FANTASTIC FOUR (1961-96; 2003-12) #1
CGC F/VF: 7.0
(Stock Image)
SOLD ON: Wednesday, 06/12/2013 4:08 PM
$16,400
Sold For
1
Offers
PUBLISHER: Marvel
COMMENTS: crm/ow pgs, Signature Series, Signed by Stan Lee 2/25/12
1st appearance of Fantastic Four, w/ origin; 1st app. Mole Man; Jack Kirby cover/art; the Marvel Age begins here (11/61) COMIC BOOK IMPACT rating of 10 (CBI)
Read Description ▼
1st appearance of Fantastic Four, w/ origin; 1st app. Mole Man; Jack Kirby cover/art; the Marvel Age begins here (11/61) COMIC BOOK IMPACT rating of 10 (CBI)
DESCRIPTION
crm/ow pgs, Signature Series, Signed by Stan Lee 2/25/12
1st appearance of Fantastic Four, w/ origin; 1st app. Mole Man; Jack Kirby cover/art; the Marvel Age begins here (11/61) COMIC BOOK IMPACT rating of 10 (CBI)
Fantastic Four #1 didn't just make history with the first appearance of Mister Fantastic, the Thing, Human Torch, and Invisible Girl (along with the debut of the tragically evil Mole Man). This artifact of a first issue also marks when Stan Lee and Jack Kirby secured the Silver Age of Comics and launched the Marvel Age of Storytelling. Their bold vision for the Fantastic Four would provide an unexpected depth to this tale of an experimental space flight gone wrong.
The Mole Man's sad backstory was just one of the many signs that Marvel was out to redefine superhero comics. For starters, this first issue of Fantastic Four was fully dedicated to a single story. That included an epic origin establishing that the Fantastic Four didn't bother with secret identities. The generous page count also allowed for plenty of petty infighting amongst the team — who didn't even wear costumes, although Stan would give in to public demand over that by the third issue.
Fantastic Four would also redefine the Marvel Comics Group, which was literally a set of comics that distributors sent to retailers. Marvel's monster books (including Tales to Astonish and Tales of Suspense) began selling as well as Fantastic Four once characters like Thor, Iron Man, and Ant-Man began to take over their pages.
The pop-culture passion for the Fantastic Four has seen an impressive revival since Marvel Studios recovered the film rights to the company's first super team. In addition to the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps featuring the Silver Surfer and Galactus, fans also have high hopes of (finally) getting the Mole Man as a villain. It's also been confirmed that the Fantastic Four will join Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom in both 2026's Avengers: Doomsday and 2027's Avengers: Secret Wars.
______________________________________________
In recent years, the signature market has exploded, drawing in new collectors attracted to the charm and novelty of autographed keys, and older collectors whose interest in comics may have waned. It's especially nice having a key Marvel issue signed by the walking personification of the Marvel Age, Stan "the Man" Lee, and this attractive 7.0 copy of this important key stands out from the pack thanks to the inscription from its creator. Investors and collectors have found that having a comic signed can help it break out from the pack, making it more attractive to potential buyers and adding a little "zing". Not that this clean, white 7.0 unrestored copy needs any help -- but, certainly, it makes it all the more special and all the more likely to attract bids and compliments in this mega-auction.
Overstreet Guide 2012 F/VF (7.0) value = $16,750
If you are a new customer planning to make a first-time purchase over $25,000, please contact us at 212.895.3999 or support@comicconnect.com so that we may approve your account for bidding. (This policy was instituted to protect consignors and bidders against bids from fraudulent accounts, and to ensure the integrity of the bidding process.).
We realize many of you would like to bid on this auction lot, so for this listing, ComicConnect.com offers a 6 month, interest free, time payment plan with a 20% non-refundable deposit. Time Payments invoices can only be paid by cash, check, money order or wire transfer. LEARN MORE
Artist Information
Jack Kirby is called 'The King of Comics' for a reason, during his career that spanned six decades he gave us many of the most iconic characters the medium would ever see. From his introduction of Captain America at the height of World War II it was clear he wasn't your ordinary comics artist. But it was his creative explosion at Marvel Comics in the 1960's that cemented his legacy, over a short period of time Kirby would give us The Fantastic Four, Iron Man, The Hulk, The X-Men, Thor, Ant-Man and Nick Fury just to name a few. Kirby would then go to DC and create his Fourth World, introducing Darkseid, Mister Miracle, The New Gods and a host of cosmic supporting players. Long live The King!
1st appearance of Fantastic Four, w/ origin; 1st app. Mole Man; Jack Kirby cover/art; the Marvel Age begins here (11/61) COMIC BOOK IMPACT rating of 10 (CBI)
Fantastic Four #1 didn't just make history with the first appearance of Mister Fantastic, the Thing, Human Torch, and Invisible Girl (along with the debut of the tragically evil Mole Man). This artifact of a first issue also marks when Stan Lee and Jack Kirby secured the Silver Age of Comics and launched the Marvel Age of Storytelling. Their bold vision for the Fantastic Four would provide an unexpected depth to this tale of an experimental space flight gone wrong.
The Mole Man's sad backstory was just one of the many signs that Marvel was out to redefine superhero comics. For starters, this first issue of Fantastic Four was fully dedicated to a single story. That included an epic origin establishing that the Fantastic Four didn't bother with secret identities. The generous page count also allowed for plenty of petty infighting amongst the team — who didn't even wear costumes, although Stan would give in to public demand over that by the third issue.
Fantastic Four would also redefine the Marvel Comics Group, which was literally a set of comics that distributors sent to retailers. Marvel's monster books (including Tales to Astonish and Tales of Suspense) began selling as well as Fantastic Four once characters like Thor, Iron Man, and Ant-Man began to take over their pages.
The pop-culture passion for the Fantastic Four has seen an impressive revival since Marvel Studios recovered the film rights to the company's first super team. In addition to the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps featuring the Silver Surfer and Galactus, fans also have high hopes of (finally) getting the Mole Man as a villain. It's also been confirmed that the Fantastic Four will join Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom in both 2026's Avengers: Doomsday and 2027's Avengers: Secret Wars.
______________________________________________
In recent years, the signature market has exploded, drawing in new collectors attracted to the charm and novelty of autographed keys, and older collectors whose interest in comics may have waned. It's especially nice having a key Marvel issue signed by the walking personification of the Marvel Age, Stan "the Man" Lee, and this attractive 7.0 copy of this important key stands out from the pack thanks to the inscription from its creator. Investors and collectors have found that having a comic signed can help it break out from the pack, making it more attractive to potential buyers and adding a little "zing". Not that this clean, white 7.0 unrestored copy needs any help -- but, certainly, it makes it all the more special and all the more likely to attract bids and compliments in this mega-auction.
Overstreet Guide 2012 F/VF (7.0) value = $16,750
If you are a new customer planning to make a first-time purchase over $25,000, please contact us at 212.895.3999 or support@comicconnect.com so that we may approve your account for bidding. (This policy was instituted to protect consignors and bidders against bids from fraudulent accounts, and to ensure the integrity of the bidding process.).
We realize many of you would like to bid on this auction lot, so for this listing, ComicConnect.com offers a 6 month, interest free, time payment plan with a 20% non-refundable deposit. Time Payments invoices can only be paid by cash, check, money order or wire transfer. LEARN MORE
Artist Information
Jack Kirby is called 'The King of Comics' for a reason, during his career that spanned six decades he gave us many of the most iconic characters the medium would ever see. From his introduction of Captain America at the height of World War II it was clear he wasn't your ordinary comics artist. But it was his creative explosion at Marvel Comics in the 1960's that cemented his legacy, over a short period of time Kirby would give us The Fantastic Four, Iron Man, The Hulk, The X-Men, Thor, Ant-Man and Nick Fury just to name a few. Kirby would then go to DC and create his Fourth World, introducing Darkseid, Mister Miracle, The New Gods and a host of cosmic supporting players. Long live The King!