Fantastic Four #21

Title: Fantastic Four

Issue Number: #21

Publisher: Marvel Comics

Publication Date: December 1963

Era: Silver Age

Series/Volume: Vol. 1

Writer: Stan Lee

Artist/Penciler: Jack Kirby

Cover Artist: Jack Kirby

Format: Single Issue Comic Book

Variant/Cover: Standard 12¢ Cover

Printing: 1st Printing

Key Issue/Notable: First appearance of the Hate-Monger; first modern-day appearance of Nick Fury, now a Colonel with the CIA; early Nick Fury/Fantastic Four crossover

UPC: None (Pre-UPC)

Comic Grade: FN+/VF- (6.5–7.5)

Page Quality: Cream to Off-White

Complete: Appears complete; cover and centerfold are attached at both staples

Condition Notes: Very attractive early Silver Age copy with strong color and excellent overall eye appeal. Front cover presents cleanly with light spine stress, minor edge and corner wear, and a few small handling creases. There is a thin vertical crease near the center of the front cover along with light wear at the upper and lower spine. Back cover shows age-related toning with minor edge and corner wear. Interior pages show even age toning. Both staples remain intact and the centerfold is securely attached. Staples are factory-positioned slightly onto the back cover rather than directly along the spine fold.

Comic Book Grading Guide

Near Mint (NM) 9.2–9.8: An exceptionally well-preserved comic with excellent eye appeal. May have only very minor manufacturing or handling defects.

Very Fine (VF) 7.5–9.0: An attractive, well-preserved comic showing light wear. May have minor spine stress, small corner wear or other minor defects.

Fine (FN) 5.5–7.0: An above-average copy with moderate wear. May have noticeable spine stress, minor creasing, edge or corner wear, and other small defects while remaining complete and attractive.

Very Good (VG) 3.5–5.0: A well-read copy showing noticeable wear. May have creases, spine wear, small tears, discoloration or other defects but remains complete and collectible.

Good (GD) 1.8–3.0: A heavily read copy with significant wear. May have substantial creasing, tears, spine damage, staining, writing or other defects. The comic remains generally complete and readable.

Fair (FR) 1.0–1.5: A heavily worn or damaged comic. May have significant tears, staining, splits, loose or detached components, missing non-story portions or other major defects.

Poor (PR) 0.5: A severely damaged or incomplete comic with major defects that substantially affect its condition and collectibility.

Grading Disclaimer: Grading is based on commonly accepted comic book grading standards. We are not professional graders, but make every effort to provide an accurate and conservative assessment based on the condition of each comic. Grading is subjective and opinions may vary. If you have any questions or concerns about an item, please reach out to us.