Publishers / Marvel / Fantastic Four (1961) / #278
278May 1985
$0.65; 0.30 GBP; 0.75 CAD

Fantastic Four #278

Marvel · May 1985 · on sale 1985-01-22

First appearance: Kristoff VernardFirst appearance: Doctor DoomOrigin: Doctor DoomDeath of Werner von Doom2 variants
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How to read this file
  • Every claim on this page traces to a public bibliographic record; the sources are listed at the bottom of the file.
  • A first-appearance badge means this is the earliest non-flashback appearance on record in this database.
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Identification plate

Series
Fantastic Four (Marvel, 1961 series)
Issue
#278
Publication date
May 1985
Key date
1985-05-00
On-sale date
1985-01-22
Indicia publisher
Marvel Comics Group
Price
$0.65; 0.30 GBP; 0.75 CAD
Pages
36

Match the book in your hand against this plate before paying an edition-specific price.

Why this issue matters

First appearance of Kristoff Vernard - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

First appearance of Doctor Doom - the earliest non-flashback appearance on record for this character.

Origin story on record for: Doctor Doom.

Death on record for: Werner von Doom.

The evidence

Claims here come from the story records for this issue, listed under Sources at the bottom of the file. Character hubs with full evidence tables are coming to this site.

Contents

SeqStoryTypePagesCreditsCharacters
0-cover1pencils: John Byrne; inks: Jerry OrdwayDoctor Doom First, Human Torch, Invisible Girl, Mister Fantastic, Reed Richards, Susan Storm Richards, She-Hulk, Johnny Storm, Kristoff Vernard First, Jennifer Walters
1It's a Web of Excitementpromo (ad from the publisher)1script: ? (promo copy); letters: tyypeset
2True Liescomic story22script: John Byrne; pencils: John Byrne; inks: Jerry Ordway; colors: Glynis Oliver; letters: John WorkmanBoris, Doctor Doom Origin, Doctor Doom First, Victor Von Doom, Werner von Doom Death, Human Torch, Invisible Girl, Alicia Masters, Mister Fantastic, Namor, Psycho-Man, Franklin Richards, Reed Richards, Susan Storm Richards
3-in-house column1script: Jim Shooter
4-letters page0.8letters: typeset
5-statement of ownership0.2letters: typeset
6Special 1984 Prices - "Last Time" in 1985!promo (ad from the publisher)1script: ? (promo copy); letters: typeset
7-promo (ad from the publisher)1script: ? (promo copy); letters: typeset

Printings and variants

EditionHow to tell
Newsstandprice 0.65 USD; barcode 0714860246205
Canadianprice 0.75 CAD; barcode 0714860246205

Where to read it

CollectionYear
The Marvel Saga the Official History of the Marvel Universe #31986On eBay ›
Fantastic Four Visionaries: John Byrne #6
ISBN 0785121900		2006On eBay ›
Fantastic Four by John Byrne Omnibus #2
ISBN 978-0-7851-8543-7		2013On eBay ›
Doctor Doom: The Book of Doom Omnibus #[nn]
ISBN 978-1-302-93420-0		2022On eBay ›
Marvel Masterworks: The Fantastic Four #26
ISBN 978-1-302-95537-3		2024On eBay ›

Reading the story costs a fraction of owning the issue. Both routes are on every file.

Before you buy

  • Confirm the UPC box: a publisher mark instead of a barcode means direct edition, a barcode means newsstand.
  • Glossy covers of this era show edge chipping easily. Check black edges closely in the photos.
  • Check the staples and centerfold; heavily read anniversary and key issues loosen there first.

Series context

‹ #277278 of 416#279 ›

Sources

Found an error in this file? corrections@comicrecord.com