Word Balloon Comics Podcast Fantastic Four Legends & Today: A Creator Roundtable
Aug 25, 2025
56:49
At Terrificon, I moderated an unforgettable panel with four generations of Fantastic Four voices — Humberto Ramos, Walter Simonson, Steve Englehart, Chris Claremont, and C.B. Cebulski.
Humberto Ramos, now illustrating Marvel’s current Fantastic Four with writer Ryan North, shared how he’s balancing the Kirby legacy with his energetic, modern style. He spoke about designing new adventures while keeping the Richards family’s emotional core intact.
Walter Simonson reflected on his late ’80s run, when he boldly reshaped Reed Richards, experimented with the lineup, and injected the series with the same cosmic energy that defined his acclaimed Thor.
Steve Englehart recalled his 1980s stories full of Skrull intrigue, soap-opera tension, and attempts to modernize the FF amid Marvel’s editorial shifts.
Chris Claremont, best known for X-Men, discussed his early 2000s tenure exploring Sue Richards’ evolution as leader and giving fresh dimension to Ben Grimm’s humanity.
C.B. Cebulski, Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief, rounded out the conversation by talking about the FF’s place in Marvel’s publishing future and the responsibility of shepherding “The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine” in today’s marketplace.
Together, the panel offered candid stories, behind-the-scenes context, and a sweeping look at how the Fantastic Four has endured — and evolved — across decades of creators.
Humberto Ramos, now illustrating Marvel’s current Fantastic Four with writer Ryan North, shared how he’s balancing the Kirby legacy with his energetic, modern style. He spoke about designing new adventures while keeping the Richards family’s emotional core intact.
Walter Simonson reflected on his late ’80s run, when he boldly reshaped Reed Richards, experimented with the lineup, and injected the series with the same cosmic energy that defined his acclaimed Thor.
Steve Englehart recalled his 1980s stories full of Skrull intrigue, soap-opera tension, and attempts to modernize the FF amid Marvel’s editorial shifts.
Chris Claremont, best known for X-Men, discussed his early 2000s tenure exploring Sue Richards’ evolution as leader and giving fresh dimension to Ben Grimm’s humanity.
C.B. Cebulski, Marvel’s Editor-in-Chief, rounded out the conversation by talking about the FF’s place in Marvel’s publishing future and the responsibility of shepherding “The World’s Greatest Comic Magazine” in today’s marketplace.
Together, the panel offered candid stories, behind-the-scenes context, and a sweeping look at how the Fantastic Four has endured — and evolved — across decades of creators.