Jack Kirby is rightly regarded as one of the greatest figures in American comic history. A gifted storyteller with a love of classic mythology, he redefined the art form as a writer and artist. His legacy and perhaps his most enduring co-creation, the Fantastic Four, are both honored in a new art book.
The Art of Fantastic Four is the latest collaboration between Marvel Comics and Dark Horse Comics. The two previously published The Art of the Amazing Spider-Man through the Bullpen Books imprint. That volume focused on the work of John Romita Sr. and Gil Kane across the early days of Spider-Man. The new book, by contrast, is firmly focused upon Jack “King” Kirby and his groundbreaking run with Marvel’s First Family.
Printed in an oversized 10″ X 14″ hardcover format, The Art of Fantastic Four is a treasure trove of Kirby’s artwork from 1961 to 1970. It contains several complete stories from issues #60, #71, #82, and #83. It also contains the king-size special Fantastic Four Annual #6, which marked the first appearances of the villain Annihilus and Franklin Richards. Beyond the art and comics, The Art of Fantastic Four will also contain several essays and commentary from the editor-designer team of Ian Chalgren and John Lind.
“Reading these complete issues of Fantastic Four from Kirby’s original art gives fans rare access to the imagination and innovation of the most influential creator in comic book history,” said Chalgren. “We assembled Bullpen Books’ The Art of the Fantastic Four to be a celebration and a resource. A source of inspiration, a tool for study, and a tribute to the legacy of Jack Kirby’s work.”
When does the Art of Fantastic Four go on sale?
The Art of Fantastic Four will retail for $59.99. It will go on sale in bookstores everywhere on September 23, 2025. The book will also be available in comic shops everywhere starting on September 24, 2025. It is now available for pre-order.
