FANTASTIC FOUR/THE MORE THINGS CHANGE

An era of transformation for Marvel’s First Family beings as the team sees a myriad of shakeups!

The Thing is still adjusting to his new role as leader of the FF, whose lineup now includes the Human Torch, Crystal and Sharon “Ms. Marvel” Ventura! But as Crystal’s presence complicates Johnny’s marriage, things get extra rocky for Ben and Sharon — literally! When more cosmic rays change the two in unexpected ways, how will they react to their monstrous new mutations? Meanwhile, the Fantastic Four get involved in Doctor Doom’s war with Kristoff Vernard — but on whose side? And a trip to the Mole Man’s realm leads to an adventure across time and space — and to encounters with Belasco, Master Pandemonium and…the Beyonder! Plus: Hulk and Thing throw down in two supersized slugfests!

COLLECTING: Fantastic Four (1961) 308-320, Fantastic Four Annual (1963) 21, Incredible Hulk (1968) 350, Marvel Graphic Novel (1982) 29

Steve Englehart’s history-making contributions to the Marvel Universe began with the Beast’s solo feature in Amazing Adventures, in which the eloquent X-Man first assumed furry form. As Avengers writer, he masterminded such major events as “The Avengers/Defenders War” (in both teams’ titles) and “The Celestial Madonna Saga.” In Captain America, he identified and solved the “mystery” of the 1950s Captain America (later revived by Ed Brubaker), and gave the true Cap the alternate identity of Nomad. Englehart’s Dr. Strange storyline in Marvel Premiere established the character as Sorcerer Supreme and covered the creation of the universe itself. At DC, he helped revamp Batman, Green Lantern, Superman and other major heroes for the 1970s. Back at Marvel, he wrote the first few years of West Coast Avengers and Silver Surfer. His published novels include Countdown to Flight, Hellstorm (part of the TALON Force series), Majorca, The Point Man and, with wife Terry Beach, books in the DNAgers young-adult series. Englehart has also written TV episodes and designed video games.

Peter David is one of the industry’s most prolific and versatile writers whose record-breaking stint on Incredible Hulk remains a fan-favorite to this day. His similarly long-running — and critically acclaimed — association with X-Factor began in the early 1990s and continued in 2005. His other Marvel work includes Captain Marvel, two lengthy stints on Spider-Man 2099, Ben Reilly: Scarlet Spider and the smash-hit Symbiote Spider-Man limited series with artist Greg Land. David is also a novelist and screenwriter. Among his credits are some forty Star Trek tie-ins; original novels such as Sir Apropos of Nothing, Howling Mad and Knight Life; movies Trancers 4 and Trancers 5; and episodes of Babylon 5 and Crusade. He also co-created the TV show Space Cases with actor-writer Bill Mumy.

John Buscema (1927-2002) literally wrote the book on being a Marvel artist — namely, How To Draw Comics the Marvel Way — and few were better qualified. His career dated back to the Timely/Atlas era of the late ’40s and early ’50s. Soon after beginning the Marvel Age of Comics, Stan Lee recruited Buscema from the advertising field to the Marvel Bullpen. Buscema followed a long run on Avengers with the long-anticipated first Silver Surfer series. He subsequently succeeded Jack Kirby on Fantastic Four, Thor and other titles. By the time of his retirement in 1996, Buscema had penciled nearly every Marvel title — including his personal favorite, Conan the Barbarian.

After a start as inker to his older brother John, Sal Buscema penciled Captain America, Defenders, Incredible Hulk and more. Famed for his ability to meet tight deadlines, he spread his talents across multiple genres. His 1970s work ranged from Ms. Marvel and Nova to Sub-Mariner and Spider-Woman’s first appearance in Marvel Spotlight. He was the uninterrupted artist on Spectacular Spider-Man for more than one hundred issues and penciled the web-slinger’s adventures in Marvel Team-Up, in which he and writer Bill Mantlo introduced Captain Jean DeWolff. After handling more team-ups in the Thing’s Marvel Two-in-One, he reunited with brother John on Steve Englehart’s Fantastic Four. He later provided inks for Tom DeFalco’s Spider-Girl titles and Thunderstrike miniseries.

Bernie Wrightson’s artwork has graced the covers and interiors of multiple anthologies at both Marvel and DC. He illustrated two Punisher miniseries for the former and, with Len Wein, co-created Swamp Thing for the latter. He has also worked for Warren Publishing and Dark Horse Comics. A multiple Shazam winner, Wrightson collaborated with Stephen King on the Creepshow adaptation. He has also illustrated Cycle of the Werewolf, Wolves of the Calla and other King works.