"Start Reading Marvel's Fantastic Four Now: Best Time Ever!"

While *Deniz Camp and Juan Frigeri’s The Ultimates* has been crowned the Best Comic Book Series or Original Graphic Novel of 2024, *Fantastic Four* was a strong contender for the title. The series, currently enjoying a high point thanks to writer Ryan North and his collaborators, is set to captivate an even larger audience with the upcoming movie *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* hitting theaters soon.

Marvel is relaunching *Fantastic Four* in July, with North staying at the helm, now joined by artist Humberto Ramos, known for his work on *The Amazing Spider-Man*. Together, they'll navigate the First Family through the aftermath of the *One World Under Doom* crossover and embark on time-traveling adventures. This relaunch provides an excellent entry point for new readers, making the already accessible comic even more welcoming.

IGN had the opportunity to discuss the new series with North via email. Before diving into the interview, take a look at an exclusive preview of the first issue in the slideshow gallery below, showcasing the exciting new direction for the FF, not just as a family, but as friends.

Fantastic Four #1: Exclusive Preview Gallery

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Although it might seem unusual to renumber the series with the same writer and a consistent direction, North sees it as a strategic move. With the new *Fantastic Four* movie on the horizon, Marvel aims to make the comic more appealing and accessible to new fans. North emphasizes the potential of comics to expand their audience, inviting those who might feel that comics aren't for them to discover the joy of superhero storytelling.

The collaboration between North and Ramos has been in the works for some time, with the two having discussed their vision for the characters over breakfast at San Diego Comic-Con. North praises Ramos's creativity and speed, noting that having a consistent art team allows for better synergy in storytelling. He expresses excitement about writing specifically for Ramos, enhancing the narrative with art that brings their ideas to life.

North’s run on *Fantastic Four* has been structured as standalone adventures that contribute to a larger narrative, making it easy for new readers to jump in. With the relaunch, he plans to maintain this format while slightly increasing the focus on the overarching story, adding a bit more "zip" to the mix.

The concept of the FF as friends, rather than just family, is a central theme for North. He explores the idea that the Fantastic Four choose to stay together, reflecting the effort and choice involved in maintaining meaningful relationships. This dynamic enriches the storytelling, highlighting the deep connections among the characters.

The relaunch coincides with the ongoing *One World Under Doom* crossover, and North assures fans that the new series will not ignore these events. Instead, it will kick off with a significant Doctor Doom story, allowing the FF to address the chaos caused by Doom and set the stage for new, expansive science fiction adventures.

One notable development in *One World Under Doom* is Doom's attempt to cure Ben Grimm of his rocky condition, a move to prove his superiority over Reed Richards. While Ben appears to revert to The Thing in the new series, North promises that this plot will be resolved before the relaunch, ensuring the series remains accessible to newcomers while still acknowledging its rich history.

*Fantastic Four #1* is set to release on July 9, just before *The Fantastic Four: First Steps* premieres in theaters. Below is the solicitation for *Fantastic Four #2*, hinting at the time-traveling challenges facing Sue Storm and Reed Richards, as well as Doom's secret to invincibility.

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 other news, the *Fantastic Four* movie will be complemented by a prequel comic, exploring the origins of Pedro Pascal's Reed and his family, marking one of the first comics in a while to tie into the MCU.