It is not surprising that Marvel would wish to capitalize on the upcoming release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. What is surprising, however, is the lengths to which they are going to bring comics to the masses. Beyond offering $30 in free digital comics, the new Marvel Comics: The Fantastic Four bookazine is the first comic in years to be marketed exclusively to newsstands.
Throughout the Golden and Silver Ages of Comics, print periodical comic books were chiefly sold at pharmacies and grocery stores. Things shifted in the 1980s, as publishers began printing more material exclusively for direct market vendors. Today, most monthly comics in the United States are sold through specialty comic shops. This makes Marvel’s decision to print a book exclusively outside of that system notable. However, this Fantastic Four special will still be available with two different collector’s covers.
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The two covers for Marvel Comics: The Fantastic Four may be viewed below.
What is in Marvel Comics: The Fantastic Four special?
Marvel Comics: The Fantastic Four features a retelling of the origins of the first family of Marvel illustrated by Alex Ross. The special also reprints three classic stories, selected specifically as ideal entry points into the world of the Fantastic Four.
- “Inside Out” by Mark Waid and Mike Wieringo. A marketing agent is assigned to spend a week with the Fantastic Four, to figure out how to rebrand the team. Originally printed in 2002’s Fantastic Four #60.
- “Solve Everything” by Jonathan Hickman and Dale Eaglesham. An encounter with an old enemy sets Reed Richards to pondering how he might fix all the world’s problems. Originally printed in 2009’s Fantastic Four #570.
- “The Last Town to the Left” by Ryan North and Iban Coello. A road trip leads Ben Grimm and his wife Alicia Masters to a mystery in a small town. Originally published in 2022’s Fantastic Four #1.
Along with these introductory stories, the special also includes a code for $30 in free comics on the Marvel Unlimited app. These comics continue the opening arcs tied to the aforementioned issues. Additionally, the special will contain some sneak peeks behind the scenes of The Fantastic Four: First Steps. The special also contains exclusive interviews with Marvel Studios Executive Producer Grant Curtis and Creative Director of Visual Development Ryan Meinerding. That is an altogether impressive bargain for $14.99.
Marvel Comics: The Fantastic Four hits newsstands on July 4, 2025.
