The Frightful Four first appeared in "Fantastic Four" #36, consisting of the Wizard, the Sandman, Paste-Pot Pete (the latter two having freed the Wizard), and Medusa (who had amnesia at the time). The villains were originally fairly successful, almost defeating the Fantastic Four during Sue and Reed's engagement party in their first appearance. They captured all the members except the Torch, who was able to free the others. The Frightful Four even stole the Fantastic Four's powers, which later almost killed them in their second appearance.