Ethics of the Fantastic Four

Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm: four adventurers transformed by a cosmic accident into Mr. Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Human Torch, and the Thing, together known as Marvel Comics’ first family, the Fantastic Four. From their first appearance in 1961, these four heroes became not only the foundation of the Marvel Universe in the comics but also the stars of numerous animated series and live-action movies.

Ethics of the Fantastic Four continues the team’s tradition of exploration into the philosophical realm by delving into the moral philosophy behind the main characters, their friends and fellow heroes, and their enemies, based on over sixty years of comics history. After an introduction to the team and the ethical concepts used in the book, we take a closer look at specific features of the four key members, including Reed’s oversized sense of responsibility, Sue’s multifaceted strength, Johnny’s dangerous powers, and Ben’s self-loathing. In later chapters we discuss how each of the four reacted differently to the superhero Civil War; the moral status of Galactus and the complicity of his herald, the Silver Surfer; and the team’s greatest and most complicated foe, Doctor Doom, who combines great insecurity and vanity with a presumption to honor and generosity.

Written in an easygoing style that can be read by newcomers to either philosophy or comics, Ethics of the Fantastic Four is a marvelous companion to the adventures of the team in comics, animation, and film.

Mark D. White is a professor of philosophy at the College of Staten Island/CUNY and the author of A Philosopher Reads… volumes on Daredevil, Thor, and Civil War.