A vibrant tribute to Marvel’s Fantastic Four is taking shape on the side of Al’s Comics in Stockton, California, but the project needs a final push to cross the finish line. A GoFundMe campaign, launched last April, is seeking $3,000 to cover the remaining costs of materials and support for the local artists bringing the iconic superhero team to life on the Miracle Mile. As of Thursday, March 19, the fundraiser has garnered $2,274 from 34 donors, representing 74% of its goal.
The mural, spanning approximately 80 feet long and 20 feet tall, isn’t the product of a corporate commission or city funding, but rather a labor of love from a group of Stockton-based artists. Organizer Ivan Montijo explained on the GoFundMe page that the project was initiated to celebrate the city’s unique connection to the Fantastic Four and to inspire local creativity. “Now, we’d love the community’s aid – paint, supplies, or even a meal for the crew – to finish bringing this story to life,” he wrote.
Stockton’s claim to fame within the Marvel universe dates back to 1986, a campaign spearheaded by local comic book shop owner Al Greco and radio personality Joe Field. Recognizing the 25th anniversary of Marvel Comics, they launched a petition to officially designate Stockton as the birthplace of the Fantastic Four, a team previously only associated with the fictional “Central City, California.” Their efforts culminated in a resolution passed by the Stockton City Council and signed by then-Mayor Barbara Fass and City Manager Ed Griffith, urging Marvel to recognize the city’s claim.
A City’s Campaign for Superhero Status
Field, who worked in sales and marketing at Stockton’s KJOY-AM radio at the time, explained the motivation behind the campaign. “I saw that Marvel Comics’ 25th anniversary was coming up, and I was buying my comics from Al’s Comics,” he said. “I thought it would be a fun opportunity to do something that would get some publicity for Al’s Comics, the radio station and Marvel.” He saw an opportunity to put Stockton on the map, noting that Marvel often grounded its heroes in real-world locations like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
The petition gathered over 300 signatures, promoted through KJOY and at Al’s Comics. Field then presented the petition to the Stockton City Council. The story gained national attention, notably through a feature article in the Los Angeles Times written by Charles Hillinger. According to Field, Hillinger contacted Stan Lee, the legendary creator of the Fantastic Four, for comment. Lee reportedly told Hillinger, “We’re in the business of saving universes every day. This is the least we could do for little ol’ Stockton.”
Stan Lee’s Visit and the Mural’s Legacy
Lee himself visited Stockton on February 26, 1986, for a ceremony at City Hall, officially proclaiming Stockton as the birthplace of the Fantastic Four. This moment cemented a lasting connection between the city and the iconic superhero team, a connection that continues to resonate with residents and comic book fans alike. The Stockton Record detailed the history of this connection in a March 2023 article, exploring its ongoing impact on the community.
The current mural project builds on this legacy, aiming to visually celebrate Stockton’s unique place in Marvel lore. The artwork depicts key moments and characters from the Fantastic Four’s history, including Mr. Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Human Torch, the Thing, and their nemesis, Doctor Doom. The artists involved are dedicating their time and talent to create a lasting piece of public art that honors both the superhero team and the city that adopted them.
Supporting the Project
Donations to the “Be Part of Stockton’s Comic Book History” GoFundMe campaign will directly fund the purchase of paint, supplies, and provide meals for the artists working on the mural. Any contribution, large or small, will help bring this vibrant tribute to completion. The campaign can be found at gofundme.com/f/be-part-of-stocktons-comic-book-history.
As of today, March 21, the artists are continuing to function on the mural, with completion anticipated in the coming weeks. Updates on the project’s progress can be found on the GoFundMe page and through local news coverage. The completion of the mural will not only beautify the Miracle Mile but also serve as a permanent reminder of Stockton’s unique and enduring connection to the world of Marvel Comics.
If you are interested in supporting local arts initiatives, consider donating to the GoFundMe or reaching out to Al’s Comics to inquire about volunteer opportunities. The success of this project demonstrates the power of community collaboration and the enduring appeal of the Fantastic Four.
