Top 8 Fantastic Four Comics from Marvel

Written by August Tales

Imminent Fantastic Four Revival

Marvel’s First Family is returning to the big screen! The upcoming film “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is creating quite a buzz among fans. This fresh live-action reboot will not only fit the team into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but also tap into the 1960-inspired aesthetic we loved in their earliest appearances. Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm, or The Thing, is enchanting fans.

Recently, leaked set pictures showed MCU’s take on The Thing, deviating towards a practical design based on his comic book appearance. This sparked both excitement and nostalgia in fans, encouraging them to dive back into the decades of comics where The Thing and his squad feature. While numerous artists gave life to The Thing, several stand out for their unique approach to the character’s distinctive physiology. Let’s round up our favorites.

Paying Tribute to Jack Kirby

Every homage to The Thing begins with Jack Kirby. The team-up of Kirby and Stan Lee was the genesis of Fantastic Four’s monumental impact in comic book storytelling. Kirby’s passing in 1994 was a loss, but his bond with, and fondness for, The Thing was evident in his distinctive artwork. Kirby’s meticulous and expressive renditions of The Thing in Fantastic Four set a benchmark for mainstream comics.

The Aftermath and John Buscema

After Kirby’s departure, John Buscema stepped in, infusing high-energy cartoonist flair into The Thing. From internal illustrations to pin-ups, Buscema’s work stirred The Thing’s persona in the enlarged Marvel cosmos.

Exploring George Pérez’s Impact

George Pérez, renowned for work on DC titles, marked his breakthrough with Fantastic Four. Pérez’s work carried Kirby’s visual style forward to Marvel’s 70s style, adding fun quirks. He brought a dynamism to The Thing’s rocky exterior, giving each orange stone a feeling of depth.

John Byrne’s Pioneering Approach

John Byrne defined the Fantastic Four’s journey in the 1980s. Byrne reshuffled the team, spun The Thing off into his own series and leaned into The Thing’s emotive aesthetic, complemented by delightful outfits. Byrne’s 1983 manual – “How to Draw The Thing!” speaks volumes of his understanding.

Mike Wieringo Brings the New Millennium

Mike Wieringo evolved The Thing’s image for the 2000s’ Fantastic Four relaunch. Maintaining The Thing’s massive frame and wild proportions, Wieringo added expression flexibility, perfect for the emotional roller-coaster in Mark Waid’s scripts.

21st Century Styled Mike Allred

Mike Allred, co-creator of Darla Deering, or Miss Thing, brings riveting visuals of her superhero career. His clean, pop-art style portrays the hilarious and eccentric flip when Darla sports The Thing’s boulder-like body with her human head.

Alex Ross’s Detailed Devotion

Alex Ross’s art is synonymous with detail and photorealism. His work on The Thing brings Kirby’s massive eyebrows to ‘real life,’ making it something unique.

Revel in Steve Skroce’s Modern Era

Lastly, Steve Skroce’s work on the modern miniseries focusing on The Thing is a thrill. Skroce’s art is expressive, meticulous, and has ventured into mild body horror.

The Fantastic Four’s next cinematic adventure will hit theaters on July 25, 2025.