Fantastic Four

INTRODUCTION

When Fantastic Four debuted in 1994, it was part of Marvel’s first true shared animated universe, airing alongside Iron Man as part of The Marvel Action Hour. The series aimed to bring Marvel’s First Family to a wider audience, adapting classic Stan Lee and Jack Kirby storylines while introducing new elements to fit the animated format.

The first season remained faithful to the comics, featuring iconic arcs such as The Coming of Galactus, Doctor Doom’s theft of the Silver Surfer’s powers, and encounters with the Skrulls, Sub-Mariner, and the Negative Zone. However, early episodes struggled with budget animation and forced humour, including the addition of a British landlady – a creative choice that didn’t sit well with fans.

By season two, the show underwent a major overhaul, improving animation quality, deepening character arcs, and embracing darker, more dramatic storytelling. The Fantastic Four’s battles against Galactus, the Inhumans, and Black Panther became more engaging, and the series finally found its footing as a worthy adaptation of Marvel’s legendary team.

Despite its short run, Fantastic Four played a key role in keeping the franchise in the public eye. It introduced younger audiences to Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm, ensuring that their legacy remained strong even before the live-action films arrived.

Now, with Fantastic Four: First Steps, this series stands as an early attempt to bring Marvel’s cosmic storytelling to animation, proving that even flawed beginnings can lead to lasting impact.

SEASON 1