In the subsequent pages, seasoned fans of Ross will notice the artist's use of inked figures, departing from his standard approach to gradation and painting. In the first two pages of Fantastic Four: Full Circle, Ross deftly uses a quick synopsis of the quartet's space-faring origin to lull readers into the familiarity of his traditional style, only to jettison it for the remainder of the graphic novel. Fantastic Four: Full Circle exists as a dazzling nexus point where Ross can skillfully reconcile the stylistic differences between himself and the King. In contrast, Ross's arresting realism provides a weighty gravitas that practically renders fictional characters into corporeal form. Kirby's energetic pencils emphasize the dynamic spectacle of the superhero genre. Despite their comparative stature within the industry, Alex Ross and Jack Kirby couldn't be more artistically divergent. In Full Circle, Alex Ross endeavors to take Marvel's first family back to its roots. Replete with copious homages to the inaugural Jack 'the King' Kirby and Stan 'the Man' Lee run, Fantastic Four: Full Circle is an apt title for the graphic novel, as it encapsulates the creative impetus that presumably inspired the project. With his new graphic novel, Fantastic Four: Full Circle, comic legend Alex Ross inscribes his name in the pantheon of FF creators while simultaneously reviving the 1960s. Since their inception, the Fantastic Four has been a wildly experimental and boundary-pushing property that boasts stories from the minds of the comic book industry's greatest creators. The titanic 104-issue run by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee that followed paved the way for not only Marvel but the entire comic industry. On August 8th, 1961, Marvel-then known as Timely Comics- released the first issue of the Fantastic Four. So what exactly was the one giant leap that brought comics and pop culture into the Marvel age? Similar to the superheroes they publish, Marvel's upward trajectory as a publisher has an equally compelling origin story.

In modernity, Marvel is one of the world's most dominant entertainment brands. By day's end, their reputation as a mediocre company would never be the same.

Sixty-one years ago today, Marvel Comics started their morning as yet another publisher fighting for space on the newsstand.

Alex' Ross's work on Fantastic Four: Full Circle is among his best

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