Marvel's Fantastic Four series is set to expand its scope in issue #19, scheduled for release on November 18. The upcoming story will unite the primary team with their junior counterparts for a high-stakes interplanetary mission.
Moving past the DNX crossover and the X-Virus threat
The current Fantastic Four run, helmed by writer Ryan North, is transitioning away from the recent DNX crossover. According to the report, issue #19 follows the conclusion of the X-Virus threat seen in issue #18,marking a pivot toward a new narrative arc titled "The Dark Forest." This shift moves the series from the recent X-Men crossover back into its core identity of scientific exploration and family-centric adventure.
The creative team behind this era includes a variety of prominent artists:
- Humberto Ramos
- Andrea Sorrentino
- Andrea Di Vito
- Stan Sakai
New EVA-style suits for a journey into the Dark Forest
To prepare for the harsh environments of deep space, the team is adopting new gear that differs from their traditional jumpsuits. The latest cover art by Humberto Ramos showcases outfits resembling extravehicular activity (EVA) suits, complete with insulation for hostile environments. these designs bear a resemblance to the specialized attire worn during the team's encounter with the Invincible Woman in issues #8 through #10.
The discovery of a solar-engineered technosignature
The catalyst for this new adventure is a discovery made via a specialized telescope built for the team's children. Rather than finding a biological sign of life, the team has identified a "technosignature"—evidence of massive solar engineering that suggests a highly advanced civilization once existed. as the report states, this discovery serves as an invitation to a society that may already be extinct, leaving the team to face whatever forces destroyed them.
Franklin, Valeria, Jo-Venn, and N'Kalla face unprecedented stakes
The mission is unique because it integrates the junior Fantastic Four—Franklin and Valeria Richards, alongside Jo-Venn and N'Kalla—into the primary mission. While these younger heroes have already proven their mettle against foes like the Mad Thinker in issue #7, the scale of "The Dark Forest" presents a different level of danger. The inclusion of the children shifts the narrative focus, as the original team must balance scientific curiosity with the safety of their next generation.
The source notes that the junior team's unique Skrull and Kree physiology has previously allowed them to navigate threats, such as illusory dangers, that might have overwhelmed the original team.
Who or what is lurking in the wake of the extinct civilization?
While the report teases a terrifying force, several critical details remin unconfirmed. It is unclear if the "unbeatable force" mentioned is a classic Marvel villain like Galactus or Nicholas Scratch, or a completely new entity tied to the destroyed civilization. Furthermore, the source does not specify if the "technosignature" is a trap or a genuine call for help, leaving the true nature of the threat in the depths of the universe an open question for readers. There is also no confirmation on whether the dark twists on Susan Storm's persona will play a direct role in this specific interplanetary voyage.
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