The Fantastic Four ##1
Marvel Comics • The Fantastic Four Vol. 1
Writer
Stan Lee
Interior Artist
Jack Kirby
Cover Artist
Jack Kirby
Publication Date
November 1961
Cover Variant
Regular
Printing
First Printing
Comic Description
The origin and first appearance of the Fantastic Four: Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards), Invisible Girl (Sue Storm), Human Torch (Johnny Storm), and The Thing (Ben Grimm). Also features the first appearance of the Mole Man and Monster Isle.
Condition & Value
Condition Grade
Not Applicable (Stock Image)
Condition Details
The image provided is a digital stock photo or a high-quality reproduction used for identification; it lacks the natural aging, paper texture, and physical wear patterns of an authentic 1961 copy.
Estimated Market Value
Raw Mid-Grade: $20,000 - $50,000; CGC 9.2+: $1,000,000+
Recent Sales
Heritage Auctions sold a CGC 9.2 for $1.5 million in 2022; lower grades (CGC 3.0) typically sell for $15,000 - $25,000.
Grading Recommendation
Highly recommended for any authentic copy. A professional cleaning and pressing (dry cleaning) can significantly increase value by removing surface dirt and non-color-breaking wrinkles.
Notable Features
Often cited as the beginning of the Modern Age of Marvel Comics; Features the iconic Mole Man monster cover by Jack Kirby.
Authentication Notes
Extreme caution is advised; this is one of the most counterfeited comics in history. Authentic copies must have a 10 cent cover price and specific off-white interior paper stock. Many 'facsimile' or 'Golden Record' reprints exist with subtle differences in the logo or cover markings.