Fantastic Four first appeared in Fantastic Four #1, published by Marvel in 1961. That places it in the Silver Age.
Why this issue matters
Widely credited with kicking off the Marvel Age of Comics. Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben were the first superhero team built around family dysfunction and real personality clashes rather than a simple alliance of powers.
Key facts
Fantastic Four #1
- Character: Fantastic Four
- Publisher: Marvel
- Cover year: 1961
- Era: Silver Age
Before you buy or sell one
- Check it is a first print, not a facsimile or reprint. Newsstand and direct editions are priced differently too.
- Condition decides most of the value. Whether grading is worth it depends on the copy.
Go deeper
Other first appearances from 1961
- Sinestro Green Lantern #7, 1961
More Marvel firsts from the Silver Age
- Kang the Conqueror Avengers #8, 1964
- Ultron Avengers #55, 1968
- Sandman Amazing Spider-Man #4, 1963
- Lizard Amazing Spider-Man #6, 1963
- Electro Amazing Spider-Man #9, 1964
- Mysterio Amazing Spider-Man #13, 1964
- Scorpion Amazing Spider-Man #20, 1965
- Rhino Amazing Spider-Man #41, 1966
Got a copy?
I buy key issues and whole collections across the UK, and I will tell you honestly whether what you have is the real first or a later printing. Send me photos of the cover and the indicia and I will come back with a straight answer, and a proper valuation if you want one.