Fantastic Four Fanfare #1 arrives — three fresh takes on Marvel’s first family
Marvel’s newest anthology rolls out a trio of stories that let each member of the Fantastic Four shine. From a fiery prank war to a subterranean peril and a reality‑TV clash with the Mole Man, the debut issue offers a playful, high‑energy glimpse of the team’s chemistry.
Marvel is launching a full‑color anthology that puts a single Fantastic Four member front‑and‑center each issue. The first installment gathers three creators to explore the dynamics of the team through distinct, self‑contained adventures, all wrapped in a striking Matteo Scalera cover.
In the opening vignette, writer Mark Waid teams with Ramon Rosanas to stage an escalating prank battle between the Human Torch and the Thing, turning sibling rivalry into comic mayhem. Alan Davis follows with a subterranean escapade that plunges the quartet into hazards beneath the earth’s crust, testing their resolve. The final tale, by Andrew Wheeler and Sara Pichelli, sees the Mole Man barging into Johnny Storm’s bid for reality‑TV stardom, forcing the Flame to confront a literal monster of the underworld.
What makes this debut worth a look is the pedigree behind each segment. Waid’s knack for witty dialogue and character beats promises laughs and heart, while Davis’s classic line work brings a nostalgic texture to the underground peril. Wheeler and Pichelli blend humor with striking visuals, delivering a fresh twist on a longtime foe. The variety of art styles gives the issue a kinetic rhythm that keeps the reading experience lively.
If you enjoy seeing Marvel’s core team in inventive, creator‑driven scenarios, you might also appreciate the recent “Fantastic Four” run by Waid and artist Mike McKone, where the family faces both cosmic and personal challenges. That series showcases similar character‑driven storytelling that complements the anthology’s tone.
Pick up Fantastic Four Fanfare #1 for a taste of Marvel’s first family re‑imagined through playful storytelling and diverse artistic voices. It’s a solid entry point for longtime fans and a welcoming door for newcomers.