Ultimate Fantastic Four Omnibus Vol. 1

Background. In the early 2000s, Marvel launched the Ultimate series with the aim of reimagining its classic characters for new readers, free from the burden of 40 years of continuity. Spider-Man, the X-Men and the Avengers (in Ultimates) were quick to find success. Ultimate Fantastic Four arrived with the same ambition: a teenage genius Reed Richards, a university student Johnny Storm, a young scientist Sue Storm and Ben Grimm as her childhood best friend.

What’s inside. The first run of Ultimate Fantastic Four, including the team’s origin (the dimensional accident that grants them their powers), their first encounters with villains reimagined in the Ultimate style, and the introduction of Doctor Doom to the Ultimate line. Art mainly by Adam Kubert, with the script shared between several writers including Brian Michael Bendis.

Why it’s worth reading. Ultimate Fantastic Four is one of the most interesting takes on Marvel’s founding team. Freed from the burden of continuity, the writers were able to reimagine each character from scratch and rethink their relationships. Adam Kubert is undoubtedly one of Marvel’s finest artists of the 2000s. Ideal reading for new readers or for fans looking for a different take on the team.

Publication details. 856 pages. First volume of the omnibus run. US edition published by Marvel Comics. ISBN 9781302963668.