Fantastic Four Omnibus Vol. 3

Background. The late Lee/Kirby Fantastic Four run covers the period from 1967-1970, as Kirby was simultaneously developing the concepts that would eventually become the Fourth World at DC. His Fantastic Four work in this period shows an artist straining against the monthly format — the Him/Warlock concept, the Inhumans' full political drama, the introduction of the Psycho-Man and Annihilus in the Negative Zone, and increasingly ambitious page design that went beyond what any contemporaneous mainstream comic was attempting.

What's inside. This omnibus collects the late Lee/Kirby Fantastic Four, including the introduction of Annihilus (FF Annual #6), the Him/Warlock origin in issues #66-67, the Inhumans' political crisis and Black Bolt's leadership challenges, Crystal's substitution for Sue Storm during her pregnancy, and the introduction of the Galactus Herald the Air-Walker and other cosmic concepts that Kirby was developing for this book before the Thor mythology consumed his cosmic focus.

Why it's worth it. The late Kirby Fantastic Four is essential for understanding the transition from the collaborative Lee/Kirby run to the post-Kirby era — these issues show both the peak of what the partnership achieved and the creative frustrations that drove Kirby to DC. Annihilus and the Negative Zone concepts introduced here became foundational for the Annihilation event 35 years later.

Edition details. Hardcover omnibus. US edition published by Marvel Comics. ISBN 9781302930592.