From Cosmic Rays to the Silver Screen: Rewinding Fantastic Four #1-5 Before "First Steps"
Hey Timely Nerds! With Fantastic Four: First Steps hitting theaters on July 25, 2025, the hype for Marvel's First Family is building. While we're all eager to see how Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben get their powers and navigate their new lives on the big screen, what better way to prepare than to Rewind to where it all began? We're talking about the very bedrock of the Marvel Universe: Fantastic Four Issues #1-5.
These early comics, penned by the legendary Stan Lee and drawn by the iconic Jack Kirby, weren't just superhero stories; they were a revolutionary take on what a superhero team could be. They were a family – dysfunctional, argumentative, but fiercely loyal – grappling with powers, public perception, and universal threats. Let's Geek Out on these foundational issues and see how they might inspire First Steps.
Fantastic Four #1 (November 1961): The Fantastic Debut
The very first issue sets the stage immediately. We meet Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), the brilliant scientist; Sue Storm (Invisible Girl), his fiancée; Johnny Storm (Human Torch), Sue's hot-headed younger brother; and Ben Grimm (The Thing), Reed's best friend and pilot. Their origin is quick and dramatic: a risky space flight, cosmic rays, a crash landing, and boom – powers! But unlike other heroes, they're not immediately hailed. They're freaks, trying to understand their abilities.
Their first villain, the Mole Man, emerges from underground, threatening the surface world. This issue quickly establishes their dynamic: Reed as the brain, Sue as the heart (and shield), Johnny as the impulsive power, and Ben as the tragic brute.
Relates to First Steps: This issue is the "first step." The movie will undoubtedly cover this origin, focusing on the immediate aftermath of gaining powers and their initial struggles as a unit. Will Mole Man be their first cinematic foe?
Fantastic Four #2 (January 1962): The Invasion of the Skrulls!
Just one issue later, Stan and Jack threw the FF into cosmic territory with the introduction of the Skrulls! These shape-shifting aliens attempt to impersonate the FF and take over Earth. The comic showcases the team's ingenuity more than brute force, with Reed using his intellect to trick the invaders.
Relates to First Steps: The Skrulls have a long history in the MCU. Could First Steps introduce a cosmic element early, perhaps with the FF's power source attracting alien attention? A subtle tease of their shape-shifting abilities could lay groundwork for future films.
Fantastic Four #3 (March 1962): The Menace of the Miracle Man!
This issue brings the FF back down to Earth, dealing with a theatrical villain called the Miracle Man, who uses illusions to cause chaos. It's a more grounded threat that highlights the team's burgeoning fame and the challenges of being public figures. Ben's struggle with his monstrous appearance also continues to be a central theme.
Relates to First Steps: The movie might explore the early public reaction to the FF, and a villain like Miracle Man could serve as a unique, non-physical challenge that forces the team to use their wits. It also allows for early exploration of Ben's struggle.
Fantastic Four #4 (May 1962): Sub-Mariner!
This is a major issue for the wider Marvel Universe, marking the glorious return of Namor the Sub-Mariner! The Human Torch discovers the amnesiac Atlantean, and chaos ensues as Namor, still bitter about his lost kingdom, sets his sights on humanity. This issue showcases Namor as an anti-hero – powerful, arrogant, and conflicted.
Relates to First Steps: While unlikely to be a main villain, First Steps could subtly introduce or tease other powerful beings in the Marvel Universe. A glimpse of Atlantean ruins or a mention of the ocean's depths could hint at Namor's eventual arrival, setting up future Level Up opportunities for the MCU.
Fantastic Four #5 (July 1962): Prisoner of Doctor Doom!
And then there was Doom. This issue delivers the definitive villain of the Fantastic Four: Doctor Doom. Reed Richards' former college rival, now a monarch of Latveria, emerges as a formidable foe, blending advanced science, powerful magic, and an unshakeable ego. He kidnaps Sue Storm, drawing the team into his elaborate traps and setting up the eternal rivalry with Reed.
Relates to First Steps: This is the big one. Will Doctor Doom be the primary antagonist of First Steps, or will he be hinted at as a looming threat, perhaps in a post-credits scene, just as he debuted shortly after the FF in the comics? His introduction is critical to the FF's legacy, establishing their greatest challenge.
Our "First Steps" into the Movie's Future
These initial five issues lay out the blueprint for the Fantastic Four: family dynamics, a mix of grounded and cosmic threats, emotional struggles (especially for Ben), and the introduction of iconic allies and villains. Fantastic Four: First Steps has a rich tapestry to draw from. We can expect the film to capture the essence of their origin, the "found family" aspect, and perhaps even hint at the vast Marvel Universe they're stepping into.
Whether the movie pulls specific villains from these issues or simply captures the spirit of discovery and challenge, one thing is clear: the foundational comics are essential reading to truly Geek Out on the upcoming cinematic journey.
So, Timely Nerds, which of these early Fantastic Four adventures is your favorite? What are you most excited to see adapted in Fantastic Four: First Steps? Share your thoughts below, and let's get ready to Level Up our FF knowledge!
