In the introduction to Stan Lee’s Origins of Marvel Comics, the legendary Marvel writer and editor draws a fascinating parallel between the inception of the Marvel universe and the biblical Book of Genesis. He famously notes, “In the beginning Marvel created the Bullpen and the Style. And the Bullpen was without form, and was void; and darkness was upon the face of the Artists. And the Spirit of Marvel moved upon the face of the Writers. And Marvel said, Let there be The Fantastic Four. And there was The Fantastic Four.” This biblical allusion may reflect Lee’s penchant for mythmaking more than the actual origins of Marvel, yet it effectively underscores the pivotal role that the Fantastic Four play in Marvel’s storied history.
Created by Lee alongside the iconic artist Jack Kirby, the Fantastic Four made their groundbreaking debut in 1961. This marked the dawn of a new era for the rebranded Marvel Comics, transitioning from its former identity as Atlas Comics. The superhero team arrived during a pivotal moment in the comic book landscape, as interest in superhero teams surged following the release of DC’s Justice League the previous year. To craft their own team that would lead Marvel into this new age, Lee and Kirby ingeniously repurposed a classic character from Marvel’s predecessor, Timely Comics: the flammable android known as the Human Torch.
They retained the Human Torch’s name and powers, transforming Jim Hammond into the youthful, fiery hero Johnny Storm. Alongside Johnny, they introduced his sister Sue Storm, who possesses the ability to turn invisible and generate force fields; Reed Richards, a genius with the power to stretch his body; and Benjamin Grimm, the rock-skinned powerhouse better known as The Thing. With this lineup, Marvel’s First Family was born, and its family dynamic has been essential to the group’s enduring popularity.
As Jonathan Hickman, a former writer on the Fantastic Four, aptly puts it, “The thing that sets that title apart from anything else is that it's a family book and not a team book.” This unique distinction allows the Fantastic Four to resonate deeply with readers, evoking personal memories and aspirations about family. Writers like Hickman have continued to build upon this foundation, ensuring that the group remains relevant even as the comic book landscape evolves.
Despite the comic success of the Fantastic Four, their transition to live-action has been fraught with challenges. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) emerged as the most profitable film franchise in Hollywood, the Fantastic Four remained largely absent from this cinematic landscape. Their lack of presence likely stems from the quality of previous adaptations rather than a deficiency in mainstream appeal. The early 1990s saw Roger Corman’s The Fantastic Four—a low-budget film that never saw a theatrical release. In the 2000s, 20th Century Fox produced two films that, while financially modest, failed to impress critics. The 2015 reboot underperformed drastically, with Josh Trank’s Fantastic Four struggling to resonate with audiences and critics alike.
In 2019, Disney's acquisition of Fox for over $71 billion paved the way for Marvel to reclaim the film rights to the Fantastic Four. Six years later, Marvel’s First Family is set to return to theaters, joining the MCU and marking the beginning of Phase 6 of the Multiverse Saga. Directed by Matt Shakman, known for his work on WandaVision, The Fantastic Four: First Steps will be Marvel's first attempt to reboot a former Fox franchise with a new cast and creative team.
Ahead of the film's release, conversations with Hickman and current writer Ryan North shed light on their efforts to rejuvenate the title in print. Hickman’s tenure on Fantastic Four, which began in 2009, is often heralded as a revival for the series, demonstrating the potential for a successful relaunch. “Marvel had tried about everything to make it a massive title again, and whatever they had tried had kind of not worked out,” Hickman recalls. His run is celebrated for its epic storytelling and character development, which has captivated audiences for over a decade.
Hickman’s approach involved exploring the rich history of the Fantastic Four while simultaneously looking toward the future. He successfully captured the essence of each character, including Reed and Sue's children, Franklin and Valeria, who became integral members of the Future Foundation. Hickman’s storytelling emphasized the family unit, ensuring each member had space to grow and develop their narrative arcs.
Taking the reins from Dan Slott in 2022, North faced a different set of challenges. With the Fantastic Four series previously on hiatus, he aimed to reinvigorate the title with fresh adventures that hark back to classic sci-fi. “What they haven’t done for a while is single-issue adventures,” North says, emphasizing the importance of exploring the characters’ individual stories. His narrative strategy involves splitting the team, allowing for deeper character exploration while maintaining the high stakes typical of the series.
North’s focus on science fiction and current scientific advancements enriches the storytelling. By incorporating theoretical concepts, such as “mirror bacteria,” North weaves real-world science into the Fantastic Four's adventures, sparking curiosity and wonder. He creatively explores the team’s powers, asking, “What if?” to keep the narrative fresh and engaging for a new generation of readers.
As North continues to lead the series, he has recently embarked on a run that transports the Fantastic Four to different eras in Earth’s history. This timely reset coincides with the upcoming release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps, signaling a new chapter for Marvel Studios. The synergy between Marvel’s publishing and filmmaking efforts, as highlighted by Shakman, illustrates the ongoing evolution of these beloved characters.
The Fantastic Four remain a cornerstone of the Marvel universe, embodying the spirit of family and adventure that has captivated audiences for over six decades. As Hickman and North continue to innovate and inspire, the legacy of these characters will undoubtedly shape their future on the big screen. With their return to the MCU, fans are eager to see how the First Family will be reimagined for a modern audience, ensuring their place in both comic and cinematic history.
