Fantastic Four #1 isn’t your typical debut issue and not your grandma’s Fantastic Four. With Marvel’s First Family set to hit the big screen again, the comics are marking the occasion with a relaunch of the ongoing series. The new #1 signals a fresh start and a spotlight moment for the Fantastic Four as they step back into the spotlight across both page and screen.
The issue arrives with a steep price and an even bigger question: Is this truly a fresh start or just the same story in a new package? While it’s clearly meant to attract new readers, the issue often feels like a continuation struggling to define its new identity. Still, with Ryan North, who’s penned 34 issues so far, leading the charge, the renumbering offers a solid jumping-on point. It’s accessible for newcomers and throws the Fantastic Four into high-stakes situations, with each member facing a life-or-death challenge that raises the tension right from the start.
The story kicks off with the Fantastic Four taking on Doctor Doom in a high-stakes battle. The team has just restored The Thing’s powers, and they’re going all in (this storyline is connected to One World Under Doom, where Doom rules the Earth and remains undefeated). The opening delivers plenty of action, while the captions help introduce each team member, perfect for readers who may be new to the Fantastic Four. Just as Doctor Doom is on the verge of defeat, he uses his powers to scatter each member of the Fantastic Four across different points in Earth’s history.
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North cleverly separates the team, giving us a chance to see how each one handles challenges on their own. That doesn’t mean the team wasn’t prepared. They’ve planned for a scenario like this. Each member takes steps to signal their presence to the others, demonstrating that even when split up, they remain a cohesive team. It’s a clever way to highlight their coordination and unity, even across time.
Much of the issue’s fun comes from discovering which time period each member has landed in and watching how they each try to find a way back. North continues to weave science into the story, using the different eras to explore unique challenges for the team, especially with a surprising twist for the final member. The cliffhanger feels nearly impossible to escape, keeping up the series’ tradition of delivering strong, suspenseful endings.
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The biggest issue with this new Fantastic Four #1 is its glaring disconnect from Ryan North’s own One World Under Doom storyline, making the relaunch feel out of step and poorly coordinated from an editorial standpoint. Re-numbering the series without a major creative shift or bold new direction comes across more as a sales tactic than a meaningful fresh start. While Johnny’s arc introduces an intriguing dilemma, the overall story lacks cohesion and momentum for the team, making the issue feel more like a fragmented continuation than an exciting new beginning.
Humberto Ramos’ artwork, supported by Victor Olazaba’s colors and Edgar Delgado’s cover, bursts with energy and style. Ramos’s distinct touch especially shines in the action scenes, highlighting standout moments with the Thing and Human Torch. The visuals capture the chaos of the battle with Doctor Doom and Johnny’s intense fight against hypoxia, while the character designs remain clear and familiar. The panel flow keeps the story moving at a brisk pace. Still, despite the art’s strong execution, it can’t fully make up for the story’s weaker points. The vibrant, high-energy visuals often clash with the uneven narrative, resulting in a comic that looks exciting but feels emotionally unfulfilling.
Overall, the new Fantastic Four #1 serves as both a heartfelt nod to longtime fans and a good enough jumping-on point for new readers. It blends creative storytelling with cinematic visuals, even if it leans on some familiar plot elements. With the MCU preparing to debut Marvel’s First Family on the big screen, this issue feels like a timely and celebratory kickoff to a major year for the team. Ryan North delivers a story that’s accessible for newcomers while still satisfying for longtime fans, and the art team adds another layer of energy and depth with bold, engaging visuals.
‘Fantastic Four’ #1 Review: Family Division
The new Fantastic Four #1 serves as both a heartfelt nod to longtime fans and a good enough jumping-on point for new readers. It blends creative storytelling with cinematic visuals, even if it leans on some familiar plot elements. With the MCU preparing to debut Marvel’s First Family on the big screen, this issue feels like a timely and celebratory kickoff to a major year for the team.
