Marvel's Fantastic Four: Perfect Time to Dive In

While Deniz Camp and Juan Frigeri’s The Ultimates earned our pick for Best Comic Book Series or Original Graphic Novel of 2024, Marvel’s Fantastic Four came strikingly close to claiming the spot. Under writer Ryan North and his creative team, the series has reached heights unseen in years—perfect timing, with The Fantastic Four: First Steps arriving in theaters soon, poised to draw even greater attention.

A relaunch for Fantastic Four arrives this July, but Ryan North isn’t stepping away. Joined by artist Humberto Ramos (The Amazing Spider-Man), North continues Marvel’s First Family’s saga as they navigate the aftermath of the One World Under Doom crossover—and an unexpected journey through time.

To explore what makes this new volume an ideal entry point for readers, IGN spoke with North via email. Below, dive into an exclusive preview of Issue #1, then learn how the series delves into the FF not just as family, but friends.

Fantastic Four #1: Exclusive Preview Gallery

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A relaunch mid-series—same writer, similar direction—may seem unusual (though Marvel loves renumbering). But North explains it simply: with a new film debuting, Marvel wants the comic to feel fresh and welcoming.

"Comics thrive on expansion," North tells IGN. "Millions assume superhero stories aren’t for them—they're wrong. A new #1 lowers barriers: fans leaving theaters can dive straight in without worrying about prior issues."

The biggest shift? Ramos’s vibrant art. North reveals they’ve planned this collaboration for months. "We met at San Diego Comic-Con before scripting even began," he says. "Humberto’s creativity elevates every panel. Waiting to share his work has been agony!"

Ramos’s speed gives North a rare advantage: scripting knowing exactly who’s illustrating. "Most artists rotated unpredictably before," he explains. "Now, tailoring stories to Humberto’s strengths makes every issue tighter."

Though structured like Rick and Morty—episodic yet interconnected—North teases bigger stakes post-relaunch. "Each issue still stands alone," he clarifies, "but the larger narrative gets *spicier*. Like Ben says: ‘Just adding garlic for extra zip!’"

A core theme? The FF as friends, not just family. "Sue and Johnny share blood," North reflects, "but the rest chose this bond. That nuance—found family vs. friendship—is beautiful to explore."

The relaunch also tackles One World Under Doom head-on. "Doom’s actions force the FF into a time-bending rescue mission," North hints. "Issue #1 resolves Ben’s ‘cure,’ so new readers jump in clean—though fallout lingers."

Fantastic Four #1 releases July 9, two weeks before the film. Below, check out the synopsis for Issue #2:

FANTASTIC FOUR #2

Written by RYAN NORTH

Art and Cover by HUMBERTO RAMOS

Sue Storm, stranded deep in the future at the end of Earth’s history, is the last thing alive on the once-vibrant world. How can she make it back to her proper time before being killed? Meanwhile, Reed Richards, stranded in Earth’s past, waits for a rescue from her that will never come...unless there’s some way their relationship – the deep and loving understanding this man and woman have for each other – can transcend time itself...

Meanwhile, in the present, Doom reveals precisely how he’s managed to stymie the Fantastic Four for so long: a secret to his invincibility that has transformed every loss into a win! And it’s one that makes Emperor Doom invincible...

On Sale 8/13

In related news, an MCU-tied prequel comic will unveil Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards’ origin—Marvel’s first film-connected book in years.