Fantastic Four
fictional superhero team
The Fantastic Four, often abbreviated as FF, is a superhero team appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The team debuted in The Fantastic Four #1 (cover-dated November 1961), helping usher in a new level of realism in the medium. It was the first superhero team created by artist/co-plotter Jack Kirby and editor/writer Stan Lee, and through this title the "Marvel method" style of production came into prominence.
The four members of the Fantastic Four, who gained superpowers after exposure to cosmic rays during a scientific mission to outer space, are Mister Fantastic (Reed Richards), the group leader who can stretch his body into incredible lengths and shapes; the Invisible Woman (Susan "Sue" Storm-Richards; originally the Invisible Girl), Reed's girlfriend later wife, she can render herself or others invisible; the Human Torch (Johnny Storm), Sue's younger brother who can generate flames, surround himself with them and fly; and the monstrous Thing (Ben Grimm), a grumpy but benevolent friend who is a former college football star, Reed's college roommate and a skilled pilot. Thing has superhuman strength, durability, and endurance because of his stone-like flesh.
Since their 1961 introduction, the Fantastic Four has been portrayed as a somewhat dysfunctional, yet loving, family. Breaking convention with other comic archetypes, the members squabbled, held grudges both deep and petty, and eschewed anonymity or secret identities in favor of celebrity status. They are also well known for their roster of supporting characters, including allies H.E.R.B.I.E. and Alicia Masters; reformed adversaries the Silver Surfer and Namor; and villains such as Galactus, the Mole Man, Ronan the Accuser, Super-Skrull, Annihilus, and their archenemy, Doctor Doom.
The Fantastic Four has been adapted into other media, including several video games, animated series, and live-action films. The most prominent of these are Fantastic Four (2005), Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007), Fantastic Four (2015), and The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025).
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