FANTASTIC FOUR #290

The cover shows generally strong color and gloss with sharp print registration, but there is a visible adhesive price sticker ("1.50") affixed to the upper right corner of the cover, which is a permanent condition detractor. Corners appear reasonably sharp with only minor softness, and there is slight edge wear along the right border. No major creases, tears, or spine stress are visible in this photo, though the book is shown behind a protective mylar/mat which slightly obscures fine surface detail. Interior pages and back cover were not assessed.

Fantastic Four #290 (May 1986) arrived during John Byrne's celebrated run as writer, penciler, and inker on the title, one of the most acclaimed creative stints in the book's history. This issue falls within the extended storyline in which Reed Richards stands trial before the Skrull Empire, and features the era's substitute lineup with She-Hulk filling in for the Thing, who was then absent following the Secret Wars crossover. While not a first appearance or origin issue, it represents a well-regarded chapter of a run frequently cited by collectors as among Marvel's strongest superhero team books of the 1980s.

Market data shows a thin but consistent CGC census with sales concentrated at the high end, culminating in a $95 FMV at 9.8 across 39 census copies. Prices remain flat through the low-9.0s range, reflecting typical demand patterns for Copper Age direct-market issues: widely available in raw form, with value concentrated almost entirely in top-census slabs rather than mid-grade material. Demand is driven primarily by Byrne-run completists and Fantastic Four team collectors rather than by any single landmark event tied to this specific issue.

This book suits collectors assembling a full run of Byrne's Fantastic Four or building out Copper Age team runs at accessible cost. Raw copies in low and mid grades trade for modest sums reflecting ample surviving supply, while pristine 9.8 slabs command a real premium due to the difficulty of finding Copper Age comics that survived without printing or handling flaws. It is a strong candidate for bulk lots or affordable run-building rather than standalone investment-grade acquisition.