The three essential runs of the Fantastic Four are the unrivaledLee/Kirby(1961-1970), the brilliantJohn Byrne(1981-1986) and the ambitiousJonathan Hickman(2009-2012).
The Fantastic Four are the cornerstone of the Marvel Universe. The first title of the Marvel era in 1961, the series attracted the greatest talents in American comics and produced some of the longest and most consistent runs in the history of the medium. For the collector, it is a territory as rich as it is competitive.
From the Kirby cosmogony to Hickman's narrative architectures, each major FF run redefines what a superhero comic book can be. Here are the essential continuing series, classified by historical importance and collectible value.
Top 1 — Lee & Kirby (1961-1970)
Screenwriter:Stan Lee |Designer:Jack Kirby |Numbers:Fantastic Four #1-102 |Period :1961-1970
The Big Bang of the Marvel Universe. In 102 issues, Lee and Kirby invented the Inhumans, the Silver Surfer, Galactus, the Negative Zone, the Black Panther and Doctor Doom. Each issue pushes the boundaries of the imagination. The “Galactus Trilogy” (#48-50) remains the absolute peak of the Silver Age.
Key numbers:FF #1 (origin), #5 (1st Doom), #48-50 (Galactus Trilogy), #52 (1st Black Panther).Market value:FF #1 in VG: €15,000-30,000 | #48 in French: €2,000-4,000 | Full run: €50,000+.
Top 2 — John Byrne (1981-1986)
Writer/Draughtsman:John Byrne |Numbers:Fantastic Four #232-293 |Period :1981-1986
Byrne reinvents FF for the 80s with full creative control. She-Hulk replaces the Thing, Sue Richards becomes Invisible Woman (and no longer Girl), Doom reaches new heights of threat. The "Trial of Galactus" (#242-244) and Sue's transformation (#280-284) are major arcs.
Key numbers:FF #232 (early Byrne), #258 (Doom solo), #285 (Secret Wars tie-in).Market value:#232 in NM: €20-40 | Full run: €300-600.
Top 3 — Jonathan Hickman (2009-2012)
Screenwriter:Jonathan Hickman |Designers:Dale Eaglesham, Steve Epting |Numbers:Fantastic Four #570-611 + FF #1-23 |Period :2009-2012
Hickman orchestrates a monumental saga mixing hard science fiction and family drama. The Council of Reeds, the death of the Human Torch and the Future Foundation form a narrative architecture of rare ambition. This run is the foundation for all of his subsequent Avengers/Secret Wars work.
Key numbers:FF #570 (Council of Reeds), #587 (Torch death), FF #1 (Future Foundation).Market value:#587 in NM: €15-25 | Full run: €150-300.
Top 4 — Waid & Wieringo (2002-2005)
Screenwriter:Mark Waid |Designer:Mike Wieringo |Numbers:Fantastic Four #60-524 |Period :2002-2005
Waid brings wonder and exploration back to the heart of the title. The "Unthinkable" arc transforms Doom into a terrifying mystical threat, while "Authoritative Action" explores the political consequences of the FF's powers. Wieringo brings a perfectly calibrated joyful visual energy.
Key numbers:FF #60 (early Waid), #67-70 (Unthinkable), #503-508 (Authoritative Action).Market value:Full run in NM: €80-160.
Top 5 — Dan Slott (2018-2021)
Screenwriter:Dan Slott |Designers:Sara Pichelli, Aaron Kuder |Numbers:Fantastic Four vol.6 #1-46 |Period :2018-2021
Slott orchestrates the long-awaited return of the FF after three years of absence. The family reunion, the marriage of Ben Grimm and the “Empyre” arc mark a respectful but modern return to basics. Pichelli delivers sumptuous boards on the first arcs.
Key numbers:FF #1 (return), #5 (Ben/Alicia wedding), #35 (anniversary).Market value:#1 in NM: €8-15 | Full run: €100-180.
Top 6 — Walt Simonson (1990-1992)
Writer/Draughtsman:Walt Simonson |Numbers:Fantastic Four #334-354 |Period :1990-1992
Simonson injects his explosive energy into the series with a short but memorable run. Time travel, Doom's new armor, and the Time Variance Authorities (TVA) — rediscovered thanks to Loki — make this run an underrated classic that's growing in value.
Key numbers:FF #337-341 (TVA arc), #352 (new Doom).Market value:Full run: €40-80.
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