Here's a first look at FF #18 from writer Jonathan Hickman and artist Nick Dragotta, in stores May 30.

Marvel is proud to present your first look at FF #18, from superstar creators Jonathan Hickman and Nick Dragotta! The kids of the Future Foundation suit up for their first field trip…to the Negative Zone?! That’s right True Believers, Johnny Storm plays substitute teacher for a day and takes the team deep into his sovereign dimension, but when the locals aren’t too happy with the Human Torch – chaos ensues! Can the FF and Johnny make it out of the Negative Zone with limited scratches? Find out in FF #18, hitting comic shops, the Marvel Comics app, and Marvel Digital Comic Shop this May!

Here's a look at FF #17 from writer Jonathan Hickman and artist Nick Dragotta, in stores April 25.

"Roomies": Now that he's back among the living, the Human Torch moves in with Spider-Man! Can two superheroes share an apartment without driving each other crazy? What secret lies behind the door to Annihilus' closet? Who throws a house party like the Light Brigade?

Here's a look at Fantastic Four #602 from writer Jonathan Hickman and artist Barry Kitson, in stores January 25.

Johnny Storm has returned and he’s brought along some new friends to save the world in your first look at Fantastic Four #602! From the creative team of Jonathan Hickman and Barry Kitson, the Fantastic Four have their hands full as an intergalactic war threatens the well-being of Earth. It’s up to the combined might of the Inhumans, Johnny’s new Light Brigade and Earth’s Mightiest to quell the forces of the Kree Supreme Intelligence. Will the Annihilation Wave be enough to turn the tide? Find out as “Forever” continues in Fantastic Four #602!

Here's a sneak peek at Fantastic Four #601, written by Jonathan Hickman with pencils by Steve Epting and cover art by Mike Choi, in stores December 21.

"Forever, Part 2"
Finally, It's Clobberin' Time.

Marvel has revealed the image formed from combining the variant covers for the upcoming Fantastic Four #601 and FF #13, both drawn by artist Giuseppe Camuncoli.

The future of the Fantastic Four and FF collide this December as Marvel is pleased to present your first look at Giuseppe Camuncoli’s connecting variant covers for Fantastic Four #601 & FF #13! After the universe altering events of the highly anticipated Fantastic Four #600, Reed, his family and friends embark on a bold new journey into the Marvel Universe. No fan of superstar writer Jonathan Hickman’s critically acclaimed run can miss out on these exciting new variants!

I love Marvel Comics. I love their characters, and many of their creators and editors are some of the most talented people in the field and are really terrific people who have nothing but the utmost respect for the characters that they write and the fans that they write for.

I actually learned to read with the old Origins of Marvel Comics book, went on a tour of Jim Shooter's bullpen with my first grade class - basically I started out life with a love affair with Marvel that remains to this day.

But I've got to admit, from their mean-spirited swipes at DC to the slow devolution of once-exciting events into cynical marketing ploys, someone over at the house of ideas is  doing everything they can to take the fun out of fandom.

I'd sure like to see that turn around.

In the meantime, I present the cover to Fantastic Four #600, which combines the old milestone renumbering game with bringing back the Human Torch.

As thirlled as I am to see the Torch's inevitable return sooner rather than later, I can't help but feel like I've seen this scenario played out a thousand times by Marvel over the past few years. I'd like to see them shake things up and make fandom a little more fun - and maybe start by NOT giving the AP and New York Times a beat-by-beat story breakdown of FF#600 the day before it hits stores.

Welcome back, Johnny. May your return herald a new Marvel Age of awesomeness.

Check out this fan letter to Marvel singing the praises of Fantastic Four #17. Yup, thats a young George R.R. Martin, before he became a fantasy/sci-fi legend (and before he added the second 'R').

One had a an all-too-brief return to life as part of an event, the other is currently experiencing a similarly short-lived death. Courtesy of the always-brilliant Ty Templeton, our fallen superhero soldiers wish you a happy Memorial Day.

Well, a question that's been haunting us all since at least Mallrats has finally been resolved: sex with the Thing, be it in your creepy stepfather's puppet factory or the back of a Volkswagen, is an uncomfortable proposition. Stan the Man himself confirms Aunt Petunia's favorite nephew is packing a bunch of bricks in his pants, telling Vanity Fair:

I guess common sense would say it was made of orange rock too, but I always thought it was more interesting to think about Reed Richards. As you know, he had the ability to stretch, and sexually, that would seem to be a great asset in many areas.

Of course, that raises as many questions as it answers: has Stan really spent quality time thinking about Reed's junk? What about Sue? Does she create forcefields in lieu of traditional birth control? Does she get some action from Reed while he's busying himself in the lab without him even noticing, 'cause she's invisible?

And what does Ben pee?

Regardless of the answers to any of the above, I think its fair to say that nothing in the upcoming Fear Itself event could come anywhere close to the horrifying prospect of a date with The Thing.

Thanks for scarring me for life, Stan!