While we crowned Deniz Camp and Juan Frigeri's The Ultimates as 2024's Best Comic Book Series, Marvel's Fantastic Four presented the strongest competition. Currently experiencing one of its best runs in years under writer Ryan North and his collaborators, the series gains further momentum with The Fantastic Four: First Steps' theatrical release approaching - Marvel's clear play for a wider summer audience.

Marvel's July relaunch of Fantastic Four retains North's leadership while introducing artist Humberto Ramos (The Amazing Spider-Man). This creative team will navigate Marvel's First Family through the aftermath of One World Under Doom while thrusting them through extraordinary temporal adventures.

Fantastic Four #1: Exclusive Preview Gallery

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Renumbering might seem unusual given continuity, but North champions accessibility: "When millions think comics aren't for them, removing barriers matters. A new #1 invites moviegoers to discover these characters." The creative shift to Ramos offers new advantages - North now writes specifically for his collaborator's dynamic style after developing their vision since meeting at Comic-Con.

While maintaining his signature standalone-arc approach, North plans bolder narratives: "Like Ben Grimm adding garlic to a perfect recipe, we're amplifying what works." The relaunch emphasizes the team's chosen-family bonds beyond blood relations: "They continually choose each other - that's beautiful to explore."

The series immediately confronts One World Under Doom's consequences, opening with a reality-altering Doom storyline. Though Ben Grimm's temporary transformation resolves pre-relaunch, North ensures new readers can dive in effortlessly: "Decades of history shouldn't exclude anyone from enjoying these stories."

Releasing July 9 ahead of First Steps' premiere, the relaunch begins with the team scattered across time while Doom unveils his ultimate advantage. August's issue #2 continues the temporal crisis, with Sue Storm stranded at Earth's end and Reed trapped in its dawn.

Fantastic Four #2 Preview

FANTASTIC FOUR #2
WRITTEN BY RYAN NORTH
ART BY HUMBERTO RAMOS
ON SALE 8/13

As Sue battles isolation in Earth's dying future and Reed awaits impossible rescue, Doom reveals the secret behind his invincibility - a tactical genius that converts every defeat into victory for Emperor Doom.

Meanwhile, Marvel prepares an MCU-connected prequel comic revealing Pedro Pascal's Reed Richards' origin story - a rare direct cinematic tie-in that expands the First Family's multimedia presence.