Value of Fantastic Four Comic Books

Fantastic Four comic books price guide

Fantastic Four comics can be valuable.

The series launched the Marvel age in 1961. The story involves radiation and mutation brought about by a daring outer space adventure.

We have compiled record sales and minimum values. Click any image for current values.

Fantastic Four #1: Origin and First Appearance (1961)

Fantastic Four #1

Origin and First Appearance of Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Susan Storm (the Invisible Girl), Johnny Storm (the Human Torch) and Ben Grimm (the Thing)

Record sale:
$1,500,000

Minimum value (in poor but complete condition):
$5,000

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Fantastic Four #1 Golden Record Reprint

In 1966, Marvel licensed some classic comic book stories to a company called Golden Record.

How to Identify a Golden Record Reprint

It can be easy to get excited when you see a Golden Record reprint of the mega Marvel keys from the early 1960s. Even I have been fooled a couple of times!

The main way to identify the GRRs:

• They have NO PRICE on the front cover!
• They are thinner, because they don't have ad pages inside
• The back cover is different

The big giveaway is the lack of a price box. It's an easy one to overlook when you see a high-grade key issue and your pulse begins to race... See images below.

The four titles reprinted by GRR were FF #1, Avengers #4, Journey into Mystery #83, and Amazing Spider-Man #1.

The reprinted comics had slightly different covers, along with an LP record of the story.

While the Golden Record reprints are worth a fraction of the originals, they are still collectible -- especially since for many collectors, the original issues are well beyond their budget.

Mint condition Golden Record comics are now highly sought-after. They are often found in great shape, because the record protected the comic book from damage over the years.

Click Images to See Value of Golden Record Reprints

Fantastic Four #2: FF vs The Skrulls

Fantastic Four #2
FF vs The Skrulls

Record sale:
$90,000 (CGC 9.6)

Minimum value:
$150

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Fantastic Four #2 introduces the Skrulls. The Skrulls are an alien race with the power to shapeshift.

By and large, the Skrulls are more advanced than humans, though fortunately superhero teams such as the Fantastic Four have high-tech vehicles and weapons that can protect humanity at large.

The Skrulls aren't necessarily evil. In fact, they're a lot like the various human nations, seeking enrichment and freedom for themselves while trying to subjugate others to their will.

Of course, this makes them a sort of natural enemy to Earth's inhabitants.

Fantastic Four #3: First Costumes and HQ

Fantastic Four #3
FF establish an HQ, put on costumes and invent the Fantasticar

Record sale:
$38,840 (CGC 9.6)

Minimum value (in poor but complete condition):
$100

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In #3 of the Fantastic Four comic books, the team puts on their costumes for the first time, set up an HQ, and invents the Fantasticar. All in a day's work.

Fantastic Four #4: First Silver Age Appearance of the Sub-Mariner

Fantastic Four #4
First appearance of Sub-Mariner in the Silver Age

Record sale:
$81,000 (CGC 9.6)

Minimum value (in poor but complete condition):
$400

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While a minor key compared to #1 or #5, this Fantastic Four comic book is notable because of the re-appearance of a classic Golden Age conflicted character.

Sub-Mariner makes his comeback and soon will join forces with Dr. Doom in FF #6.

This book has been tipped as under-rated for years by industry experts, but sales tell a different story. Like other Fantastic Four comic books, most grades have seen static prices, with some falling.

Key Issue: Fantastic Four #5
Origin and First Appearance Dr. Doom

Fantastic Four #5
Origin and first appearance of Dr. Doom

Record sale:
$138,000 (CGC 9.4)

Minimum value (in poor but complete condition):
$2,000

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Within the early issues, FF #5 stands out for introducing the villain, Doctor Doom.

It also sets up the first ever Marvel super-villain team-up, because you guessed it, Sub-Mariner helps Dr. Doom in the following issue of Fantastic Four comic book, FF #6.

Value of Fantastic Four Comic Books #6-11

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Key Issue: Fantastic Four #12, Thing vs The Hulk
Ties For First Marvel Crossover

Fantastic Four #12
FF vs the Hulk; ties with Amazing Spider-Man #1 for first Marvel crossover

Record sale:
$65,730 (CGC 9.6)

Minimum value:
$200

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Fantastic Four #12 pits the Thing against the Incredible Hulk. Who doesn't want to see these two relatively similar, super-strong combatants go head to head?

This Fantastic Four comic book is also of importance because it's the first time that Marvel blended two storylines together.

The FF also appeared in Amazing Spider-Man #1 at the same time.

Marvel has done this cross-marketing storyline thing ever since.

Incredible Hulk comics are hot right now, and this one has seen a nice bump in values in grades above 7.0.

Later Fantastic Four Comic Books

Fantastic Four #13
1st appearance of Watcher and Red Ghost

Record Sale: $20,400
Minimum Value: $50

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Fantastic Four #16
Ant-Man crossover

Record Sale: $13,200
Minimum Value: $40

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Fantastic Four #21
1st Hate-Monger; first crossover of Sgt. Fury

Record Sale: $10,160
Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #24

Record Sale: $9,000
Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #27

Record Sale: $11,350
Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #32

Record Sale: $13,150
Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #35
1st Dragon Man

Record Sale: $3,590
Minimum Value: $20

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Fantastic Four #36: First Medusa and the Frightful Four

Fantastic Four #36
First Appearance of Medusa and The Frightful Four

Record Sale: $20,400

Minimum Value: $20

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If the FF were a more popular super-team these days, you'd be tipping the Frightful Four for a movie appearance.

However, this book's relatively hot recent status was driven by the Inhumans movie hype (see below). Medusa is a member of the Inhumans royal family.

Now that project has been shelved, her moment in the sun is over, and prices are falling back to previous "Who gives a damn?" levels.

Fantastic Four #37

Record Sale: $11,950
Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #40

Record Sale: $5,080

Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #45 and #46: Among Us Hide... the Inhumans!

The entire comic book world was caught cold by the announcement of an Inhumans movie later in the decade. The value of their first appearances in FF 45 and 46 rocketed.

Unfortunately, values plummeted again when inexplicably Marvel cancelled the plans for the Inhumans movie.

If you were caught holding higher-grade copies in the hope of cashing in on movie mania, your Fantastic Four comic books turned out to be a bad gamble.

Click to see our Inhumans Marvel Comics price guide.

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Fantastic Four #47

Record Sale: $11,950
Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four Comic Books #48, #49 and #50:
The Coming of Galactus and the Silver Surfer

Fantastic Four #48
Origin and First Appearance of Galactus and Silver Surfer

Record Sale: $108,000

Minimum Value: $400

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Fantastic Four #48 is one of the best Fantastic Four comic books to find. It's the first appearance of Galactus and the Silver Surfer.

Galactus Fantastic Four comic books tend to be more valuable than the issues surrounding them. The eater of planets is a huge character in the Marvel universe.

While Silver Surfer has been in several of the lousy FF movies, there have been strong rumors of him appearing in his own project for years.

Fantastic Four #49
Second Appearance of Galactus; 1st Silver Surfer cover

Record Sale: $47,600

Minimum Value: $100

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Fantastic Four #49 is the second in the trilogy of Galactus and Silver Surfer storyline issues.

It is much scarcer than #48, especially in high grade due to its black cover...

...though prices don't really reflect this, apart from the record sale of more than twice the top price of #48! 

Fantastic Four #50
Third Appearance of Galactus and Silver Surfer

Record Sale: $44,000

Minimum Value: $40

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Fantastic Four #50 is famous for being the first ever Silver Surfer cover in comic books.

The chocolate-brown cover is tough to find in high grade.

It's a rare exception to the rule that later FF comics have been flat in value.

More About These Landmark Issues

In Fantastic Four #48, we have a spectacular issue, with Galactus and the first appearance of the Silver Surfer! Most know that Galactus is an extremely gigantic, deity-like humanoid extraterrestrial who devours planets to sustain his energy.

The Silver Surfer, meanwhile, is first encountered as a sort of servant to Galactus, functioning officially as his herald. "Herald" is an odd choice of word, though: the Silver Surfer is more of a scout, roaming out ahead of Galactus in order to find suitable meals.

As you can imagine, the reason for the Silver Surfer's visit to Earth relates to his scouting function, and Galactus is not far behind.

From #48 through 50 (all very great finds, by the way!), the Fantastic Four battle Galactus and his herald, with the help of the powerful being, the Watcher.

Fantastic Four #51

Record Sale: $5,990
Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #52: 1st Appearance of Black Panther
Fantastic Four Comic Book #53: Origin of Black Panther

Fantastic Four #52
First Appearance of Black Panther Marvel

Record Sale: $83,000

Minimum Value: $220

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Fantastic Four #52 has become another key Fantastic Four comic book, as interest in new characters in the Marvel universe picks up.

Black Panther starred in the third Captain America movie. More appearances are sure to follow his successful introduction to the MCU.

This issue introduces the Black Panther (T'Challa), a shadowy caped and hooded hero. The price of this book has doubled or more in lower grades, while high grades have steadily increased. 

Another black cover with few high-grade copies to go around.

Probably along with FF #48 the hottest of the Fantastic Four comic books.

Fantastic Four #53
Origin of Black Panther

Record Sale: $13,000

Minimum Value: $40

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If you're wondering about the origin of T'Challa, then you'll have to have a copy of Fantastic Four comic books #53. This is not as valuable as #52, but still a nice find.

Fantastic Four #54

Record Sale: $4,180
Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #57

Record Sale: $6,570
Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #62
1st Blastaar

Record Sale: $4,800
Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #65
1st Ronan the Accuser

Record Sale: $4,060
Minimum Value: $20

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Fantastic Four #66 and #67: The Coming of HIM!
First Full Appearance of Warlock

Fantastic Four comic books #66 and #67 introduce a character called The Warlock.

His first full appearance comes in Mighty Thor comics #165 and #166.

Values of the 'brief appearance' in FF#66 and FF#67 have jumped over superhero movie news speculation.

They need to be high grade to be worth anything significant though.

Fantastic Four #55-60 involve the return of the Silver Surfer, who was liberated during Galactus' attempt to devour Earth. Dr. Doom steals his powers for a while. Pretty cool storyline.

Clearly, Marvel was working toward releasing a Silver Surfer comic standalone. He came back from 72 to 77, as well. All Silver Surfer covers are collectible, and Fantastic Four #72 is considered to be a minor classic.

Fantastic Four Comic Books #72: Classic Silver Surfer cover

Fantastic Four Comic Books #72
Classic Silver Surfer Cover

Record Sale: $9,700

Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #73

Record Sale: $2,040
Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #76

Record Sale: $900
Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #81

Record Sale: $2,870
Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #84

Record Sale: $2,160
Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #87

Record Sale: $1,080
Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #92

Record Sale: $1,140
Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #99

Record Sale: $1,000
Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #100: Anniversary Issue

Fantastic Four Comic Books #100
Anniversary Issue, Revisits Past Heroes and Villains

Record Sale: $1,350

Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four Comic Books Error of Color #110

#110 exists in an error variant, with a front cover misprint turning Ben Grimm into a green Thing. (Would that make him the Hulk?) The error variant is worth 10 to 15 times as much as the regular edition.

Fantastic Four Comic Book #112:
Return of The Incredible Hulk vs Thing Battle

Fantastic Four #112
Classic Hulk vs Thing Battle

Record Sale: $5,340
Minimum Value: $25

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Speaking of the Hulk, one excellent issue is Fantastic Four #112, featuring a much-anticipated rematch between the Thing and the Hulk (first seen 100 issues earlier in FF #12). The twist here is that the Hulk is intervening to save the city from his counterpart.

An attempt to turn the Thing back in to ordinary Ben Grimm backfired, warping the Thing's mind, and causing him to run amuck in New York.

Fantastic Four #114: 1st Appearance of the Overmind

Fantastic Four #114
1st Overmind

Record Sale: $780

Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #120: 1st Appearance of the Air-Walker

Fantastic Four #120
1st Air-Walker

Record Sale: $6,000

Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #129: 1st Appearance of Thundra

Fantastic Four #129
1st Thundra

Record Sale: $1,050
Minimum Value: $20

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Fantastic Four #130: Sue Richards Leaves the FF

Fantastic Four Comic Books #130
Sue Richards (Invisible Girl) leaves

Record Sale: $1,550

Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #142: 1st Appearance of Darkoth the Death-Demon

Fantastic Four #142
1st Darkoth the Death-Demon

Record Sale: $450

Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four #164: 1st Appearance of Frankie Reye
First Bronze Age Appearance of the Crusader

Fantastic Four Comic Books #164
1st Frankie Reye and Bronze Age Crusader

Record Sale: $1,160

Minimum Value: $10

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Value of Annual Fantastic Four Comic Books

Fantastic Four Annual #1
Spider-Man crossover

Record Sale: $40,800
Minimum Value: $60

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Fantastic Four Annual #2
Origin of Doctor Doom

Record Sale: $36,000
Minimum Value: $100

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Fantastic Four Comic BooksAnnual #3

Wedding issue

Record Sale: $6,100
Minimum Value: $10

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Fantastic Four Comic Books Annual #6
First appearance of Annihilus

Record Sale: $26,400
Minimum Value: $40

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Who Are the Fantastic Four?

The four scientists affected by the radiation gain superpowers and become Mister Fantastic (Reed Richards), the Invisible Woman (Sue Storm), the Human Torch (Johnny Storm, Sue's brother), and the Thing (Ben Grimm).

Their chief foe is the excellent villain, Dr. Doom, the autocrat of a fictional country, Latveria, as well as a devotee of science's dark side.

The Fantastic Four headquarters, the Baxter Building, is in Manhattan. This HQ is part-laboratory, part-fortress.

With their impressive powers, for example Mr. Fantastic's elasticity and the Thing's super-strength and invulnerable hide, combined with super intelligence and amazing technology, these heroes are equipped for taking on more than just ordinary terrestrial villains.

Fantastic Four Comic Books Lineup Changes and On

Beginning with the 300s, we start to see some lineup changes.

The first is the departure of the married couple, Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman, in Fantastic Four #304.

This is followed by the addition of the demigod Crystal, the Human Torch's romantic entanglement. We then see the addition, in 306-307, of Ms. Marvel to the team.

In #310 the Thing, now the group's leader, becomes further irradiated, which intensifies his mutation and adds more bumps to his skin.

Ms. Marvel is also exposed to radiation, and transforms into a She-Thing.

In the Annual #21, Crystal departs, leaving just a Fantastic Three.

#326 sees the return of the Invisible Woman and Mr. Fantastic (creating a Fantastic Five!), and together the heroes battle the Frightful Four. 

In #348, a Skrull plot imprisons the Fantastic Four, then dupes the Grey Hulk, Wolverine, Ghost Rider, and Spider-Man into forming a "New Fantastic Four".

Of course, the secret intention is to have the new team unwittingly do the bidding of the Skrull.

Later, the value of the comics becomes more focused on the variant covers. #554 has a cool Skrull variant cover, with Skrulls partially embodying the Fantastic Four heroes.

#587 features the death of the Human Torch, sacrificing himself in a battle with aliens. As you can imagine, though, he doesn't remain dead.

Fantastic Four #611 was the final issue, paving the way for the Marvel NOW! reboot.

What Are Your Vintage Fantastic Four Comic Books Worth?

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