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Fantastic Four (1961) #48-50, 74-77, 120-123, 242-244
Fantastic Four: Behold…Galactus!
Three of the greatest Galactus stories of all - by a fantastic foursome of comic book titans! First, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby introduce the World-Eater and his enigmatic herald, the Silver Surfer, as the Fantastic Four stand in defense of Earth in one of the most beloved comic book sagas ever told! Next, John Buscema's powerful pencils illustrate the arrival of new herald Gabriel the Air-Walker, signaling doom for the human race! Then, John Byrne takes over as Terrax leads the Devourer back to Earth - and the entire Marvel Universe pitches in to help save the planet from becoming his next meal! The FF plus the big G spells cosmic action in the Mighty Marvel Manner!
COLLECTING: FANTASTIC FOUR (1961) 48-50, 120-123, 242-244
COLLECTING: FANTASTIC FOUR (1961) 48-50, 120-123, 242-244
222 pages, Hardcover
Published November 5, 2019
17 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Stan Lee
7,564 books2,339 followersStan 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 21, 2018
G A L A K T I S C H !!!
Die Galactus=Stories gehören zu den FF=Höhepunkten und lesen sich auch nach Jahrzehnten noch ganz hervorragend. Mit diesem Buch präsentiert Marvel sie in dem ihnen angemessenen gigantischen Galactus=Format ((35,6 x 55,2 cm / Seite!!!), das für die fantastische & dynamische Artwork von Jack Kirby das einzig zulässige sein sollte. Figuren und Handlung springen dem Leser aus den riesigen Seiten förmlich entgegen und reißen ihn mit. Bei jedem Panel bleibt der Mund offen stehen wie zu Zeiten, als Willy Brandt noch Kanzler war und Mutti güldenes Haar hatte.
Kinski hatte recht, manchmal ist "großartig" noch eine Beleidigung! Inhaltlich und formal ist GALACTUS nicht großartig, sondern epochal!
Die absolute Comic-Experience!
Die Galactus=Stories gehören zu den FF=Höhepunkten und lesen sich auch nach Jahrzehnten noch ganz hervorragend. Mit diesem Buch präsentiert Marvel sie in dem ihnen angemessenen gigantischen Galactus=Format ((35,6 x 55,2 cm / Seite!!!), das für die fantastische & dynamische Artwork von Jack Kirby das einzig zulässige sein sollte. Figuren und Handlung springen dem Leser aus den riesigen Seiten förmlich entgegen und reißen ihn mit. Bei jedem Panel bleibt der Mund offen stehen wie zu Zeiten, als Willy Brandt noch Kanzler war und Mutti güldenes Haar hatte.
Kinski hatte recht, manchmal ist "großartig" noch eine Beleidigung! Inhaltlich und formal ist GALACTUS nicht großartig, sondern epochal!
Die absolute Comic-Experience!
October 7, 2019
I was slightly conflicted between a 2 or 3 star rating. I tend not to be a fan of the older comics since often the writing, plot, and art is wretchedly cheesy. But, after factoring in my inherent dislike, I began to see that this collection is deserving of some praise for originality. Thus a 3 star rating is apropos.
This collects the original appearance of Galactus. The first part collects FF issues 48-50 (that ought to give you an idea of how far back this is)- Stan Lee and Jack Kirby tells us the story of how the Silver Surfer finds Earth, summons Galactus and meets Alicia Masters (who convinces him to save humanity) and gets stuck on Earth by Galactus.
Credit to Stan Lee for creating a cool concept in both Surfer and Galactus. Kirby's work? Meh. Fascinating to me that the very first Galactus was red and green, quickly changed to a red and purple..not very flattering. It's also obvious that the concept of cosmic power was vastly misunderstood because the FF normally should not have a chance against Galactus. But, this does show the basis for the Surfer being banished to Earth. Cheesy but original.
Then we jump ahead years to issues 120-123, wherein the FF faces the Gabriel the Air Walker, a replacement herald for Surfer. Interestingly enough this version of Galactus is the purple and blue version we are more familiar with. Galactus' fight with the FF is cheesy and considering what we know of his power levels- not terribly realistic (if such a thing applies to comics). This was during the Stan Lee/ John Buscema run.
We end with FF 242-244 and this time we are in the John Byrne era, with Glynis Wein as the artist. We see a slightly more modern take on the Galactus idea with the introduction of Terrax the Tamer and his time as Herald. He does rebel against Galactus and this time Galactus has to fight not only the FF but the Avengers as well. Still, even if this is a more "modern" take-that is a relative concept. From what we know now about Galactus' power this is a silly fight.
Still for all the cheesy nature of these stories-I give credit to the original ideas that gave rise to the characters I grew to appreciate with the 4th Volume of Surfer (which is when I started reading it).
Cheesy but original. 3 stars.
This collects the original appearance of Galactus. The first part collects FF issues 48-50 (that ought to give you an idea of how far back this is)- Stan Lee and Jack Kirby tells us the story of how the Silver Surfer finds Earth, summons Galactus and meets Alicia Masters (who convinces him to save humanity) and gets stuck on Earth by Galactus.
Credit to Stan Lee for creating a cool concept in both Surfer and Galactus. Kirby's work? Meh. Fascinating to me that the very first Galactus was red and green, quickly changed to a red and purple..not very flattering. It's also obvious that the concept of cosmic power was vastly misunderstood because the FF normally should not have a chance against Galactus. But, this does show the basis for the Surfer being banished to Earth. Cheesy but original.
Then we jump ahead years to issues 120-123, wherein the FF faces the Gabriel the Air Walker, a replacement herald for Surfer. Interestingly enough this version of Galactus is the purple and blue version we are more familiar with. Galactus' fight with the FF is cheesy and considering what we know of his power levels- not terribly realistic (if such a thing applies to comics). This was during the Stan Lee/ John Buscema run.
We end with FF 242-244 and this time we are in the John Byrne era, with Glynis Wein as the artist. We see a slightly more modern take on the Galactus idea with the introduction of Terrax the Tamer and his time as Herald. He does rebel against Galactus and this time Galactus has to fight not only the FF but the Avengers as well. Still, even if this is a more "modern" take-that is a relative concept. From what we know now about Galactus' power this is a silly fight.
Still for all the cheesy nature of these stories-I give credit to the original ideas that gave rise to the characters I grew to appreciate with the 4th Volume of Surfer (which is when I started reading it).
Cheesy but original. 3 stars.
November 18, 2025
BEHOLD ... KIRBY!
as he was meant to be read ...
KING-SIZED!
This is exactly how I felt when reading the old Treasury Editions. It is quite simply awe-inspiring. Jack Kirby’s art and stories left such a profound effect on the entire comic book industry that no one can ever compare to his status. Period. His collaborator Stan Lee even dubbed Kirby The King. Nuff said!
Except it’s not, it’s never enough.
Jack Kirby created, and co-created, a seemingly endless list of characters, concepts and even genres. So many in fact that it boggles the mind. This volume features the original trilogy of issues that quite literally blew the collective consciousness of the Marvel Readers at the time, and these issues left everything changed in their wake. But this volume doesn’t stop there. It also includes an additional 4-part story by Kirby & Lee and then another 4-parter by Lee and John Buscema and finishes up with a 3-part tale by John Byrne, whose run on the Fantastic Four is the only one that even comes close to the consistent quality of sheer awe that Kirby & Lee generated for over 100 issues.
And I haven’t even talked about the Fantastic Four! This “First Family” at Marvel was the place that introduced more concepts and spun off more characters than any other title. This was where Kirby shined greater and Lee perfected and personified his personal predilection for prose. The first 7 issues in this collection are classics. The next 4 are fun, but not nearly as good. And the last 3? Modern classics without a doubt. And it’s all presented in that HUGE King-Size format that Kirby deserves. Truly a collection that illustrates exactly how Kirby was meant to be read and enjoyed!
Let’s break it down:
FANTASTIC FOUR #48-50 - What has become known as The Galactus Trilogy, as presented in this three simple issues, changed Marvel and changed the comic book industry for ever. This was the ultimate cosmic encounter and it came at the height of Kirby’s run on the FF with Lee. They were coming a long string of up issues that introduced many new characters and concepts to the growing Marvel Universe and this trilogy topped them all. One might consider that this was climax, with the introduction of Galactus and the Silver Surfer, but Kirby was just getting started. He still had many more characters to present to eager fans. This trilogy offered a level of cosmic grandeur that many Marvel creators have been trying to pursue ever since, with mixed success. A true classic present here on a huge King-Size scale so appropriate for Kirby’s narrative and visual style.
FANTASTIC FOUR #74-77 - Kirby delivers a 4-part masterpiece with Galactus again threatening the Earth and only the presence of the missing Silver Surfer can save the planet. And if that wasn’t enough, Kirby takes us to the wild and mind-boggling world of Sub-Atomica (aka the Microverse, aka the Quantum Realm) and the team has to contend with the return of the Psycho-Man.
FANTASTIC FOUR #120-123 - Gabriel comes to earth to blow his horn and herald the end times. Wait, did someone say Herald? That can only mean it’s time for yet another Galactus story. I mean a repeat Galactus story. Because after the masterpiece of FF #48-50 is there really any point in yet another Galactus story? Even Kirby’s own sequel, FF #74-77 doesn’t quite live up to the original. And this one? No, and Lee and Buscema prove that this is nothing more than a water down sequel with this silliness. Gabriel is a red herring, the Silver Surfer is relegated to being a mere guest-star, and Galactus is just … a lame joke? Okay, maybe not quite that bad, but jeez, how the mighty have fallen.
FANTASTIC FOUR #242-244 - For my money, Byrne is the only successor to Kirby when it comes to the FF. Here he delivers a story that puts Galactus back into the perspective he deserves and simultaneously gives the reader an emotional, heart-wrenching story as well. Guest-starring the Avengers (Captain America, Iron Man, Thor & the Wasp) and Doctor Strange, with appearances by Daredevil and Spider-Man, this story reaffirmes the scope of a true Galactus epic.
This is exactly how I felt when reading the old Treasury Editions. It is quite simply awe-inspiring. Jack Kirby’s art and stories left such a profound effect on the entire comic book industry that no one can ever compare to his status. Period. His collaborator Stan Lee even dubbed Kirby The King. Nuff said!
Except it’s not, it’s never enough.
Jack Kirby created, and co-created, a seemingly endless list of characters, concepts and even genres. So many in fact that it boggles the mind. This volume features the original trilogy of issues that quite literally blew the collective consciousness of the Marvel Readers at the time, and these issues left everything changed in their wake. But this volume doesn’t stop there. It also includes an additional 4-part story by Kirby & Lee and then another 4-parter by Lee and John Buscema and finishes up with a 3-part tale by John Byrne, whose run on the Fantastic Four is the only one that even comes close to the consistent quality of sheer awe that Kirby & Lee generated for over 100 issues.
And I haven’t even talked about the Fantastic Four! This “First Family” at Marvel was the place that introduced more concepts and spun off more characters than any other title. This was where Kirby shined greater and Lee perfected and personified his personal predilection for prose. The first 7 issues in this collection are classics. The next 4 are fun, but not nearly as good. And the last 3? Modern classics without a doubt. And it’s all presented in that HUGE King-Size format that Kirby deserves. Truly a collection that illustrates exactly how Kirby was meant to be read and enjoyed!
Let’s break it down:
FANTASTIC FOUR #48-50 - What has become known as The Galactus Trilogy, as presented in this three simple issues, changed Marvel and changed the comic book industry for ever. This was the ultimate cosmic encounter and it came at the height of Kirby’s run on the FF with Lee. They were coming a long string of up issues that introduced many new characters and concepts to the growing Marvel Universe and this trilogy topped them all. One might consider that this was climax, with the introduction of Galactus and the Silver Surfer, but Kirby was just getting started. He still had many more characters to present to eager fans. This trilogy offered a level of cosmic grandeur that many Marvel creators have been trying to pursue ever since, with mixed success. A true classic present here on a huge King-Size scale so appropriate for Kirby’s narrative and visual style.
FANTASTIC FOUR #74-77 - Kirby delivers a 4-part masterpiece with Galactus again threatening the Earth and only the presence of the missing Silver Surfer can save the planet. And if that wasn’t enough, Kirby takes us to the wild and mind-boggling world of Sub-Atomica (aka the Microverse, aka the Quantum Realm) and the team has to contend with the return of the Psycho-Man.
FANTASTIC FOUR #120-123 - Gabriel comes to earth to blow his horn and herald the end times. Wait, did someone say Herald? That can only mean it’s time for yet another Galactus story. I mean a repeat Galactus story. Because after the masterpiece of FF #48-50 is there really any point in yet another Galactus story? Even Kirby’s own sequel, FF #74-77 doesn’t quite live up to the original. And this one? No, and Lee and Buscema prove that this is nothing more than a water down sequel with this silliness. Gabriel is a red herring, the Silver Surfer is relegated to being a mere guest-star, and Galactus is just … a lame joke? Okay, maybe not quite that bad, but jeez, how the mighty have fallen.
FANTASTIC FOUR #242-244 - For my money, Byrne is the only successor to Kirby when it comes to the FF. Here he delivers a story that puts Galactus back into the perspective he deserves and simultaneously gives the reader an emotional, heart-wrenching story as well. Guest-starring the Avengers (Captain America, Iron Man, Thor & the Wasp) and Doctor Strange, with appearances by Daredevil and Spider-Man, this story reaffirmes the scope of a true Galactus epic.
October 20, 2023
I've read the stories in this multiple times each but seeing them at the original art size is very impressive, especially the Kirby stuff.
September 9, 2021
Just so you know right off the bat, this volume is a compilation of three separate story lines, running between three and four original issues each, written from 1966 to 1982. So be prepared for a lot of 6 panel pages with reduced coloring and a lot of text. However, I can see why the editorial staff choose these stories to make it into a Marvel Select Edition. Not to spoil anything, but if Kevin Feige ever gets around to making a Fantastic Four movie, the second one will surely have to involve Galactus. (He would be too heavy a hitter for an origin movie. Let them knock Dr. Doom around first time out)
Sure, these stories show their age in more than just the artwork and dialogue, but the themes and the motivations are very deep. Ralph Macchio touches on this in his introduction, and it was thrilling to read of a villain who was not out to rule the world or seek vengeance. His motivations are actually relatable and give cause for some deep thinking. Where these tales take you is somewhere very different from common comic fodder of the era and although old, is quite refreshing! It was also neat to see how the decades evolved the style as the series matured and it is easy to understand how that continues today.
We get treated to some guest appearances and, thankfully, were not left hanging, like with Thor and the Godkiller. (Let it go Darcy...) It was also nice to see the Jack Kirby artwork again. He had a way with technology that still makes me smile today. He also had a way of conveying weight and size to things that I thought was pretty cool. So, worthwhile? Yep. If only for some more Stan (the man) Lee dialogue and inventive storytelling.
Sure, these stories show their age in more than just the artwork and dialogue, but the themes and the motivations are very deep. Ralph Macchio touches on this in his introduction, and it was thrilling to read of a villain who was not out to rule the world or seek vengeance. His motivations are actually relatable and give cause for some deep thinking. Where these tales take you is somewhere very different from common comic fodder of the era and although old, is quite refreshing! It was also neat to see how the decades evolved the style as the series matured and it is easy to understand how that continues today.
We get treated to some guest appearances and, thankfully, were not left hanging, like with Thor and the Godkiller. (Let it go Darcy...) It was also nice to see the Jack Kirby artwork again. He had a way with technology that still makes me smile today. He also had a way of conveying weight and size to things that I thought was pretty cool. So, worthwhile? Yep. If only for some more Stan (the man) Lee dialogue and inventive storytelling.
August 4, 2020
This volume collects tales from three successive decades chronicling battles between the Fantastic Four and titular villain Galactus.
I was surprised to find that I most enjoyed the story from the 60s. The very idea of Galactus and his herald is just the sort of thing that made Stan Lee such an icon in comics, and eventually in popular culture. Lee's storytelling may be dated now, but it was ahead of its time then. Many other popular books would go more than a decade before catching up to the sort of interpersonal drama Lee was weaving into his work. Jack Kirby's art is classic.
The second and third stories didn't hold up as well, for me.
I found new villain Gabriel to be boring and his twist to be a disappointment. The final tale brings in the Avengers, Spider-Man, Daredevil, and Doctor Strange, but does very little with any of them and just seems to be raising the stakes for the sake of it. The ending here is supposed to be meaningful but I thought it lacked emotional resonance. The accompanying art was neat, at least.
Overall, I'd only recommend this to readers who really want a peek at some older Fantastic Four stories or those who just want to catch up on Galactus' point of origin in Marvel comics.
I was surprised to find that I most enjoyed the story from the 60s. The very idea of Galactus and his herald is just the sort of thing that made Stan Lee such an icon in comics, and eventually in popular culture. Lee's storytelling may be dated now, but it was ahead of its time then. Many other popular books would go more than a decade before catching up to the sort of interpersonal drama Lee was weaving into his work. Jack Kirby's art is classic.
The second and third stories didn't hold up as well, for me.
I found new villain Gabriel to be boring and his twist to be a disappointment. The final tale brings in the Avengers, Spider-Man, Daredevil, and Doctor Strange, but does very little with any of them and just seems to be raising the stakes for the sake of it. The ending here is supposed to be meaningful but I thought it lacked emotional resonance. The accompanying art was neat, at least.
Overall, I'd only recommend this to readers who really want a peek at some older Fantastic Four stories or those who just want to catch up on Galactus' point of origin in Marvel comics.
May 6, 2023
3.5 out of 5 ⭐️
I forgot how fun it is to read Comics. I can only wonder at what it must’ve been like as a kid/teen in the late 60’s/70’s reading comics. Simpler times. The artwork although obviously dated now, looks incredible through most of this. Amazing attention to detail.
The dialog was a little cheesy here and there. I feel like maybe the dialog made Galactus seem less frightening than he actually is, but there were still some really great moments. It definitely got better in the second half of this collection.
“Yes, once even GALACTUS, was a man, a mere mortal such as you. Though memories of that life are but a dim and dying pain within my heart. The past is done and gone, and mourn it though we may, it cannot be retrieved. So do not speak to me of four billion lives. GALACTUS has seen the end of fourty times four billion WORLDS! Must we know grief for each of these?! Had he but tears to cry GALACTUS could weep oceans in their memory, and in the end they would still be dead, and madness would at last have claimed me.” - Galactus
Happy I found this at Comic Con.
I forgot how fun it is to read Comics. I can only wonder at what it must’ve been like as a kid/teen in the late 60’s/70’s reading comics. Simpler times. The artwork although obviously dated now, looks incredible through most of this. Amazing attention to detail.
The dialog was a little cheesy here and there. I feel like maybe the dialog made Galactus seem less frightening than he actually is, but there were still some really great moments. It definitely got better in the second half of this collection.
“Yes, once even GALACTUS, was a man, a mere mortal such as you. Though memories of that life are but a dim and dying pain within my heart. The past is done and gone, and mourn it though we may, it cannot be retrieved. So do not speak to me of four billion lives. GALACTUS has seen the end of fourty times four billion WORLDS! Must we know grief for each of these?! Had he but tears to cry GALACTUS could weep oceans in their memory, and in the end they would still be dead, and madness would at last have claimed me.” - Galactus
Happy I found this at Comic Con.
July 30, 2025
The Galactus storylines were a true highlight of early Marvel comics. Sometimes, reading early Marvel comics can be a chore or unpleasant due to the corny dialogue and terrible plots. But that is not the case with these stories involving the Fantastic Four’s early encounters with Galactus. The writing is exposition heavy, and there is some dated dialogue involving Sue Storm. I do appreciate how these comics offered deep explorations of good and evil. In these early stories, Galactus is not an evil or malicious villain, neither in motivation nor in depiction. Instead, he is just a living being seeking to survive as all other beings do—he just happens to be a step higher on the food chain. These early comics show why Galactus is one of the best Marvel villains. Also, can we talk about how annoying The Thing could be at times in the comics from the 60s? This work is foundational reading for anyone interested in Marvel comics history or fans of the Fantastic Four.
November 24, 2020
I've been wanting to read the Galactus storyline for some time, finally came across this collection of Fantastic Four stories from across the 60s, 70s and 80s on the team's interactions with Galactus. Reading them altogether really highlights how far storytelling in comic books progressed in that era, and unfortunately how poorly the Invisible Woman is portrayed as a lead female character early on. I can understand how the first Galactus story could have blown peoples' minds in 1966. And I also come away with greater appreciation for John Byrne's storytelling in the 80s Galactus run. If you want to get to know classic Marvel comics better, this is a great place to start.
June 9, 2020
Most part of this book is your typical outdated silver age superhero stuff but I have the giant size edition and I have to say it is quite something.
June 9, 2020
Το μεγαλύτερο μέρος του κόμικ αυτού είναι εντελώς ξεπερασμένο. Κλασικό σουπερχοίρο κόμικ της εποχής.
March 18, 2022
Galactus!!!
Fantastic four: Behold… Galactus is a great read! Its a good jumping on point for readers who want to get to know the all mighty GALACTUS!
Fantastic four: Behold… Galactus is a great read! Its a good jumping on point for readers who want to get to know the all mighty GALACTUS!
July 29, 2022
Having never read any f4, this seemed like a great start. Might give Ultimate f4 a try next
March 11, 2023
Spotty, with some well-written and others stories bordering on the goofy.
May 24, 2023
its tedious to read in modern times, might be a cult but not for me
April 29, 2025
A classic for a reason, it's a a good introduction to the F4 and Galactus is such an interesting villain primarily because he doesn't really have any evil intent.
May 3, 2025
Classic Lee + Kirby. Unleashed creativity and imagination. Heart-pounding pace. Astonishing classic Marvel, something that is lacking in a lot of comic nowadays. One could not ask for more.
January 5, 2022
This is a beautiful reproduction and well-worth reading!
March 27, 2021
This book gets major props for it’s sheer size! It’s a wonderful collection of some of the best FF-Galactus stories, and the artwork could not be better served than on these brobdinaggian pages!
A must have book! I also enjoyed sitting on the floor reading this like when I was a kid!
A must have book! I also enjoyed sitting on the floor reading this like when I was a kid!
July 18, 2020
Three great Fantastic Four stories are represented here and give us views of their interactions with Galactus. It is hard to call Galactus a foe but rather a force of nature. The first story is a Lee and Kirby classic introducing both Galactus and the Silver Surfer to the Marvel universe in all the glory that Jack Kirby could provide. The second story is by Lee and John Buscema and is another classic if not slightly less powerful Galactus. The third story comes from John Byrne during his classic run of the book. This is my favorite story here. I think that Byrne captures both Lee's joy of family as well as Kirby's grandeur storytelling all the while making them his own. All great stories and fun reads. This is the best of Marvel's Select Editions to date. A very nice collection of several classic stories all in one volume.
October 7, 2018
What caught my attention was the mammoth sized hardcover for an inexpensive price. These are reprints of classic Kirby, Buscema and Byrne illustrated epics about the world eater and his heralds. This is the Galactus-size they are best enjoyed. Beautiful for display.
March 12, 2020
Marvel-ous art by Jack "The King" Kirby, Joe Buscema, and John Byrne.
November 27, 2020
Old comics have sooooooo many words.
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