Fantastic Four

The Fantastic Four made their comic book debut in "Fantastic Four #1," published by Marvel Comics in November 1961. Created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, the Fantastic Four consists of four main characters: Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards), a genius scientist with the ability to stretch his body; the Invisible Woman (Sue Storm), who can become invisible and create force fields; the Human Torch (Johnny Storm), who can generate and control fire; and the Thing (Ben Grimm), who possesses superhuman strength and a rock-like exterior. This comic is considered pivotal, marking the beginning of the Marvel Age of Comics.

Doctor Doom, one of Marvel's most iconic villains, made his first appearance in "Fantastic Four #5" in March 1963, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Victor von Doom, a genius inventor and sorcerer, becomes the arch-enemy of the Fantastic Four and a major villain in the Marvel Universe. His character is known for his detailed backstory, rich with themes of revenge, sorcery, and technological prowess, driven by his quest to rule the world and his personal vendetta against Reed Richards. Doctor Doom's introduction solidified his role as a central antagonist for the team and significantly enriched the storyline.

The 1960s saw the release of the first television series featuring the Fantastic Four, debuting on September 10, 1966. The animated series was produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions and aired on ABC, marking an important cultural expansion of the Fantastic Four from comic books to television. The show adapted many storylines and characters from the comic books, further popularizing the Fantastic Four and bringing them to a broader audience. This marked the beginning of several Fantastic Four adaptations in various media over the subsequent decades.

The Thing, originally one-fourth of the Fantastic Four, was featured in his own animated television series titled "Fred and Barney Meet The Thing," which aired its first episode on September 9, 1977. Produced by Hanna-Barbera Productions, the show was a re-imagining of the classic series, combining elements of the Flintstones with new storylines centered around Ben Grimm, the Thing. Although the series was unique and deviated from the standard depictions of the character, it demonstrated the popularity of the Thing and his cultural impact as part of the Fantastic Four.

On September 19, 1981, a new Fantastic Four animated series premiered, produced by DePatie-Freleng Enterprises and Marvel Productions, and aired on NBC. This new adaptation brought the beloved characters back to the screen, albeit without the Human Torch, due to licensing issues, replaced by a robot named H.E.R.B.I.E. The series aimed to capture the adventurous spirit of the comics and further cement the Fantastic Four's place in pop culture. Though short-lived, the show is remembered for its unique take and the continued popularity of the Marvel franchise in the 1980s.

In 1994, an unreleased Fantastic Four film was produced by Roger Corman, widely regarded as a strategy to retain film rights before they expired. Despite its low budget and unreleased status, the film has gained a cult following due to its odd history and the circumstances surrounding its creation. It showcased an attempt to bring the Fantastic Four to the cinematic realm amid licensing legalities. The film's narrative followed the classic origin story of the Fantastic Four but was never intended for release; it remains a curious chapter in the team's adaptation history.

The Fantastic Four film, directed by Tim Story and released on July 8, 2005, marked the first major cinematic adaptation of the iconic superhero team. Starring Ioan Gruffudd as Mr. Fantastic, Jessica Alba as the Invisible Woman, Chris Evans as the Human Torch, and Michael Chiklis as the Thing, the film brought the origin story of the Fantastic Four to the big screen. While it received mixed reviews from critics, the film was a commercial success, grossing over $330 million worldwide. It played a significant role in introducing the Fantastic Four to a new generation of moviegoers and expanding the Marvel film franchises.

The 2015 "Fantastic Four" film, directed by Josh Trank, was released on August 7, 2015, and it is a reboot of the Fantastic Four film series. Starring Miles Teller, Kate Mara, Michael B. Jordan, and Jamie Bell, the movie presented a new origin story for the characters. The film was universally panned by critics and audiences alike, being criticized for its tone, screenplay, and pacing, and was a box office disappointment. Despite its intentions to reinvigorate the franchise, it ended up underscoring the challenges of adapting the Fantastic Four for modern audiences.

On May 2, 2018, Marvel Comics announced "Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Week," launching the celebration of the return of the Fantastic Four to comics in August that year. The announcement came with the promise of exciting new storytelling that returns the famous superhero family to the forefront of the Marvel Comics universe. After a hiatus since 2015, this event marked a rejuvenation of interest and excitement in the series, highlighting the Fantastic Four's enduring popularity and significance within the larger context of Marvel's publications.

At Comic-Con International in San Diego on July 19, 2019, Marvel Comics announced "Fantastic Four: Life Story," a new comic series that would take readers through a real-time history of the Fantastic Four. This series aimed to showcase the evolution of Marvel's first family in a historical context, tackling each decade's major events through the lens of the Fantastic Four. The announcement generated significant excitement, as it promised a fresh and immersive narrative experience, making it a notable addition to the storied history of the Fantastic Four.