EXCLUSIVE: Cyclops quits, plus the first appearance of the Puppet Master — and Alicia Masters…
Marvel’s got three Facsimile Editions coming in August — their monthly Fantastic Four and X-Men issues, and one that’s a bit of a surprise.
Dig the official solicitations for FF and X-Men, which will be released formally by Marvel next week:
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FANTASTIC FOUR #8 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by STAN LEE
Penciled by JACK KIRBY
Cover by JACK KIRBY
VARIANT COVER BY DOALY
FOIL VARIANT COVER ALSO AVAILABLE
Continuing a facsimile collection of the foundational adventures of Marvel’s First Family! In this landmark issue, the FF meet one of their most dangerous enemies – and one of their greatest allies. The Puppet Master has set his sights on New York’s greatest heroes – and using puppets made of his special radioactive clay, he can pull all the strings! But what part will his blind stepdaughter, Alicia Masters, play in his sinister scheme? And will sparks fly when she meets Ben Grimm, the ever-lovin’ Thing? It’s one of the all-time great Marvel comic books, boldly re-presented in its original form, ads and all! Reprinting FANTASTIC FOUR (1961) #8.
Marvel is reprinting the first twelve issues of FANTASTIC FOUR as they originally appeared!
On Sale 8/13
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X-MEN #138 FACSIMILE EDITION
Written by CHRIS CLAREMONT & JOHN BYRNE
Penciled by JOHN BYRNE
Cover by JOHN BYRNE
VARIANT COVER BY BENJAMIN SU
The shocking aftermath of the Dark Phoenix Saga! As the X-Men gather at the graveside of Jean Grey to mourn their terrible loss, one among them reflects on a life shared with the woman he loved! Scott Summers recounts their uncanny history together but struggles to imagine a future without Jean – certainly not one where Cyclops remains part of the X-Men! As their legendary leader takes his leave, a new student arrives at Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters – and nothing will ever be the same! It’s one of the all-time great Marvel comic books, boldly re-presented in its original form, ads and all! Reprinting X-MEN (1963) #138.
Marvel is reprinting the complete Death of Phoenix Saga issues as they originally appeared!
On Sale 8/27
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A few thoughts:
— Each main edition will list for $4.99.
— Don’t forget the third FE coming in August.
— Obligatory Price Comparison #1: An unslabbed mid-grade, original Fantastic Four #8 recently sold on eBay for about $280.
— Obligatory Price Comparison #2: An unslabbed, NM original X-Men #138 went for $79.
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MORE
— MARVEL to Reprint Entire CIVIL WAR as Facsimile Editions. Click here.
— MARVEL Sets Dates For July’s Landmark FANTASTIC FOUR and X-MEN Facsimile Editions. Click here.
May 15, 2025
I just don’t get the trend of facsimile issues of comics. No offense to anyone (please) I just don’t get the appeal. Can someone help me to understand it please?
May 15, 2025
Allen, so my reason is I want to share the joy of comics with my grandsons. They are all under the age of 7. As with this FF issue as an example, I will buy (4) copies. Once I have the announced 12 issue run, I will package the 12 issues up for each grandson to enjoy as an upcoming birthday gift. I can be sure the content including the ads are appropriate for the ages. There is no way I would promote anything current.
Sure they could read my originals but this way they have their own from the youngest to the oldest. No fighting or trashing something before they all can read and enjoy them.
There are some facsimiles I’ll buy to put in my spinner rack. The rack has an assortment of Silver and Bronze issues that are favorites of mine. I enjoy seeing a classic spinner full of great old issues. That’s for me to enjoy. It’s the center piece of my comic library that also exists for the grandsons to enjoy when they visit.
May 15, 2025
A couple of thoughts:
1) Good way to get “the issue” without having to buy an authentic original copy at what’s likely a much higher price. (FF #1 facsimile: five bucks. FF #1 original: your first born.)
2) Nostalgia for the original books, including the experience of old ads. (I personally LOVE reading the different styles and markets of ads in these books and to get a feel of who’s reading comics at the time. 1960s books had a lot of ads aimed at high school dropouts. 1980s ads are much more clearly aimed at kids.)
3) Collectability. I admit to buying all of these and it’s my latest bad habit. It kind of feels like I’m rebuilding the longboxes I used to have 30 years ago.
4) Reliving the montlhy experience. There’s a certain fun to getting an issue of Secret Wars and having to wait another month for the next chapter.
May 15, 2025
Why in the world hasn’t Marvel released as a Facsimile or True Believers title, one of the best Silver Age issues, SGT. Fury #13, featuring Captain America and Bucky with artwork by Jack Kirby and Dick Ayers?
May 15, 2025
https://media.mycomicshop.com/n_iv/600/1026763.jpg
Yes! Definitely.