Marvel Encyclopedia Fantastic Four

The World's Greatest Comic Magazine - for more than five hundred issues, nearly every cover of Fantastic Four has boasted this bold proclamation. Forty years ago, writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby created a team of adventurers like no other that had come before. Unlike previous groups of stone-jawed super heroes who got along perfectly in their pursuit of liberty and justice, the Fantastic Four bickered, argued and fought among themselves - just like a real family. Their continued adventures around the world, into outer space and throughout uncharted dimensions have pushed the limits of the Marvel Universe, consistently challenging readers' perceptions of what a comic book could be. One might think it sheer bravado to call a comic "the best ever," if not for the fact that for more than four decades, Fantastic Four truly has been worthy of that label. Marvel Comics is proud to present the definitive guide to this groundbreaking title. Never before has the Fantastic Four's complete history been collected in such a comprehensive volume. This book covers it all, from their first days to the team's landmark 500th issue and beyond... * The Early Years: In the 21st century, the Marvel Universe is an established icon of American pop culture - but back in 1961, Fantastic Four was a risky experiment featuring unfamiliar characters who didn't act like other heroes of the day. Where didn't the concept for this title come from, and why did it become such a huge hit? * Fantastic Friends and Allies: Reed, Sue, Johnny and Ben may all possess superhuman powers - but like any other family, they've always been surrounded by their friends and loved ones. Many of these characters have gone on to become stars of the Marvel Universe in their own right - including the Silver Surfer, the Black Panther, the Inhumans and more! * Fearsome Foes: As long as the Fantastic Four have existed, there have been forces seeking their destruction. Who are these enemies, and why do they harbor such all-consuming hatred? Read the origins, powers and histories of such notable foes as the world-devouring Galactus, the Wizard, the Mole Man, the shape-changing alien Skrulls - and of course, the biggest baddie in the Marvel U, Doctor Doom! The Fantastic Four's popularity has not been limited to the comic-book page; the team has come to life as a series of TV cartoons. Check out the animated incarnations of the FF from the 1960s to the 1990s - including the story behind H.E.R.B.I.E., the Four's most unexpected mechanical member! Through the years, fans have also had the opportunity to own a small piece of the Four with a slew of pop-culture merchandise. From the '70s-era Mego dolls to today's stunning limited-edition sculptures and high-end collectibles, this encyclopedia covers everything a collector could ever dream of owning! Plus: 2005 promises the debut of the long-awaited Fantastic Four motion picture! Take a sneak peek behind the scenes of this blockbuster film. As the original title of the Marvel Universe, Fantastic Four has held a special place in the ongoing history of comic books. Whether you're a new reader or a longtime fan, there's something new for everyone in this definitive guide!Marvel is the author of 'Marvel Encyclopedia Fantastic Four', published 2004 under ISBN 9780785114802 and ISBN 0785114807.