Fantastic Four: The Coming of Galactus is out this week from Marvel’s Epic Collection line, and it’s chock full of Silver Age, Jack Kirby greatness.
This volume collects Fantastic Four issues #33 through #51, and Annual #3, published between 1964 and 1966. The comics are all by FF co-creators Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
Marvel’s Epic Collections have been a great way to get into classic stories without breaking the bank. This volume in particular is packed with pivotal arcs, from the introduction of the Inhumans, Galactus, and Silver Surfer, to seminal single issues like “This Man, This Monster” from FF #51.
Watch our video review here:
Yes, Silver Age superhero comics can seem dated at times. The dialogue is over-the-top and heavy on exposition, but that doesn’t change the fact that these stories are damn fun. Stan and Jack captured lightning in a bottle with these early stories, and there’s a reason people still talk about them.
Stan and Jack knew how to tell big, bombastic stories, but also balance them out with heart and character development. The Fantastic Four feel like a real family and you come to care about them. When The Thing hurts, you hurt. Cheesy dialogue or not, good comics transcend time.
But make no mistake about it, this is The Jack Kirby Show. There’s a reason they call him the King. Kirby was the true architect of these early Marvel stories, and you see all of his power on display in this collection. His fast paced, economic storytelling; his dynamic, energetic action sequences; the emotion. Kirby was a visionary in every sense of the word. Look no further than his work on Fantastic Four for proof.
The bottom line is this: if you want a heavy dose of kick-ass Jack Kirby storytelling, check out the Fantastic Four: The Coming of Galactus Epic Collection.
