Fantastic Four #296, page 18 (1986) - Marvel 25th Anniversary Issue!

It's Thanksgiving today, which is a time for us to take stock and be thankful for all the good things in our lives. I think we'd all agree that there are few things to be more thankful for, than having family who cares for you. And I can't think of a better way to spotlight that, than with a warm and human moment with Marvel's "first family."

This page comes from the issue celebrating, not only the 25th Anniversary of the Fantastic Four, but of Marvel Comics themself! And to showcase that, they had a veritable host of creators working on the issue. Including one of the men responsible for the team's creation, Stan "The Man" Lee! This specific page features the talents of Ron Frenz and Bob Wiacek. It's a quiet moment, as Sue Richards does what many a wife and mother does, checking to make sure her child and husband are doing well. Her thoughts, as she moves about their HQ, really shines in showing just how much that family vibe runs within this team. Her concern about Reed's somber mood, as he continues to dwell on his failures to cure Ben Grimm of his "monstrous" affliction, really gets at the heart of what has made these characters so relatable. They aren't just co-workers or teammates, they really are a family, with all the commiserate thoughts and feelings that go with that. It is one of the key components that has made these characters iconic and have made them beloved for decades.

I was fortunate enough to meet Jim Shooter this year and get him to sign this page. And in that meeting he shown me a personal note he received from Stan Lee, right after having worked on this book with him. It made me think that the care they put into it, came from a place that was very much in keeping with a sense of family. Something only enhanced by Shooter's very own words on the inside front cover to this very issue. Such things as these always helped Marvel to feel more like a "home" to its audience and less like just a brand. It is something very much sorely lacking in the modern era.

As you go on to engorge yourself with lots of food and "sportsball" this day, make sure to take a few moments to count your blessings. And if one of them is having a family who cares for you, take another moment to be extra thankful for that. Because there are few things as precious... and fleeting! Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!