CGC Comics Registry Featured Set: Latveria’s Vaults (Variants)

Few teams have left a greater mark on the Marvel Universe than the Fantastic Four. As Marvel’s First Family, their cosmic adventures, scientific discoveries and battles against legendary foes have defined superhero storytelling for generations. This month’s CGC Comics Registry Set Latveria's Vaults (Variants), by WernerVonDoom, spotlights the team’s pivotal issues that introduced iconic characters, reshaped the Marvel landscape and cemented the Fantastic Four as one of comics’ most enduring legacies!

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The Fantastic Four debuted in 1961, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. This groundbreaking team consisted of Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic), Sue Storm (Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (Human Torch) and Ben Grimm (The Thing). Their origin story begins with an experimental rocket flight that exposes them to cosmic rays, granting them unique abilities.

Over the decades, the Fantastic Four have ventured into various media adaptations, including animated series and live-action films. Previous cinematic attempts in 2005, 2007 and 2015 struggled to capture the essence of Marvel's First Family. However, their fantastic fourth attempt, "Fantastic Four: First Steps," is set to release on July 25, 2025, introducing the team into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Set in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, the film aims to honor the characters' Silver Age roots while providing a fresh narrative.

WernerVonDoom recalls his own origin story — and, thankfully, he didn’t need a radioactive rocket mishap.

“In 1978, my little brother hurt his leg and ended up in the hospital for a few days. I wasn't allowed in my brother’s room (I was twelve), so I spent many hours in the hospital waiting room,” wrote WernerVonDoom on his Registry page. “Along with the usual magazines, there was a small stack of comic books – one of which was Fantastic Four Annual #12. I had read the occasional comic before (Archie’s, etc.), but this book took me to another universe. I read and re-read that book the entire time I was there. Those few days changed my life and I’ve been collecting comics ever since.”

Some of the comics in this month’s featured collection include:

• Fantastic Four #3 graded CGC 7.5 — the first team appearance in costume
• Fantastic Four #12 graded CGC 7.5 — the first battle between Hulk and Thing
• Fantastic Four #13 graded CGC 7.5 — the first appearance of The Watcher
• Fantastic Four #45 graded CGC 9.4 — the first team appearance of the Inhumans
• Fantastic Four #46 graded CGC 9.4 — the first full appearance of Black Bolt
• Fantastic Four #48 graded CGC 9.6 — the first appearance of Silver Surfer
• Fantastic Four #49 graded CGC 9.4 — the first full appearance of Galactus
• Fantastic Four #50 graded CGC 9.4 — a classic Jack Kirby cover
• Fantastic Four #52 graded CGC 9.4 — the first appearance of Black Panther
• Fantastic Four #94 graded CGC 9.6 — the first appearance of Agatha Harkness

These comics, and many more, helped earn this set the Best in Set Type in 2010, 2011 and 2014, and the Best Bronze Age Set in 2010.

About the CGC Comics Registry

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