In 2022, visionary artist Alex Ross released his first full-length graphic novel as both author and illustrator,Fantastic Four: Full Circle, and now, readers can get their hands on the stunningExpanded Editionof the book, which contains nearly three-hundred pages of additional material, in addition to the groundbreaking original story itself.
Screen Rant is pleased to share an exclusive preview for Alex Ross’sFantastic Four: Full Circle (Expanded Edition), coming from Abrams ComicArts, which the publisher calls “a comprehensive look at the creative process of one of the most acclaimed and influential artists of our time.”
The preview pages include a glimpse of the sixty-four pages of pencil sketches for the graphic novel included in theExpanded Edition, along with an explanatory note from Ross. In all, it is just a taste of the exquisite behind-the-scenes look at the process ofone of Marvel’s all-time greatest artists.
Exclusive Preview: Concept Art From The Expanded Edition Of Alex Ross’s Incredible “Fantastic Four: Full Circle” Graphic Novel
Fantastic Four: Full Circle (Expanded Edition)Available August 21, 2025 From Abrams ComicArts
For fans who haven’t readFantastic Four: Full Circle, theExpanded Editionis a perfect opportunity to pick up the book for the first time. For those who already devoured Ross’s singular work, this new release is far from just a re-packaging – it is a substantially weightier tome, offering 4.5x more material than the original. Ross, in collaboration with publisher Abrams ComicArts, has truly taken the opportunity tomake theFull Circle Expanded Editionmore than just a definitive version of the story, but a definitive account of the artist’s work, taking readers step-by-step through his process.
Every Aspiring Artist Needs to See This ‘Then and Now’ Art from Marvel & DC Creator Alex Ross
On social media, legendary artist Alex Ross shared a look at his creative origin story, in a post that should motivate artists at all levels.
As described by Abrams ComicArts:
Expanding on the original 64-page graphic novel, the oversized, new edition ofFantastic Four: Full Circleboasts 288 additional pages of jaw-dropping bonus material from Ross as he walks readers through his creative process and vision for the making of the bookSchool Library Journalcalled a “pop art masterpiece.” Showcasing early visual concepts through final art, Ross takes readers behind-the-scenes, revealing for the first time his proposal, thumbnails, sketches, inks, color guides, models, and preliminary artwork, the majority of which have never been published before.
Fans of the artist’s work will find this to be a thrilling walk-through, but even beyond that, the book has a wider appeal to anyone with an appreciation for, or interest in, the mechanics of the comic book industry.Fantastic Four: Full Circle Expanded Editionchronicles the story’s evolution from pitch to page, making it a must-have, for everyone from hardcore Marvel readers, to aspiring artists, to anyone who simply appreciatesvisually-arresting superhero art, which Alex Ross produces relentlessly.
The “Full Circle: Expanded Edition” Is A Celebration Of Alex Ross & A Tribute To The Fantastic Four
Bonus Material Includes Concept Art, Variant Cover Art, Essays From Ross, & More
Certainly, first and foremost,Fantastic Four: Full Circle (Expanded Edition)is a testament to the groundbreaking career of Alex Ross.Since Ross first broke into the comic book industryin 1990, he has done more than just set a gold standard for superhero illustrations – he has continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible for comic art, in the process producing work that has gained notoriety beyond comic book fandom for its detailed, painted photoreal style. In many ways,Full Circlerepresents the apotheosis of Ross’s career trajectory over thirty-plus years.
Alex Ross’sFull Circlebridges the past and the present of Marvel Comics to forge a spectacular future, and theExpanded Editionoffers a detailed account of how exactly he achieved this.
As much as the graphic novel is perhaps the greatest achievement of Ross’s career so far,it is also the culmination of his lifelong fandom, his love of the comic medium in general, and Marvel’s First Family in particular. Abrams ComicArts noted in its press release for theExpanded Edition:
The book features commentary from Ross about his lifelong love of the Fantastic Four and his art and writing process.Fantastic Four: Full Circle (Expanded Edition)also reprints the complete run of Ross’ Marvel Comics covers featuring the Fantastic Four from 2023–24, in costumes designed forFantastic Four: Full Circle. Also included is a reprint of“This Man . . . This Monster!” by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby—first published inFantastic Fourno. 51 in June 1966—the classic Marvel comic that inspiredFantastic Four: Full Circle.
In other words, Alex Ross’sFull Circlebridges the past and the present of Marvel Comics to forge a spectacular future, and theExpanded Editionoffers a detailed account of how exactly he achieved this.
The “Full Circle Expanded Edition” Highlights The Care And Craft That Goes Into The Work Of An Artistic Master
Alex Ross Adds To His Marvel Comics Legacy
Alex Ross is rightly considered one of the bestartists in the comic book industry – both at present, and of all time. His work is visually distinct, and almost hypnotic in its lush, life-like level of detail.Fantastic Four: Full Circleproved that Ross has an exciting authorial voice to match his iconic artistic style; the story is at a throwback to classic Marvel storytelling, while maintaining a contemporary, action-forward pace. TheExpanded Editionof the graphic novel emphasizes how much work goes into the creation of such a dense, rewarding aesthetic.
More than just a singular take on theFantastic Four, Alex Ross’sFull Circle (Expanded Edition)is an irreplaceable look at how such an incredible piece of art is forged.
Patience is one of the greatest virtues of an artist, andFantastic Four: Full Circle (Expanded Edition)is an extension of the care and patience that went into the crafting the story at every level. In fact, it is specifically designed to honor the artistichard work and dedication Alex Ross exemplifies– and in that sense, it wildly succeeds. More than just a singular take on theFantastic Four, Alex Ross’sFull Circle (Expanded Edition)is an irreplaceable look at how such an incredible piece of art is forged.
Fantastic Four
TheFantastic Fouris a superhero franchise centered on Marvel Comics' first family of superheroes. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the team made its comic book debut in 1961 and quickly became a cornerstone of Marvel’s success. The franchise follows four astronauts—Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm—who gain superpowers after being exposed to cosmic radiation. Over the years,Fantastic Fourhas been adapted into several live-action films, animated series, and video games. The films have seen multiple reboots, with varying levels of success, and are now set to be integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with a new film slated for release in 2025.
