Marvel Comics today released additional details about the upcoming Fantastic Four #5, which will center around the wedding of long-time couple Ben Grimm (the Thing) and Alicia Masters. The press release attempts to get out ahead of any speculation by assuring readers that the couple will, in fact, say “I do,” but that their nuptials won’t go off without a hitch.
Fantastic Four #5 will mark the super-team’s 650th issue and will include the untold tale of Ben and Alicia’s courtship. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Alicia Masters was introduced in Fantastic Four #8 when she rebelled against her adoptive father, Puppet Master (who also had a hand in inadvertently blinding her), and refused to act as a pawn in one of his mad scientist schemes, instead siding with the Fantastic Four. Ben and Alicia have enjoyed an on-again, off-again relationship ever since.
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Fantastic Four #5 will be helmed by writer Dan Slott and artist Esad Ribic. The duo will be joined by Marvel Young Gun Aaron Kuder, as well as veteran artists Adam Hughes and Michael Allred. The issue will also feature “a bachelor party that only Johnny Storm could throw,” along with a handful of other surprises.
“There are a handful of comic titles that demand respect due to their history,” said Kuder. “Titles that have influenced generations of fans and creators alike… Fantastic Four is definitely one of the biggest. It is truly an honor on that basis alone. Throw in the fact that I’m working with legendary creators like Dan, Mike, Adam and Marte, and that just sets my inner fanboy a-spinning. I’ll be giving this ALL I’ve got.”
The fact that Ben and Alicia have been dating for over five decades is not lost on Marvel’s editorial team. The new Fantastic Four run has placed a renewed emphasis on Ben and Alicia’s relationship, with the first issue revealing that Ben has proposed to his long-time girlfriend.
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“It’s been a long time in coming — more than 55 years! — but Ben and Alicia are finally tying the knot!” said Marvel Executive Editor Tom Brevoort. “And we’ve gone all-out to make this an extra-special event for fans, with the inclusion of not only the terrific Aaron Kuder (who’ll be illustrating the next storyline as well) but also Adam Hughes and Mike Allred for an all-star spectacular bash!”
Marvel has been sending out wedding invitations in preparation for the big day. While the press release makes it clear the two will actually get married (unlike recent character weddings in the comics industry), a note appended to the bottom of the invitation does tease a reception in Latveria, home of Doctor Doom. You can check out those invites, along with the issue’s cover and solicit information, below.
FANTASTIC FOUR #5
- Written by DAN SLOTT
- Art by AARON KUDER, ADAM HUGHES and MICHAEL ALLRED
- Cover by ESAD RIBIC
- On Sale 12/26/18