A Fan’s Fantastic 4 Must-Read List

The next chapter in Marvel’s movie universe is nearly here, and I couldn’t be more hyped. Fantastic Four: First Steps hits theaters on July 25, 2025, and if you’re anything like me, the excitement is equal parts nostalgia and curiosity. The cast is stellar (Pedro Pascal as Mr. Fantastic? Sign me up), but what I’m really looking forward to is seeing how the MCU interprets one of the most iconic families in comic book history.

Before we watch them face off against cosmic threats on the big screen, let me take you through my must-read Fantastic Four stories—perfect for longtime fans and newcomers alike. And yes, you can snag every one of these marvel comics gems on ThriftBooks. Prepare for liftoff!

1. Fantastic Four Epic Collection: The Coming of Galactus

This one’s the cosmic essential. Collecting Fantastic Four #33–51 and Annual #3, this volume includes the legendary “Galactus Trilogy” (issues #48–50), where we’re introduced to both Galactus and his reluctant herald, the Silver Surfer.

Stan Lee and Jack Kirby were firing on all cylinders here, crafting a story full of cosmic spectacle and philosophical weight. I still remember the first time I saw Galactus looming over New York—it felt massive in a way no other comic had before. The latest movie trailer seems to hint at that same scale, and if the film captures even a fraction of this story’s power, we’re in for something unforgettable.

2. Fantastic Four Epic Collection: The World's Greatest Comic Magazine

Want to see where it all began? This volume collects the first 18 issues of Fantastic Four, including the team’s origin story and their earliest run-ins with villains like Mole Man and Namor the Sub-Mariner. It also features the debut of Doctor Doom—arguably Marvel’s greatest villain, and the rumored main antagonist in Avengers: Doomsday.

Back in 1961, most superhero comics were black-and-white affairs: good guys, bad guys, and not much else. Then came the Fantastic Four. Lee and Kirby created a team that didn’t just fight villains—they argued, made mistakes, and acted like a real family.

That’s what makes these stories still resonate today. Ben Grimm struggles with his monstrous form. Johnny Storm is all swagger and insecurity. Reed and Sue are trying to keep their relationship together between world-ending disasters. It’s one part space opera, one part dysfunctional family drama, and all-around Marvel magic.

3. Fantastic Four: Solve Everything (Marvel Premier Collection)

Before Jonathan Hickman launched into one of the greatest FF runs of the 21st century, he dropped Solve Everything—a brainy, high-concept intro that’s equal parts philosophy and science fiction.

The story centers on the “Council of Reeds,” a secret gathering of alternate-universe Mr. Fantastics who have one goal: fix everything. It’s a fascinating concept, loaded with questions about power, responsibility, and the cost of choosing logic over love. Smart, eerie, and full of tension, this is a great way to get a taste of Hickman’s FF run without diving in headfirst.

4. Fantastic Four: Full Circle (Expanded Edition)

If the earlier picks are essential for story and character, this one is all about style. Alex Ross reimagines a trippy 1960s tale set in the Negative Zone, and the visuals are nothing short of breathtaking.

Ross’s psychedelic art feels both retro and fresh, with full-page spreads that you could hang on a wall. I was blown away by how beautiful this book is, and the story is mind-bending. This is the Fantastic Four in high definition—a reverent remix of the old school, with every detail dripping in cosmic energy. If you’re new to comics, this is a stunning place to start.

Final Thoughts

The Fantastic Four aren’t just Marvel’s first superhero team—they’re its emotional core. They bicker, they explore, they fail, they save the universe… together. As the MCU prepares to launch them into a new era, these books offer a crash course in why they’ve mattered for over 60 years.

If you’re building your summer reading list—or just craving some wild cosmic adventure—these stories are your Fantastic foundation.