there will be one big family reunion!

Though the team always eventually returns to those four family members (plus Franklin and Valeria Richards), here are some of the heroes (and villains!) that have been members of the Fantastic Four over the years.

When Sue first became pregnant with her and Reed’s son, Crystal, of the Inhuman Royal Family, joined in Sue’s stead for a time. As the Fantastic Four aided this mysterious and secretive race of superhumans on numerous occasions, the FF and the Inhumans were very close. And none were closer than Johnny and Crystal, who had crushes on one another. Naturally, Johnny was quite enthusiastic about Crystal filling in for Sue. This wouldn’t be the last time Crystal would join the FF -- she joined the team again in FANTASTIC FOUR #305, when Reed and Sue took a leave of absence to take care of their powerful and unstable son, Franklin.

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