Fantastic Five #4

Fantastic Five #4, published in 2000, is part of a Marvel Comics miniseries written by Tom DeFalco and illustrated by Paul Ryan. This series was conceived as a creative exploration of an alternate timeline, specifically building upon the What If? premise where the Fantastic Four members were joined by Spider-Man, though in this version, the team dynamic and roster evolved to feature Franklin Richards as a central figure alongside his family. It served as a nostalgic nod to the silver age style of storytelling, emphasizing family-centric melodrama and high-stakes cosmic adventure.

The design of the series leaned heavily into the traditional aesthetic of the late 20th-century Marvel era, with Paul Ryan’s clean, kinetic linework prioritizing clarity and classic superhero tropes. By the fourth issue, the narrative reached the climax of its initial arc, focusing on the team's ongoing struggle against various interdimensional threats. While the miniseries was aimed at long-time fans looking for a departure from the main continuity, it was received as a straightforward, respectful tribute to the Stan Lee and Jack Kirby era, capturing a specific spirit of 1960s-inspired adventure within a modern context.