7 Greatest Fantastic Four Writers Who Proved They Were Marvel’s Best Super Team

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In 1961, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby introduced the world to The Fantastic Four through Marvel Comics’ pioneering superhero comic book series. This series chronicled the adventures of four individuals who journeyed into space in a rocket ship, only to return after a cosmic storm imbued them with extraordinary abilities. Over the years, they have grown to be one of Marvel’s most adored superhero teams, and many renowned comic book authors have had the privilege of weaving their captivating tales. Some of these talented storytellers have guided readers through the lives of Reed Richards, Ben Grimm, Susan Storm Richards, and Johnny Storm, although not every writer fully grasped what made Marvel’s First Family so unique.

Discussing the most outstanding creators involved in the Fantastic Four comic book series, we have individuals ranging from those who initially brought Marvel’s first superheroes to life to others who transported them between dimensions and back again. These talented creators are truly unparalleled!

7) Mark Waid and Mike Wieringo

In the early 2000s, Mark Waid and Mike Wieringo brought a fresh perspective to “The Fantastic Four” comic series. Instead of emphasizing their superhero exploits, they delved deeper into the family dynamics of the characters. While action-packed sci-fi adventures were still present, the heart of the stories revolved around the bond between the four heroes and why they have remained close for years despite gaining their powers.

This narrative shift was evident in the maturation of Franklin Richards and the introduction of his sister, Valeria, who became integral to the family’s storyline alongside her parents and uncles. The relationship between Valeria and Doctor Doom added an extra layer of drama that readers found captivating.

One of the standout arcs during this creative team’s tenure was from “Unthinkable” to “Hereafter,” where the climax saw the team journeying to Heaven to bring back the deceased Ben Grimm. This run is often praised as one of the best in the series due to its emotional depth and gripping storytelling.

6) Matt Fraction

Matt Fraction’s tenure on the Fantastic Four comics was marked by some intriguing developments. On the primary series, he embarked on an engaging storyline in 2012 that depicted the family embarking on a year-long vacation, only to find themselves stranded due to time travel shenanigans. It was later revealed that Reed Richards had secret intentions, as he had hidden the fact that his family was dying and needed to find a way to save them. This narrative was captivating, but Fraction didn’t stop there. He also penned a secondary series titled FF (Future Foundation). In this spin-off, the characters who stood in for the main team on Earth were tasked with protecting the planet while the original Four were away. With Ant-Man leading the charge and She-Hulk, Medusa, She-Thing, and children from Future Foundation as his team, Fraction managed to balance a family drama in one title and offer plenty of entertaining adventures in the other.

5) Dan Slott

Dan Slott has been a reliable writer for Marvel Comics throughout the past decade, and his contributions to the Spider-Man series have been especially noteworthy, marking some of the best stories for the character in years. His initial work on the “Brand New Day” retcon may have faced criticism, but he quickly found his stride with the title. Nevertheless, it’s his work on the Fantastic Four that truly stands out. This tenure began when Marvel decided to bring the family back after their banishment, a move reportedly motivated by disagreements with Fox regarding film rights. Upon their return, Slott took charge of the series and delivered numerous memorable moments, such as the wedding of Ben Grimm and Alicia Masters, the Forever Gate, and various dimensional journeys that are always fan favorites for the Fantastic Four.

4) Jack Kirby and Stan Lee

Stan Lee and Jack Kirby are the dynamic duo behind the creation of iconic Marvel Comics characters such as the Fantastic Four, Doctor Doom being one of their most notable adversaries. Often hailed as a pivotal figure in the comic book world, Kirby’s art is the benchmark against which other artists’ work is measured. He and Lee were the masterminds who brought these four characters to life, even if some aspects like Sue Storm’s characterization feel rather outdated today. However, their storylines continue to impress with their intricate plots and captivating narratives. From the epic “The Coming of Galactus” to the introduction of the Inhumans and the gripping tale, “This Man, This Monster!”, these two legends left an indelible mark on the Marvel Universe.

3) John Byrne

John Byrne, a renowned comic book creator from the 1980s, is known for weaving captivating and imaginative stories that remain relevant even today. Although his most outstanding work might be on Superman following his “Man of Steel” reimagining post “Crisis on Infinite Earths”, Byrne also contributed some of the Fantastic Four’s finest narratives throughout his career. He served as both writer and artist for the series, and it was under his tenure that Invisible Girl became Invisible Woman. His stories effectively demonstrate why the Fantastic Four are not just superheroes on Earth but also adventurous explorers. Few have had a more successful stint on the title than John Byrne.

2) Ryan North

Ryan North began penning the Fantastic Four comic in 2022, launching with volume 7 of the series. From the get-go, he was on a roll, as his debut issue delved into a perplexing enigma: something catastrophic had occurred, the Fantastic Four were accountable, and they were all lying low following the aftermath. Once the secret was unveiled, the team reassembled, and North hasn’t shown any signs of slowing since. His narratives brim with emotion, and much like the most accomplished Fantastic Four authors, he dedicates equal attention to their family dynamics and interactions as well as their confrontations against extraterrestrial adversaries and villains. The quality of his work on Fantastic Four was so high that North also landed the opportunity to script One World Under Doom, the 2025 Marvel crossover series.

1) Jonathan Hickman and Steve Epting

For more than a decade, Jonathan Hickman has proven himself to be one of Marvel Comics’ top-tier writers, renowned for his intricate and engaging storylines. His work on the Krakoan Era X-Men comics, including ‘Powers of X’ and ‘House of X’, is considered among Marvel’s finest storylines. However, these works were not Hickman’s first venture into a comprehensive overhaul of a beloved team. Earlier, he penned the ‘Ultimate Fantastic Four’ series, where he modernized the team for a new audience and inadvertently created one of Marvel’s most detestable villains – Reed Richards, who transformed into The Maker.

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2025-07-26 16:12