FANTASTIC FOUR INCOMING
At the Disney investor day, the House of Mouse made it official that the Fantastic Four would be part of the MCU. We have known this was coming since Disney purchased Fox, but now we know that they will arrive in the not-too-distant future.
While most collectors will aim for those classic FF key issues (as if they aren’t already expensive enough), it could pay dividends to invest in Reed and Sue Richards’ son, Franklin.
A MAJOR PLAYER IN THE MAKING?
For decades, Marvel has teased Franklin as being a major player in the Marvel Universe. However, it has never actually come to fruition. Could that be changing?
Throughout the 1980s and onward, Franklin was labeled a mutant with godlike powers. At the end of 2015’s Secret War, he was working with his father to create entire universes. He was designated an omega-level mutant and among the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe, just not the most interesting.
In the pages of FF #26, Franklin discovers that he cannot enter Krakoa because he is not actually a mutant. What does that mean for Franklin? Could this be the first piece of the puzzle that establishes him as more than a side character? It may be no coincidence that this is taking place just when the FF’s MCU future is being revealed.
THE KEYS
Franklin has more key issues than you might think. Obviously, his baby pictures in the Silver Age FF issues will be pricey. However, his milestone moments from the early 1980s and into the 2000s are fairly cheap. Here are five for you to keep an eye on.
FANTASTIC FOUR ANNUAL #6
Fantastic Four #6 has been a mainstay for collectors since Annihilus was rumored for Endgame. With the FF making their debut in the MCU, this issue could become more popular as it also features the debut of a baby Franklin Richards.
With the sudden interest in Annihilus came higher prices, and this comic quickly became out of reach, at least in the higher grades. Most collectors have since aimed for the lower grades, specifically the 4.5, which has been the most popular seller in the past 90 days. Over that span, it has averaged $203, and the most recent sale was for $150 last month.
FANTASTIC FOUR #94
Poor Franklin. After he appeared as a baby in FF Annual #6 in 1968, he wouldn’t get a proper name until 1970’s Fantastic Four #94. The other argument for this issue having a positive outlook is Agatha Harkness. Rumor has it that she will be part of Disney+’s WandaVision. In the comics, Agatha is Franklin’s nanny and Scarlet Witch’s mentor, so she could be used to tie the FF into the MCU via WandaVision.
Considering this comic’s age, it goes without saying that it is expensive in a higher grade. In fact, a 9.8 last sold for $1,300 in March. The 9.0, however, has been much more reasonable and the most popular grade in the past year. You can have one of your own for $120 on average.
FANTASTIC FOUR #245 & #376
This is where things get complicated, but that tends to be a staple with the FF. Of course, when you deal with time travel and alternate dimensions, the plot holes are a-plenty.
After years of little Franklin showing potential, readers were introduced to a mysterious new character, Avatar, in Fantastic Four #245. As it turns out, Avatar was an adult Franklin from the future, and he would only be the first. In Fantastic Four #376, another futuristic Franklin invaded the Marvel Universe, this time using the name Psi-Lord.
With Kang the Conqueror confirmed for the MCU, it is plausible that Marvel Studios will explore the possibility of an adult Franklin from another timeline.
It is worth investing in both of these issues with prices still relatively low for 9.8s. FF #245 is averaging less than $70. As for a FF #376, there has not been a graded 9.8 sold online since 2015, and the raw copies are selling for no more than $10.
FANTASTIC FOUR #579
This could come into play over the long term.
Fantastic Four #579 introduced the Future Foundation with Franklin and his sister, Valeria, as founding members. Other than possibly an Easter Egg, it is doubtful that Marvel Studios will incorporate the Future Foundation into any storyline at the onset, but they could be established for the, well, future.
In any event, this issue is worth the minimal gamble for a 9.8. After all, raw copies on eBay are selling for $10 or less at the moment.
THE BIG SCREEN
The signs are there that Marvel may be secretly building Franklin in the comics in order for him to have a bigger impact on the screen, possibly as a time-traveling adult or even the linchpin for connecting the multiverse. In any event, if Franklin is featured in the MCU, these gambles will pay huge dividends.
