VOLUME 1 1961 - 1966
COMICS INDEX
VOLUME 1 1961 - 1966
COMICS INDEX LEONIDAS FRAGIAS
The Arts & Charts Index to the Fantastic Four The format and design of this book is based on George Olshevsky's Marvel Index series and Murray Ward's DC Index series. Their books have a beautiful layout which was an inspiration for me. The Official Marvel Index is a series of comic books released by Marvel Comics which featured synopses of several Marvel series. The books were largely compiled by George Olshevsky and featured detailed information on each issue in a particular series, including writer and artist credits, characters who appeared in the issue, and a story synopsis. The Official Marvel Index was preceded by the Marvel Comics Index (also compiled by Olshevsky) and distributed by Pacific Comics Distributors sporadically from 1976-1982. These books were magazinesized as opposed to comic-sized. The first Official Marvel Index titles were published in 1985, and produced regularly through August 1988. A similar series of indices was published for DC Comics. The Official DC Index was released by Independent Comics Group (an imprint of Eclipse Comics) from 1985–1988. The books were edited by Murray Ward. The data for this book is taken from various sources. I fill the gap of the missing data, since I have the complete collection of DC and Marvel comics from the 1930s to the present. Also I made some corrections, when the data is wrong. The book series cover the silver age (the 1960s), the bronze age (from 1970 to 1985), and part of the modern age (post-1986) of Marvel Comics. This is my favorite era, when it comes to comics. Many thanks to DarkMark, George Olshevsky, Murray Ward, Mark Waid and Mike Tiefenbacher among others. Leonidas Fragias
THE FANTASTIC FOUR COMICS INDEX Volume 1, 2018. Published by Arts & Charts. Editor: Leonidas Fragias, Writers: Various. "Fantastic Four" is trademark of Marvel Comics Inc. All art and cover reproductions Š2018 Marvel Comics Inc.
Fantastic Four #1 "The Fantastic Four " The Fantastic Four is introduced to the world and their origin is revealed. They must battle the Mole Man and stop his plans for vengeance. Date: November 1961 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #2 "The Fantastic Four Meet the Skrulls from Outer Space! " The Fantastic Four are being framed for committing a series of crimes. The must clear their names while fighting a strange group of aliens bent on world domination Date: January 1962 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #3
Fantastic Four #4
"The Menace of the Miracle Man " The Fantastic Four face the Miracle Man and his plans for world domination. Facing off against the monsters he brings to life, it is up to the Invisible Girl to save them. Can even the Fantastic Four defeat a man who performs miracles?
"The Coming of ... Sub-Mariner! " The Sub-Mariner has returned! Calling upon his mighty sea creature army, he will have his revenge on the human race. It’s up to the Fantastic Four to stop him.
Date: March 1962 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Date: May 1962 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #5
Fantastic Four #6
"Prisoners of Doctor Doom! " Mr Fantastic's old college peer, Victor von Doom, experienced a tragic accident that destroyed his face and created an evil genius. Now Dr Doom strives to forever silence his only obstacle in taking over the world, the Fantastic Four.
"Captives of the Deadly Duo! " Dr. Doom teams up with the prince of the ocean, Namor the Sub-Mariner, to take care of the Fantastic Four once and for all. Can Dr. Doom be trusted or has Namor only managed to seal his own fate?
Date: July 1962 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Date: September 1962 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #7 "Prisoners of Kurrgo, Master of Planet X " A asteroid is heading towards Planet X, marking the destruction of the planet and its inhabitants. Their only hope is to bring someone with the power to save their dying world. Are the Fantastic Four up to it? Date: October 1962 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #8 "Prisoners of the Puppet Master! " Controlling his victims with miniature replicas, the Puppet Master aims to become the supreme ruler of Earth by pitting The Thing against Reed Richards! Meanwhile Reed has been concocting a formula with an astonishing effect! Date: November 1962 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #9 "The End of the Fantastic Four! " Lack of funds force the Fantastic Four to sell their equipment in order to pay the bills. It seems like it is the end for our heroes' career until an up and coming Hollywood movie producer offers them one million dollars to star in his debut movie! Date: December 1962 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #10 "The Return of Doctor Doom! " Dr. Doom has managed to return to Earth after being lost in space, he has learned some new tricks, and he has a new scheme to destroy the Fantastic Four! Date: January 1963 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #11 "A Visit With the Fantastic Four " Willie delivers fan mail to the Fantastic Four, causing the team to reminisce about times before they gained super-powers. Date: February 1963 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby "The Impossible Man! " A look into the Fantastic Four's past and a strange visitor from the planet Poppup. This miraculous being can evolve instantaneously to counter-act any situation. The Earth is his playground but how can the Fantastic Four stop him with his power of evolution? Date: February 1963 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Stan Goldberg
Fantastic Four #12 "The Incredible Hulk " General Ross hires the Fantastic Four to defeat the Hulk, who he believes to be sabotaging Project 34. Can Banner convince them that it wasn't the Hulk but by a man called the Wrecker! Date: March 1963 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #13 "The Red Ghost And His Indescribable Super-Apes! " Ivan Kragoff and his three trained primates, are bombarded by cosmic rays while on the way to the moon, gaining special powers. Reed Richards is testing a new rocket fuel and, along with the rest of the Fantastic Four, is also on his way to the moon. The two parties meet a conflict for ownership of the moon begins. Little known to them that there is someone else on the moon, watching them. Date: April 1963 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #14 "The Merciless Puppet Master " The Puppet-master is back and he has taken control of the infamous Submariner! Forced to do his bidding, the Sub-mariner kidnaps Susan Storm and challenges the remaining Fantastic Four members to reclaim her. Date: May 1963 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Steve Ditko
Fantastic Four #15
Fantastic Four #16
"The Fantastic Four Battle the Mad Thinker and His Awesome Android " The Thinker uses the power of sophisticated computers to devise a plan that would make him the ruler of New York by defeating the troublesome Fantastic Four!
"The Micro-World of Doctor Doom " When the Fantastic Four find themselves shrinking to mere inches they elicit the help of the Ant-man. He offers them vials of his shrinking and enlarging serum which they use to enter the Micro-world. To their surprise they find that the ruler of this world is none other that Doctor Doom!
Date: June 1963 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Date: July 1963 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #17 "In The Clutches of Doctor Doom! " Dr. Doom managed to escape after his last encounter with the Fantastic Four in the Micro-world. The FF search the city for their nemesis but come up empty. So they patiently wait for his next diabolical scheme which may lead to their destruction! Date: August 1963 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #18 "A Skrull Walks Among Us! " The Fantastic Four have their work cut out for them as they face a being who can do whatever they can do but better; the Super-Skrull! Date: September 1963 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #19 "Prisoners of the Pharaoh " The F.F. use Doom's time travel machine to travel 1000 years into the past in the search of an atomic plant that will cure Alicia's blindness. Strangely they find that Pharaoh Rama-tut knows who they are and even more astounding how to make the Fantastic Four his slaves! Date: October 1963 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four Annual #1 "Sub-Mariner Versus the Human Race! " Namor has found his people ushering in a war on the Human race. He will find that the Humans will not be as complacent as he thought they would be. Especially when they have the Fantastic Four to oppose him. Date: October 1963 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby "The Fabulous Fantastic Four Meet Spider-Man " An extended version of the Fantastic Four's first meeting with Spider-Man Date: October 1963 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #20
Fantastic Four #21
"The Mysterious Molecule Man! " The Watcher warns the Fantastic Four of a danger to the whole solar system. A man who was a mere atomic technician until an accident scarred his face but also gave him the ability to control molecules, becoming the Molecule Man!
"The Hate-Monger " A filth-spewing demagogue known as The Hate-Monger has the U.S. public in the palm of his hands. The FF soon learn that there's more to this man's methods than incendiary speeches and hate-filled slurs! Guest starring Nick Fury.
Date: November 1963 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Date: December 1963 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #22
Fantastic Four #23
"The Return of the Mole Man! " The Mole man has returned and has managed to ensnare the Fantastic Four! Can our heroes escape the labyrinth filled with all kinds of lethal traps and stop the master of Subterranea?
"The Master Plan of Doctor Doom! " Three criminals are bailed out of jail by Doctor Doom. Each possess unique abilities that have been heightened by Doom's XZ-12 device. Can these super criminals defeat the Fantastic Four?!
Date: January 1964 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Date: February 1964 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #24 "The Infant Terrible! " An alien infant with the power to turn his imagination into reality. This creature could unwittingly destroy the entire solar system! Forcing the Fantastic Four to become nurse maids? Date: March 1964 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #25 "The Hulk vs. the Thing " The Hulk heads to New York to find and destroy the Avengers, instead he finds three members of the Fantastic Four. When Johnny and Sue are rendered powerless it is up to the Thing to confront the Hulk. Heralding one of the greatest hand-to-hand battles in recorded history! Date: April 1964 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #26
Fantastic Four #27
"The Avengers Take Over! " The Hulk continues his rampage to find the Avengers who turned against him. The Thing wearily continues to try to stop him but fortunately the Avengers have returned to New York to stop their former teammate!
"The Search for Sub-Mariner! " Susan Storm is kidnapped by Prince Namor believing that she is in fact in love with him. After learning of the kidnapping, Mr Fantastic is on the war path as he hunts down the Sub-Mariner for stealing the love of his life!
Date: May 1964 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Date: June 1964 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #28 "We Have to Fight the X-Men! " The combined might of the Thinker, with a flawless plan, and the Puppet Master, with a puppet of Professor X. Leads to a battle between the Fantastic Four and the uncanny X-men where the outcome could be the destruction of both! Date: July 1964 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #29 "It Started on Yancy Street! " After being defeated by the Fantastic Four on the Moon, the Red Ghost swore he will have his revenge! Together with his three super primates, he has returned to exact his revenge on our heroes! Date: August 1964 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #30 "The Dreaded Diablo! " On a vacation in Transylvania the Fantastic Four discover the castle of Diablo. A powerful and evil sorcerer who was imprisoned 100 years ago. Lured by a trance, the Thing, frees Diablo from that prison and undergoes a shocking transformation! Date: September 1964 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #31 "The Mad Menace of the Macabre Mole Man " The Mole Man launches another attack on New York City in his bid for domination of the surface world. Date: October 1964 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #32 "Death of a Hero! " Dr. Storm escapes from prison, but he is something far more sinister than what he appears to be on the surface. Date: November 1964 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four Annual #2 "Origin of Doctor Doom! " The origin of Doctor Doom is revealed as well as his rescue from outer space by the infamous Rama-tut! He is sent back to Earth to exact revenge on the Fantastic Four! Date: November 1964 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby "The Final Victory of Doctor Doom " Dr. Doom is rescued from space by Rama-Tut. Upon returning he devises a masterful plan to not only destroy the Fantastic Four, but to make them destroy each other. Date: November 1964 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #33 "Side-By-Side with Sub-Mariner! " The Fantastic Four and Namor must team up to defend Atlantis. Date: December 1964 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #34 "A House Divided! " Mr. Gideon makes a bet that he can beat the Fantastic Four. To do so, he sets the team against each other. Date: January 1965 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #35
Fantastic Four #36
"Calamity on the Campus! " When a stone creature is brought to life, the FF must swing into action to stop the creature and the villain behind it.
"The Frightful Four! " The Wizard brings together Paste-Pot Pete, the Sandman, and Medusa to form to team up against the Fantastic Four as the Frightful Four.
Date: February 1965 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Date: March 1965 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #37
Fantastic Four #38
"Behold! A Distant Star! " The Fantastic Four travel to the homeworld of the Skrulls and an entire army stands in the way of their return home.
"Defeated by the Frightful Four! " The Fantastic Four are beaten by the Frightful Four and stranded on an island with a bomb set for automatic detonation.
Date: April 1965 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Date: May 1965 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #39
Fantastic Four #40
"A Blind Man Shall Lead Them! " The menace of Doctor Doom returns as he realizes Reed's deception sets out to exact his revenge. The Fantastic Four must now face the threat of Doom powerless after the radioactive effects of the Frightful Four's bomb. Their only chance of survival is to be lead to safety by the blind Daredevil.
"The Battle of the Baxter Building " After battling their way to the Baxter building with the aid of Daredevil, the Fantastic Four need to find a way to regain their lost powers and battle Doctor Doom. But even if they do manage this near impossible feat, even then will their combined mite be enough to defeat their arch nemesis?
Date: June 1965 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Date: July 1965 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #41 "The Brutal Betrayal of Ben Grimm! " After his epic battle with Doctor Doom, the Thing has decided he's had enough of the Fantastic Four and goes off on his own. Things get complicated when the Frightful Four find an unconscious Thing and manipulate him for their own desires. Will the rest of the group be able to ever get their Ben Grimm back? Date: August 1965 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #42 "To Save You, Why Must I Kill You? " The Thing continues to fight his former teammates after being brainwashed by the Wizard. After his success controlling one member of the Fantastic Four, the Wizard decides to target another member of the team... Date: September 1965 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #43
Fantastic Four Annual #3
"Lo! There Shall be an Ending! " Reed and Sue are transporting the Thing back to the Baxter building to try and reverse the Wizard's brainwashing. The Torch is revealed to be faking his own brainwashing and an epic battle between the Fantastic Four and Frightful Four is about to begin.
"Bedlam at the Baxter Building! " Heroes and Villains a like gather for the wedding of Reed Richards and Sue Storm. As many past foes arrive to try and stop the wedding, heroes gather to fight along side the couple and their friends.
Date: October 1965 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Date: October 1965 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #44 "The Gentleman's Name is Gorgon! " Medusa coerces Johnny into helping her escape a man known as Gorgon. The entire Fantastic Four team are soon brought into the fray by none other than Dragon man! Date: November 1965 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #45 "Among Us Hide... The Inhumans " With the battle lost, Sue kidnapped by Dragon Man and Gorgon escaped with Medusa, things have rarely looked so bleak for the fantastic four. Can they catch up with the monstrous beast and save Sue, and even if they do that how will they be able to pick up the trail of Medusa and Gorgon again? Date: December 1965 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #46 "Those Who Would Destroy Us " With the Inhumans' hiding place discovered, in theiranic they decide that the only plan of action is to form an all put attack against the Fantastic Four, lead by their mysterious leader Black Bolt. Will the foursome be able to hold them off to find out what exactly an Inhuman is, and why are such a super powered group so afraid? Date: January 1966 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #47 "Beware the Hidden Land! " The Fantastic Four race to find the Great Refuge to speak with the leader of the Inhumans. Behind the scene at the Great Refuge lies a royal power struggle between two diverse brothers. Date: February 1966 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #48 "The Coming of Galactus! " Troubling signs appear have appeared in the sky signaling and Earth's greatest threat is on his way, Galactus!! Date: March 1966 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #49 "If this be Doomsday! " Galactus has arrived on Earth and the Fantastic Four are powerless to stop him from devouring the planet. Can they find a way to prevail, and what part will the Silver Surfer play in this galactic drama? Date: April 1966 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #50 "The Startling Saga of the Silver Surfer! " The Silver Surfer has joined the battle and the Human Torch rushes back with a weapon that may be capable of defeating Galactus. What fate will Earth face when an all out showdown breaks out and a weapon capable of destroying the entire universe is introduced to the fray? Date: May 1966 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #51 "This Man... This Monster! " Ben Grimm’s power is transferred to a scientist who tricks the Fantastic Four. When Reed’s life is on the line, what plans will unfold? Date: June 1966 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Fantastic Four #52
Fantastic Four #53
"The Black Panther! " After receiving a cryptic invitation, The Four (Wyatt Wingfoot in tow) journey to the dark continent. Upon arrival, they are ambushed by an enigmatic new foe. Do they have what it takes to defeat this black-clad assailant on his home turf?
"The Way it Began..! " Having proven themselves worthy in battle, The Black Panther regales the FF with his origin and reveals a national secret of Wakanda. Unfortunately, a megalomaniacal villain also knows the secret and unleashes an assault on the new allies.
Date: July 1966 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
Date: August 1966 Writer: Stan Lee Artist: Jack Kirby Cover Artist: Jack Kirby
VOLUME 1 1961 - 1966
An Explanation of the Comics Index In this series, we examine every issue of every DC and Marvel comic book of the silver and the bronze age and also provide you with a color reproduction of the comic’s cover, a complete listing of the creative people involved in producing the comic, a summary of what happened in each adventure, and various other information. All comics indexed in a series will run in serial order, beginning with the first issue or the earliest issue that features the series being indexed. Each of the index entries is as self-explanatory as possible. Some of the criteria we used to create an index entry are provided below. Cover Credits It usually takes many people to produce a comic book cover, from conception and design through coloring and production, and it is impossible to credit them all. The Artist, responsible for the basic execution of the cover, does the lion’s share of the work. If more than one artist works on a cover, some usually pencil and the others usually ink. Records of artists and letterers are sometimes unavailable, particularly for covers that appeared many years ago, so the identities of some cover artists and letterers are the best guesses that the indexers and DC’s and Marvel's current editors and art staff can make. Credits other than Artist or Artists and Letterer appear where known. Story Information Story titles are given as they appear on the title pages, not as on the covers or in coming attractions. When a story lacks a title or title page (a rare occurrence), a note to this effect appears as a Comment. Story credits are taken from the credits as published. As with cover credits, it is impossible to credit everybody who worked on a story, but whenever additional information is available, it appears in the Index. If the published credits in a story are incorrect, the Index corrects them wherever possible.
Chronology A time line for all of DC’s and Marvel's comics that allows proper chronological ordering of the appearances of every DC and Marvel character is far from complete. Nevertheless, some appearances are known to precede or follow others. Whenever chronological information is known reliably but is not obvious from the continuity of the stories, it is noted in parentheses. “First appearance” accompanies a character’s listing when the comic is the earliest one in which the character appears. A first appearance is not necessarily a character’s chronologically earliest appearance, which might occur, for example, in an origin flashback first told many years later. As a general rule, in the case of feature characters who are members of a team but who also appear in their own features or comics, issue-by-issue chronological notations for these characters are made in the indexes to their own features, not in the index to the team feature. For instance, Superman’s chronology is noted in The Superman Index, not in The Justice League of America Index. A casual reading of a few Plot Synopses will make it abundantly clear that a whole month does not usually pass for the characters in between monthly issues of a comic. Many issues begin hours or even minutes after the previous month’s story. Consequently, a character who has had his own feature for ten years will not have aged ten years in the time it took for those comics to come out. As for trying to determine in what year a given adventure takes place, there’s no conclusive answer. Specific dates that appear in stories, as well as mention of current events and popular culture, depictions of contemporary fashions, and usage of contemporary slang, are all what is known as Topical References. These are specific details added by a writer or artist to a story to make it seem current at the time the story is being published. They are not necessarily indicators of when — what year or even what decade — a story took place.