The Fantastic Four are rightly known as the First Family of Marvel Comics. Beyond being a found family of explorers rather than traditional superheroes, they also set the tone for the Marvel brand.
While heroic, the Four also exhibit negative traits that make them seem more like real people than most comic characters of the era. This has led to a variety of stories centered around the team over the years. That variety is well showcased by the new Fantastic Four Fanfare series.
Fantastic Four Fanfare is built around a simple premise. Take some of them greatest creators to ever work with Marvel’s First Family. Give them a chance to write and draw short stories centered around them. Stand back and watch the fun.
(Image Source: Marvel / Ramon Rosanas)
This first issue contains three stories. In “You Realize, Of Course, This Means War,” Mark Waid and Ramon Rosanas detail an escalating prank war between The Thing and Human Torch. This is touched off by Ben Grimm facing jail time for his temper and Johnny Storm taking advantage of a judge’s order for The Thing to cool it or else.
(Image Source: Marvel / Alan Davis)
The second Fantastic Four Fanfare story, “Life’s A Gas,” features a script and art by Alan Davis. This story finds the team exploring an underground cave, where methane deposits leave Johnny Storm unable to flame on. Finally, “Monster Island of Love” by Andrew Wheeler and Sara Pichelli finds Johnny Storm looking for love on a reality show. Unfortunately, the production has intruded on an old enemy with a score to settle with the dashing young hero.
The best thing about anthology comics is that they offer a representative sampling. If one doesn’t like one story, there’s a chance they might find something else enjoyable elsewhere in the book. While none of the stories in Fantastic Four Fanfare #1 are bad, they do present a wide variety that encapsulates the core of the characters while highlighting their versatility.
(Image Source: Marvel / Sara Pichelli)
For instance, the first story is a farce, which emphasizes the rivalry between Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm. This element also emerges in “Life’s A Gas,” but the story is more action/adventure oriented. The final story also leans on this aspect of the characters, with a running gag of The Thing hosting increasingly large watch parties with other superheroes to witness Johnny’s humiliation. However, this story also looks takes a deep dive into Johnny’ character and how his often inflammatory behavior is fueled by an earnest desire for love.
While undoubtedly published to capitalize on the upcoming First Steps film, Fantastic Four Fanfare #1 is no mere cash grab. It is a love letter to the characters that made Marvel Comics. Whether you’re already a fan of the Four or a newcomer, this is an enjoyable read.
Grade: 8/10
Fantastic Four Fanfare #1 arrives in comic shops everywhere on May 7, 2025.