Is the Fantastic Four trailer creating a comic market frenzy?
With Marvel Studios dropping the Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer, the First Family of Marvel is back in the spotlight—and so are their comics. Speculation is running wild, and the ripple effect hits the market in real time.
This isn't a surprise. Big-screen announcements have a history of sending key issues skyrocketing. But just how much movement are we seeing in Fantastic Four books?
The Fantastic Four Effect on the Market
Since the trailer’s debut, we’ve seen significant movement in key Fantastic Four issues. Collectors and investors are taking notice, with increased interest in securing copies before prices climb further.
Some of Marvel’s most pivotal moments are tied to the Fantastic Four, so it’s no surprise that books featuring major character introductions and storylines are seeing the most attention.
Here's what's heating up:
Fantastic Four #1 (1961) – The book that started it all. Cementing this as one of the hottest Silver Age books on the market.
Fantastic Four #48-50 (1966) – The legendary Galactus and Silver Surfer trilogy. With whispers of their MCU debut, sales of #48 (first Silver Surfer and Galactus) have surged.
Fantastic Four #52 (1966) – Black Panther's first appearance has held strong for years, but renewed MCU buzz has reignited interest.
Fantastic Four #67 (1967) – Adam Warlock (Him) had his moment in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, but this book refuses to cool down. A fresh round of speculation is keeping it firmly on the radar.
Fantastic Four #211 (1979) – The first appearance of Terrax, one of Galactus' heralds, is seeing increased attention—possibly a sign that more cosmic storytelling is coming to the MCU.
Modern and Variant Issues Are Seeing Action, Too
While Silver and Bronze Age key issues are leading the charge, modern books are also picking up steam.
Fantastic Four Vol. 6 #1 (2018) – This relaunch issue, featuring Alex Ross's stunning cover, has become a go-to for fans looking for a more recent entry point.
Ultimate Fantastic Four #21 (2005) – The first appearance of the Marvel Zombies is climbing, partly thanks to the What If...? animated series keeping the undead concept alive.
Fantastic Four: Life Story (2021) – A fresh, long-form retelling of the team's history, this book is seeing increased demand as new readers jump in.
The Trailer's Impact on the Market
This isn't the first time a major MCU announcement has sent the back-issue market into overdrive. The trend is predictable—big reveals cause spikes in sales, and sellers adjust their prices accordingly.
Auction houses and online marketplaces like eBay, Heritage Auctions, and ComicLink are reporting an uptick in listings and sales, especially for CGC-graded copies of early Fantastic Four issues. Some sellers even preemptively raise their asking prices, betting that the hype train is just leaving the station.
Final Thoughts
So, is this just another short-term spike, or are we witnessing the start of a long-term boom for Fantastic Four books?
History suggests that market peaks follow significant announcements, with values eventually stabilizing. However, with Fantastic Four finally making its way into the MCU, these key books could remain highly desirable in the foreseeable future.
One thing is sure—the First Family of Marvel is back in the conversation, and their comics are hotter than ever. If you've been eyeing a key issue, now might be the time to lock it in before prices climb even higher.
