This oversized, 10" x 14" hardcover edition is a stunning collection of iconic covers and original art from Jack Kirby’s groundbreaking comics run on The Fantastic Four. It features full stories from five issues, reproduced from Marvel’s archival scans, alongside essays and commentary by editor-designers Ian Chalgren and John Lind. Since its debut in 1961, The Fantastic Four has been a cornerstone of the Marvel Age of Comics. The series, co-created by legendary artist Jack “King” Kirby and writer Stan Lee, revolutionized the comic book industry and set the standard for a new brand of super-hero storytelling. Kirby, one of the most influential creators in comic book history, infused the series with his dynamic artwork and unparalleled imagination, cementing its place in comics history. This oversized Bullpen Books edition focuses on Kirby’s lengthy run on The Fantastic Four from 1961 to 1971. It includes complete stories from issues #60, #71, #82, and #83, and the spectacular 48-page Fantastic Four Annual #6. These selections provide a glimpse into the early days of Marvel’s bullpen, showcasing Kirby’s artistic genius during one of his most creative periods. Dark Horse’s Bullpen Books series of art books pays tribute to the characters and creators of Marvel Comics. This second volume honors Jack Kirby’s work on The Fantastic Four and follows up on the Bullpen Books series’ inaugural installment—The Art of the Amazing Spider-Man.

スタン・リーとジャック・カービーという巨星が魂を吹き込んだ『ファンタスティック・フォー』は、スーパーヒーローという概念に「家族」という人間ドラマを注入した歴史的転換点です。本書に刻まれた大判の原稿は、単なる過去の遺産ではありません。そこには、葛藤し、愛し合う等身大の人間たちが宇宙の深淵に挑む、壮大なヒューマニズムの胎動が息づいています。 ジャック・カービーの筆致は、もはや紙面の枠を超えて読者の感性に訴えかける暴力的なまでの創造性に満ちています。細部まで克明に再現されたアーカイブは、伝説の編集部「ブルペン」の熱気を現代に蘇らせ、物語が神話へと昇華する瞬間をまざまざと見せつけてくれます。この圧倒的なスケール感と美学に触れるとき、読者は表現の可能性が無限であることを確信するでしょう。