Fantastic Four # 1 1998 NM-

Fantastic Four # 1 released in January 1998, marked the beginning of the third volume of the series as part of the "Heroes Return" event. The issue sees the team back in the main Marvel Universe after a year in a pocket dimension and focuses on re-establishing their core personalities and origin while facing a new threat. 

"Vive la Fantastique!"

The 44-page story re-introduces the Fantastic Four to their home reality after they were presumed dead battling Onslaught. The team finds themselves in Paris, where the plot revolves around re-exploring their relationships and powers: 

• A World Without Them: The team mentions having spent a long time on Franklin Richards' Counter-Earth and must adjust to being back in their original universe.
• The Origin Revisited: The narrative cleverly reinforces each character's core traits: Reed is brilliant but distant, Ben is grumpy and self-conscious about his appearance (wearing a trenchcoat and fedora in Paris), Johnny is a fun-loving womanizer, and Sue is the grounded mother figure.
• The Threat of the Ruined: Investigating mysterious activity in a historic underground passage, the team encounters a new pan-dimensional race called The Ruined, who are determined to transform reality.
• Villain Cameo: The classic villain Mole Man makes a cameo appearance, sensing the new dangers emerging in the world. 

• Writer: Scott Lobdell
• Penciler: Alan Davis
• Inker: Mark Farmer
• Colorist: Liquid! Color
• Letterer: Richard Starkings 

This issue served as a fresh start and a return to form for the "First Family" after the controversial "Heroes Reborn" event, bringing back the characters that fans knew and loved in the main Earth-616 continuity. The story sets the stage for new adventures while paying homage to the classic dynamics established by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in the original 1961 series.