Mighty Marvel Masterworks - Fantastic Four Volume 3

 Of course, I've always been a fan of the FF and these early stories with Stan Lee and Jack Kirby teaming up pretty much always produce greatness, especially after the first few, somewhat tentative, issues. As the characters kind of fleshed themselves out and became more three dimensional - within this fantasy format, of course - the stories just become stronger.

Naturally, the early 60's misogyny is still apparent, even as Sue Storms powers expand with the abilities to turn others invisible and then her invisible force field, which becomes a "force" to be reconned with in later years and she is eventually portrayed as one of the most powerful heroes in the Marvel universe. 

Some stories are almost uncomfortably relatable to this day, such as the Hate Monger, who is today embodied by Trump, and the latter doesn't even need to use a "hate ray" to control his cult (or doe he?!) but uses much of the same rhetoric. Of course, there are many other villains, such as their first nemesis, the Mole Man, the ever-returning Dr. Doom, the Hulk, The Avengers, The X-men, the Sub-Mariner and even aliens (not that unusual for the FF). Obviously, the Marvel staff learned early on that cross-overs helped all of the titles and characters within - a tactic that they never stopped using.

The "Commies" were a reoccurring enemy, so the Red Ghost and his simian cohorts were a threat for a number of years. Ben Grimm's paramour, Alicia Masters' step-father, the Puppet Master would often reappear, as well, along with the Mad Thinker and his awesome android (which I had forgotten that he had stolen from Reed and made his own). There are also cameos from non other than Dr. Strange, as well as the Thing's arch-nemeses, the Yancy Street Gang!

Great stories, fine artwork (although inker Chic Stone may not have been the best for details) and imaginative characters are all combined for some great comics. I gotta admit, I love these 60's tales to this day!