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off-white pages
1st appearance of the Watcher; 1st app. Red Ghost; Jack Kirby cover/art; Steve Ditko art; COMIC BOOK IMPACT rating of 8 (CBI)


Fantastic Four #13 shows the Marvel Age of Comics in full flower, featuring both the first appearance of The Watcher and the Red Ghost! The book is also a notably rare early issue in the comics' run, especially in higher grades. The book would already be in demand over the acclaimed artwork in this particularly outstanding adventure. Jack Kirby's vision is in full bloom with this trip to the Moon, backed by Steve Ditko's lively inks enhancing the ferociously muscular figures and layouts.

The Watcher, of course, would remain one of the most intriguing meta-creations of the Marvel Silver Age. There's also the first appearance of the Red Ghost, who's spent decades as one of the FF's fave villains. A full-page ad for Amazing Spider-Man #1 also adds to the Marvel history. There's renewed excitement over the Fantastic Four as Marvel Studios finally reclaims the rights to their original super-team, with the Red Ghost rumored to be a major part of 2025's Fantastic Four: First Steps. (The presence of Galactus also sets up the Watcher's role in the franchise.) Collectors can expect to see every issue of Lee & Kirby’s run on this title to see an upswing in interest and value.