While Deniz Camp and Juan Frigeri's The Ultimates earned our Best Comic Book Series or Original Graphic Novel of 2024 recognition, Marvel's Fantastic Four certainly gave it stiff competition. The current run—helmed by writer Ryan North and his creative team—represents the series' strongest showing in years. With The Fantastic Four: First Steps hitting theaters soon, Marvel aims to expand its audience even further.
Fantastic Four #1: Exclusive Preview Gallery
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Marvel will relaunch Fantastic Four in July while retaining Ryan North as writer. He'll be joined by The Amazing Spider-Man artist Humberto Ramos to craft new adventures for Marvel's First Family as they navigate the aftermath of the One World Under Doom crossover and face unexpected time-traveling challenges.
IGN interviewed North via email to discuss why this relaunch offers the perfect entry point for newcomers. Below our exclusive preview gallery, discover how the new series explores the FF not just as family but as lifelong friends.
The decision to renumber an ongoing series—especially with the same writer and creative direction—might raise eyebrows. But North explains the rationale: with a new film launching, Marvel wants to make the comics more accessible.
"Comics constantly seek to grow their audience," North tells IGN. "Millions assume superhero stories aren't for them—they're mistaken! A new #1 helps eliminate barriers for moviegoers who want to dive deeper into these characters."
The most notable change comes with Ramos joining as artist. North reveals they've planned this collaboration since meeting at San Diego Comic-Con.
"Humberto brings incredible energy and creativity," North says. "Knowing he'd be illustrating long-term let me tailor scripts specifically to his strengths—something rare in monthly comics."
While maintaining his signature standalone-issue approach, North hints at slightly larger arcs: "I'm keeping what works but adding more interconnected threads—like Ben Grimm would say, 'Just spicing up the stew!'"
When discussing the FF as friends versus family, North offers thoughtful insight: "The distinction blurs when people choose to stay together. Only Sue and Johnny began as relatives—the others formed bonds that became something equally profound."
The relaunch won't ignore One World Under Doom but will use it as springboard. "Our first arc tackles Doom's recent actions through a major sci-fi concept," North teases. "Then we ramp up the weird science adventures."
Regarding Doom's temporary "cure" for Ben Grimm's rocky form, North confirms resolution before the relaunch: "We'll tie up loose ends so new readers aren't lost. Accessibility remains key—decades of continuity shouldn't deter anyone."
Fantastic Four #1 arrives July 9, preceding the film by weeks. Below, check out details for August's Fantastic Four #2:
FANTASTIC FOUR #2
Written by RYAN NORTH
Art and Cover by HUMBERTO RAMOS
Sue Storm, stranded deep in Earth's future as its last survivor, struggles to return home. Meanwhile, Reed Richards waits helplessly in the past—until their unbreakable bond defies time itself. Back in the present, Doom unveils the secret behind his seeming invincibility...
On Sale 8/13
In related news, Marvel will release an MCU prequel comic exploring Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards and his family's origins—marking a rare direct comics-to-film connection.
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