The history of Marvel Comics technically begins with the introduction of Namor the Sub-Mariner in 1939 and Captain America the following year. But the rise of the company from a scrappy publisher of romance, war, and sci-fi comics to one of the biggest entertainment brands ever really began in 1961 with Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s Fantastic Four, and the revitalization of the entire comics industry that followed.
This week Mondo will release a new poster featuring the Fantastic Four – a beautiful, screenprinted reproduction of Fantastic Four #1 by legendary artist, Jack “King” Kirby.
It’s 1961. Marvel Comics editor Stan Lee and Jack Kirby collaborate to create the company’s first new superheroes in years, a team book to compete with the distinguished competition’s Justice League of America. Rather than a group of heroes uniting to fight against evil, it would begin with a family – the world’s smartest man, his scrappy best friend, the love of his life, and her hotshot brother. Each transformed by a terrible accident, they’d stay united in their adventures (and angst) for the decades to come, and transform an entire medium along the way.
It wouldn’t be hyperbole to say that Fantastic Four #1 is one of the most important publications ever, and we’re honored to bring you a reproduction of artist Jack Kirby’s original cover art.
It’ll be clobberin’ time on June 25th at 11AM, when the poster will be available HERE.
Fantastic Four #1 Screenprinted Poster
Art by Jack Kirby, reproduction by Jon Smith
24″ x 36”
Edition of 225.
$50.