The fine folks over at Bleeding Cool have received confirmation that Marvel is canceling their First Family of Marvel Comics, the Fantastic Four. There have been rumors and unconfirmed statements about this for months. When there is smoke, there is often fire (like a Human Torch). The rumors appear to be very close to reality.
The sales and popularity of the Fantastic Four have been lagging for some time. Marvel has tried several different re-boots and changes but not much has made a difference. But there may be more to the story than just low sales that have affected Marvel’s decision to end this historic series.
Marvel CEO Issac Perlmutter has been at odds with Fox Studios over the film rights to the Fantastic Four. Negotiations for the rights to revert back to Marvel/Disney Studios didn’t go well.
Bleeding Cool has reported that Perlmutter is extremely upset with Fox. He would rather end the Fantastic Four comic book series than allow any promotion to Fox’s reboot of the Fantastic Four series. All of the Merchandise for the Invisible Woman, Mr Fantastic, the Thing, and the Human Torch have been pulled. Diamond Select Toys aren’t allowed to sell action figures of the FF. Even Fantastic Four posters in the Marvel offices have been ripped down.
What is the real reason for the cancellation? It is probably a combination of reasons. I am sure they will weave a story reason for the cancellation. Marvel will release the reason they want us to hear but I am sure that the feud with Fox is part of the reason.
The final issue is set to hit comic stores and digital downloads around April of next year. The rebooted Fantastic Four movie will hit movie theaters in August of 2015.
THE END IS FOUREVER! Witness the closing act on the First Family of the Marvel Universe! THE INVADERS meet the FANTASTIC FOUR as the hunt for REED RICHARDS and the missing kids of the FUTURE FOUNDATION continues. Meanwhile the mastermind behind everything unveils his ultimate plan. But how does FRANKLIN RICHARDS factor in? And how does this all lead to…The END?! Collecting FANTASTIC FOUR #642-644 and the Triple Sized Final Issue 645! (Bleeding Cool)
The Fantastic Four comic might just benefit from the cancellation. This will drive people to buy issues up to the end of this run. Absence makes the heart grow fonder so a little time without the Fantastic Four could make for better stories and more loyal fans when it does come back (and it definitely will be back). Here is to hoping we aren’t without “The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine!” (Fantastic Four) for too long.
Stay Geeky My Friends!
