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The Fantastic Four were the first superhero family in the Marvel universe. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, these four superheroes have been widely loved by readers for decades. Over the years, incredible authors like Jonathan Hickman, Mark Miller, and Mark Waid have also lent their talent to create some of the best Fantastic Four comic book series.
Ever since they first appeared in the Fantastic Four comic #1 in 1961, their stories have offered readers a roller coaster of a reading experience. Their stories have had incredible action scenes, complex plot lines, great character developments, emotional themes, and stunning artwork that always had us coming back for more.
While the movies have been average at best, the comic books have always clobbered their way to the top of the list for most comic book enthusiasts. With the MCU’s version of the superhero family, The Fantastic Four: First Steps releasing on July 25, 2025, this is the perfect time to read and get into their lore.
In this article, we’re going to list some of our favorite comic book collections that feature the best stories that we’ve read and loved for years.
Ready to dive into the wacky world of the Fantastic Four? Here’s the list of Fantastic Four comics that you need to read.
Best Overall
Best Mark Waid
Best Classic
Best Jonathan
Best John Byrne
Best Ryan North
Best Roy Thomas
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Jonathan Hickman is one of the most loved authors, whose run of the Fantastic Four series is considered one of the best that this superhero family had. This collection brings some of those stories in one place. It includes Fantastic Four (1998) #570-578, Dark Reign: Fantastic Four #1-5, and material from Dark Reign: The Cabal.
The stories cover the concept of multiverse travelling where Reed Richard takes it upon himself to solve every problem in the world. He even forms the Council of Reeds, a multiversal group of his counterparts, to work together with the same goal. It also has other storylines that are exciting and surprisingly emotional. And all those stories are complemented by incredible illustrations. So, don’t miss out on this one.
Fantastic Four by Waid and Wieringo collects Mark Waid and Mike Wieringo’s most loved stories. They had a great run of series which brought a unique charm while also exploring the emotional depths of these Fantastic Four comic characters. This collection includes Fantastic Four (1998) #60-70, #500-524, and #500 Director’s Cut.
The stories take us through high-stakes adventures and drama with plenty of humor. One of the arcs includes Doctor Doom coming up with an evil and more dangerous strategy to hit the Fantastic Four where it hurts the most. Doctor Doom is the archnemesis of the Fantastic Four, the stakes here are higher than they’ve ever been before. The illustrations from the cover to the last page, look absolutely stunning. So, if you’ve seen what Mike Wieringo’s art looks like, then you know you need to have this in your collection.
As part of the Penguin Classics Marvel Collection, this edition curates issues from the early years of Fantastic Four, mainly written by Stan Lee and illustrated by Jack Kirby. This collection includes Fantastic Four #1-5, 10-11, 48-51, and Fantastic Four Annual #6. These issues showcase some of the most iconic moments in the team’s history, including their origin story and their battles with Doom, Namor, Galactus, and Silver Surfer.
This omnibus is definitely a mandatory collection as these stories defined these characters as what they are today in the Marvel universe. Each and every panel has retained the magic of artwork of the original comics, which will feel nostalgic for anyone who read the old versions. Additionally, it includes an introduction by Ben Saunders and a foreword by Jerry Craft. There’s no second thoughts about getting this one.
This is the second volume of Jonathan Hickman’s complete collection and continues the amazing story from Vol. 1. This includes issues from Hickman’s ambitious and critically acclaimed run on Marvel’s First Family, collecting Fantastic Four (1998) #579-588 & FF (2011) #1-5, he takes the characters through mind-bending sci-fi adventures with deep character development.
Following a tragic event, the team finds themselves at a major turning point, leading to the reshaping of the team and the launch of FF (Future Foundation). This shifts the gear into a whole new direction. Parts of the stories also feature Spider-Man, Doctor Doom, Sub-Mariner, and the Inhumans.
The Fantastic Four by John Byrne Omnibus Vol. 1 collects John Byrne’s legendary run as both writer and artist. It’s a massive 1000-page omnibus that is so heavy that you could probably knock our Doctor Doom with it. This collection includes Marvel Team-up (1972) #61-62, Marvel Two-In-One (1974) #50, Fantastic Four (1961) #209-218, #220-221, #232-260, Annual #17; Avengers (1963) #233, and Thing (1983) #2. The gaps between some of the issues are because they were worked on by different artists like Doug Moench.
Here, the Fantastic Four go up against some really strong foes like Doctor Doom, Annihilus, Galactus, and the Skrull. We also see them teaming up with Spider-Man, X-Men, and many more, which adds a lot of action-filled, exciting, thrilling, and humorous moments to the story. Let’s not forget that John Byrne was not only the author but also the illustrator for a lot of these, and his artwork is a sight to behold.
Ryan North is another fantastic writer and artist who has shaped the Fantastic Four with a fresh and inventive take on Marvel’s First Family. This volume brings the first 6 issues of this new run of Fantastic Four comics written by Ryan and illustrated by Ivan Fiorelli and Iban Coello. Ryan balances humor, heart, and high-stakes adventure with ease while delivering a story that feels both modern and true to the team’s legacy.
The issue begins with Thing and his wife, Alicia, traveling across America when they stop at a town for the night. When they wake up the next morning, they find themselves stuck in a time loop. What will they do? And where are the rest of the Fantastic Four? Read to find out. The story and writing are definitely great and if you haven’t read these yet, you should do it.
The Fantastic Four Epic Collection: Counter-Earth Must Die compiles Fantastic Four (1961) #168-191 and Annual (1963) #11; Marvel Two-In-One (1974) #20 and Annual (1976) #1; and Material From Marvel Treasury Edition #11. These stories have been written by various authors but mainly by Roy Thomas and Len Wein.
It showcases the team’s journey from 1960-1980, which were some of the most action-packed issues. The highlighted arc is “Counter Earth Must Die” where Reed Richards is trapped in the Negative Zone and his evil counterpart has taken his place. How will Reed fight his way back from the Negative Zone? Gotta read to find out. It also has Thundra, Tigra, the Mad Thinker, and Annihilus guest starring which makes this read so much fun!
“}]] Check out our list of the best Fantastic Four comics that were written by legends like Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and Jonathan Hickman. Read More