Fantastic Four Variants: Alternative Covers to Collect

The return of the Fantastic Four in 2018 after three years of editorial absence caused an unprecedented event in the variant market. Marvel had voluntarily shelved its "First Family" following film rights disputes with Fox, and the relaunch by Dan Slott and Sara Pichelli was accompanied by a record number of alternate covers — more than 60 variants for issue #1 alone, a record in the publisher's history.

This profusion does not diminish the value of premium pieces: high ratios (1:100, 1:200) and exclusives by renowned artists such as Alex Ross or Artgerm remain extremely sought after. The announcement of the MCU film Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025) has reignited interest in the entire catalog of variants, making FF a major investment territory for savvy collectors.

Fantastic Four Variant Types

Alex Ross variants

Alex Ross has a special relationship with the Fantastic Four — the title embodies the golden age of Marvel that he celebrates throughout his work. His painted virgin variants for FF #1 (2018) are considered masterpieces of the genre, capturing the wonder and cosmic adventure that define the team. Ross's 1:100 and 1:200 ratios for this title are absolute blue-chips.

Artgerm blankets

Artgerm (Stanley Lau) produced variations centered on Sue Storm / Invisible Woman which became major market pieces. Its ultra-detailed style sublimating female characters applies perfectly to one of Marvel's most iconic heroines, generating a demand that goes beyond the circle of FF readers to reach Artgerm collectors of all series combined.

“Return from undo” variants

The series' cancellation in 2015 and its triumphant return in 2018 created a unique emotional context. The variants that celebrate this return — homages to classic Kirby covers, compositions bringing together the entire Richards family — carry a symbolic charge that supports their value well beyond the simple rarity of the print run. These are historical markers of Marvel publishing.

Top 10 most valued Fantastic Four variants

1. Fantastic Four #1 (2018) variant 1:200 Alex Ross virgin— $500-800 in NM
2. Fantastic Four #1 (2018) variant 1:100 Artgerm— $300-450
3. Fantastic Four #1 (2018) variant 1:100 Kirby homage virgin— $250-400
4. Fantastic Four #1 (2018) variant 1:100 Alex Ross (trade dress)— $200-350
5. Fantastic Four #1 (2018) variant 1:50 Ribic— $150-250
6. Fantastic Four #1 (2018) variant 1:50 Cassaday— $120-200
7. Fantastic Four #1 (2018) variant 1:25 Hughes (Sue Storm)— $100-160
8. Fantastic Four #35 (#680) variant 1:100 Alex Ross 60th anniversary— $100-150
9. Fantastic Four #1 (2018) Artgerm variant B (Thing)— $80-130
10. Fantastic Four #1 (2022) variant 1:50 Alex Ross— $60-100

Variant Authentication

With more than 60 variants for FF #1 (2018), confusion is common. Each version has a unique Diamond Code and UPC barcode — refer to the August 2018 Previews solicitations for the complete list. The virgin versions (without logo) are always high ratios; If you find a standard-priced “virgin,” it’s probably a reprint or counterfeit. Retailer exclusives have the store name printed, usually on the back or bottom cover.

Investment potential

The arrival of the Fantastic Four in the MCU represents the most important catalyst for the current comic book market. The film First Steps (2025) will introduce the quartet to millions of new fans, potentially replicating the “Guardians of the Galaxy” effect which had multiplied by 10 the value of certain comics. The variants of the 2018 relaunch are still accessible compared to their post-film potential. Also explore theFantastic Four key numbers.

Conservation and grading

FF #1 (2018) variants exist on several types of paper depending on the exclusive publisher. Exclusive retailers sometimes use a thicker coated paper, which is more resistant but also more likely to mark the corners during transport. For Alex Ross painted covers, grading is merciless on surface reflections — strict vertical storage in Mylar pouches is required. CGC 9.8 remains the target grade to maximize resale value.