Fantastic Four Vs. Galactus (Fantastic Four

by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby (Artist), John Byrne

Collects Fantastic Four (1961) #48-50 and #242-244.

Comic-book giants present the greatest Galactus stories ever told with an introduction written by Ryan North! The Fantastic Four face off against their biggest foe of the planet-devouring cosmic force of nature that is Galactus! First, the legendary pairing of Stan Lee and Jack Kirby introduce the World-Eater in an all-time classic tale. When the enigmatic powerhouse known as the Silver Surfer arrives on Earth, he is the herald of disaster - in the form of his master, Galactus. Can even the Fantastic Four find a way to spare their world from this unstoppable entity's awesome appetite? Then, visionary writer/artist John Byrne brings Galactus back to Earth with a deadly new Terrax the Tamer! The Avengers and more heroes join the fight to save the planet, but at what cost to Marvel's First Family?

Genres: Marvel

Kindle Edition

Published April 30, 2025

About the author

Stan Lee (born Stanley Martin Lieber) was an American writer, editor, creator of comic book superheroes, and the former president and chairman of Marvel Comics.

With several artist co-creators, most notably Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, he co-created Spider-Man, the Fantastic Four, Thor as a superhero, the X-Men, Iron Man, the Hulk, Daredevil, the Silver Surfer, Dr. Strange, Ant-Man and the Wasp, Scarlet Witch, The Inhumans, and many other characters, introducing complex, naturalistic characters and a thoroughly shared universe into superhero comic books. He subsequently led the expansion of Marvel Comics from a small division of a publishing house to a large multimedia corporation.

Reviews

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

After watching the latest fantastic 4 film wanted to know more about Galactus.
Thanks J for this great introduction, thoroughly enjoyed.

[Kyle Spishock · Rating 2 out of 5]

A new Marvel movie has been released, so of course Marvel has to capitalize by reprinting their old stories. This collection is slipshod, lazily slapping two arcs together in one volume.
The first half is fine, focusing on the first appearance of Galactus and Silver Surfer, as long as you ignore the blatant sexism that runs rampant in Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s original run. The other half is a head-scratching retelling in the early 90s, when comics were starting to get the incredibly commercial. After teaming up with the Avengers, the FF defeat Galactus, only to resurrect him. I’m assuming it’s because the storyline includes Franklin, but there are far better appearances of Galactus and company throughout past lore.

[AJ Easterday · Rating 3 out of 5]

Man, I forget how wordy older comics can be sometimes. Both stories in this collection suffered a bit from unnecessary captions. Overall I think I preferred the first story, but Stan Lee really can't write Sue well. I also wasn't a fan of Sue and Reed always bickering.

[Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

read this in anticipation for First Steps. loved both stories and watching the surfer gain empathy for earth and its inhabitants. it was also interesting to learn that Galactus really isn’t inherently evil, he’s just a man trying to survive. the art is astonishing.

[B · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the original Kirby/Lee Galactus trilogy followed by the Byrne Frankie Raye Galactus story.

Probably the most interesting thing about these on re-read is how they're woven into completely unrelated stories.

[Tri · Rating 3 out of 5]

6

[Madison]

(Read on Marvel Unlimited) I actually just read issues #48-#50!

[Jørgen Skjold · Rating 4 out of 5]

The John Byrne story was really great. The classic Lee/Kirby story is fun and iconic but you really feel the age.

[Bennett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I dont have it in me to rate this lower just because I dont vibe with Silver Age comics, but this was a real "listen here sonny or I'll give ya what-for right in the kisser, see?" kinda piece.