Fantastic Four #236

Fantastic Four #236 was published in November 1981, serving as a landmark 20th-anniversary celebration for Marvel Comics' first family. Written and illustrated by John Byrne, this issue marked the beginning of a legendary creative run that redefined the title for the 1980s. Byrne, who both wrote and drew the book, sought to strip away the excess of previous years and return the characters to their core dynamic as a family of explorers and adventurers, often citing the original Stan Lee and Jack Kirby run as his primary inspiration.

The issue is highly regarded by fans and historians for its clean, confident storytelling and the return of Doctor Doom, arguably the team's most iconic antagonist. Byrne’s meticulous approach to character continuity and his focus on the interpersonal relationships between Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben revitalized the franchise. The artwork is noted for its clarity and cinematic pacing, solidifying Byrne’s reputation as one of the definitive artists of the Bronze Age of comics.