Some of theFantastic Four’soldest enemies are set to appear in an upcomingUltimate Spider-Manstory, sporting a horrifying new feature, as the Moloids are reinvented with terrifying new teeth. Often misunderstood in the mainstream Marvel Universe, this incarnation of the classic subterranean species may actually be a major threat.
The cover forUltimate Spider-Man (2024)#14 – written by Jonathan Hickman, with art by Marco Checchetto –has revealed a new look at the reinvention of classic Fantastic Four villains the Moloids, who now sport horrifically sharp teeth.
The issue promises to continue to pit Peter Parker and Harry Osborn against this world’s Sinister Six, which, most notably, includes a version of the Mole Man,the Fantastic Four supervillainwho traditionally uses the Moloids as his main army – suggesting a more dangerous iteration of these familiar foes.
Classic Marvel Monsters The Moloids Get A Major Overhaul In The Ultimate Universe
Moloids, Next Appearance:Ultimate Spider-Man (2024)#14 – Written By Jonathan Hickman; Art By Marco Checchetto; Color By Matthew Wilson; Lettering By Corey Petit
The Moloids first appear inFantastic Four (Vol. 1)#22, under the Mole Man’s control. Later stories would then go on to establish that the race are a spin-off of the Deviants, thetraditional enemies of the Eternals. Driven underground, these Deviants adapted to low light and began their own society. Unfortunately, their main role in Marvel Comics seems to be as fodder for villains like Mole Man and the High Evolutionary to abuse and experiment on, and they have never truly amounted to a serious threat.
Fantastic Four’s Silliest Enemies Are Way More Brutal Than Fans Realize
The apocalyptic future of Old Man Logan shows a truly horrific vision of the Fantastic Four’s silliest enemies, the underground beings called Moloids.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time that readers have seen Moloids inthe new Ultimate Universe.Ultimates (2024)#1 – written by Deniz Camp, with art by by Juan Frigeri – featuredthis world’s Hank Pymand Janet Van Dyne attending to their job as pest control, and discovering an entire family of harmless Moloids living in a basement. This scene reveals two crucial facts about the Moloids:one, they’re not inherently hostile, and two, they’re something that this new Universe is already familiar with.
The Moloids Depiction In Advance Of Their Ultimate Spider-Man Appearance Raises Some Questions
Moloids, First Appearance: Fantastic Four (vol 1) #22 — Written By Stan Lee; Art By Jack Kirby; Ink By George Roussos; Lettering By Sam Rosen
The appearance of the Moloids raises a number of possibilities. Perhaps the Mole Man has his own gang of violent Moloids under his control. This could be a reason beyond simple prejudice as towhy Moloids are feared in this universe and explain why Mole Man is so effective.Alternatively this cover is lying.Ultimate Spider-Man (2024)has been hilariously blatant with its covers showing thingsthat don’t happen at all in the issue. It’s entirely possible that readers open up the latestUltimate Spider-Manonly to find that theseclassicFantastic Fourcharactersaren’t even that bad.
Ultimate Spider-Man (2024)#14will be available July 23, 2025 from Marvel Comics.
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.
