1962 Fantastic Four #5 CGC NM- 9.2

The first appearance of Doctor Doom, one of Marvel's best-known villains, in a high-grade Near Mint- 9.2 copy, ahead of his central role in Avengers: Doomsday.

Dated July 1962, Fantastic Four #5 introduced Doctor Doom. Written by Stan Lee and drawn by Jack Kirby, with inks by Joe Sinnott, the issue gives the first account of Doom’s background and sets the template for the rivalry between Doom and Reed Richards that runs through decades of Marvel storytelling.

The issue also carries a full-page advertisement for The Incredible Hulk #1 and a letter from a young Roy Thomas, who would later become Marvel's editor-in-chief.

In the story, Doom captures Sue Storm and forces Reed, Ben and Johnny back in time to retrieve Blackbeard's treasure, which he believes holds gems enchanted by Merlin. In the past, the Thing puts on a false beard and takes command of the pirate's crew.

Fantastic Four #5 also comes from the first year of the series, which launched in November 1961 and is credited with beginning the Marvel Age of comics. The characters and rivalries Lee and Kirby set out in these early issues became the foundation of the Marvel Universe. Doctor Doom is now at the center of Avengers: Doomsday, with Robert Downey Jr. in the role, due in theaters on December 18, 2026.

Nineteen examples have achieved Near Mint- 9.2 at CGC, with nineteen graded higher.

Population report accurate at the time of listing and subject to change.