Unveiling The Fantastic Four: First Steps #1 – A Cosmic Comic Prequel to Marvel’s Epic MCU Reboot

Dive into the cosmic origins of Marvel’s First Family with The Fantastic Four: First Steps #1, a thrilling comic book prequel that sets the stage for Marvel Studios’ highly anticipated film, The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Released on July 2, 2025, this one-shot comic, crafted by Matt Fraction and Mark Buckingham, explores the Fantastic Four’s first adventure, offering fans a fresh take on their iconic origin story.

As the MCU prepares to launch The Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25, 2025, this comic serves as an in-world artifact, blending 1960s retro-futuristic vibes with superhero spectacle. Here’s everything you need to know about this must-read comic and its ties to the upcoming blockbuster.

What Is The Fantastic Four: First Steps #1?

The Fantastic Four: First Steps #1 is a standalone comic book published by Marvel Comics, designed as an in-world tie-in to the MCU film The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Unlike traditional movie adaptations, this comic is crafted as if it exists within the film’s 1960s-inspired alternate universe, recounting the Fantastic Four’s debut adventure four years after they gained their powers.

Written by acclaimed writer Matt Fraction (Hawkeye, Fantastic Four) and illustrated by Mark Buckingham (Fables), with cover art by Phil Noto, the comic is published under the Future Foundation banner, emphasizing its connection to the Fantastic Four’s legacy.

Highlights of The Fantastic Four: First Steps #1  

• Origin Story Revealed: The comic details how Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm gained their powers during a government-sanctioned space mission, bombarded by cosmic rays due to Reed’s miscalculation.

• 1960s Setting: Set in an alternate 1960s universe, the story includes a White House visit with John F. Kennedy, grounding the timeline in historical context.

• First Adventure: The Fantastic Four’s public debut as heroes occurs when Sue discovers a crisis in Manhattan, compelling the team to act while in quarantine.

• Creative Team: Matt Fraction’s storytelling and Mark Buckingham’s vibrant art bring a fresh yet faithful take on Stan Lee and Jack Kirby’s 1961 Fantastic Four #1.

• Film Connection: The comic aligns with the film’s retro-futuristic aesthetic and non-origin focus, serving as a narrative bridge for fans.

The Comic’s Connection to The Fantastic Four: First Steps Film

The Fantastic Four: First Steps #1 is a groundbreaking collaboration between Marvel Comics and Marvel Studios, marking the first time the two have created an in-world comic for an MCU film.

The comic’s narrative complements the film, directed by Matt Shakman, which skips the team’s origin story and begins four years after their transformation. Set in a 1960s-inspired alternate universe, the film features Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm/Invisible Woman, Joseph Quinn as Johnny Storm/Human Torch, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Ben Grimm/The Thing.

The comic’s depiction of the team’s early heroism mirrors the film’s focus on their established fame and family dynamics as they face Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).

Why This Comic Matters

The release of The Fantastic Four: First Steps #1 is significant for several reasons. First, it reintroduces Marvel’s First Family, who debuted in 1961’s Fantastic Four #1, kicking off the Marvel Comics era.

The comic honors this legacy while updating the story for modern audiences. Second, its in-world approach offers a unique storytelling experiment, immersing fans in the film’s universe before its theatrical debut.

Finally, the comic fills in gaps for fans curious about the team’s origins, which the film bypasses, making it a must-have for collectors and MCU enthusiasts.

The Origin Story: A Cosmic Transformation

In The Fantastic Four: First Steps #1, the Fantastic Four’s powers stem from a publicized space mission gone awry. Reed Richards, leading the experimental flight, misjudges the intensity of a cosmic ray storm, bombarding the crew with celestial radiation.

After crash-landing, Reed becomes the elastic Mister Fantastic, Sue gains invisibility and force-field powers as Invisible Woman, Johnny transforms into the fiery Human Torch, and Ben becomes the rocky Thing.

This origin, detailed in the comic, aligns with the classic 1961 story but adds a 1960s governmental context, including a White House meeting with JFK, enhancing the film’s retro-futuristic vibe.

Creative Brilliance Behind the Comic

Matt Fraction’s script captures the Fantastic Four’s blend of human drama and cosmic adventure, a hallmark of their comic legacy. Mark Buckingham’s art, colored by Alex Sinclair and lettered by Joe Caramagna, evokes the vibrant, larger-than-life style of the 1960s Marvel era.

The creative team worked closely with the film’s production designer, Kasra Farahani, ensuring the comic’s tone and visuals align with The Fantastic Four: First Steps. Fraction and Buckingham even visited the film’s set, underscoring the synergy between the comic and movie.

How It Sets Up the MCU’s Phase Six

The Fantastic Four: First Steps film marks the start of the MCU’s Phase Six, and the comic lays the groundwork for this new era.

By establishing the Fantastic Four as established heroes in an alternate universe, the comic hints at their role in upcoming MCU events, including Avengers: Doomsday (2026), where the team is confirmed to appear. Rumors suggest a post-credits scene in the film may introduce Doctor Doom, played by Robert Downey Jr.

The comic’s focus on the team’s early heroism foreshadows their significance in the MCU’s multiversal narrative.

Fan Reception and Cultural Impact

Posts on X reflect excitement for The Fantastic Four: First Steps #1, with fans praising its faithful yet innovative take on the origin story.

The comic’s release, just weeks before the film, has sparked discussions about the Fantastic Four’s return to the MCU after 20th Century Fox’s mixed adaptations. Its tie-in nature and collectible appeal have made it a hot topic among comic readers and MCU fans, boosting anticipation for The Fantastic Four: First Steps.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The Fantastic Four: First Steps #1 is more than a comic—it’s a cosmic bridge connecting Marvel’s storied past with its cinematic future.

By delivering a vibrant retelling of the Fantastic Four’s origin, this one-shot sets the stage for The Fantastic Four: First Steps, promising a bold new chapter for Marvel’s First Family.

Whether you’re a longtime comic fan or an MCU newcomer, this comic is a must-read to prepare for the film’s July 25, 2025, release.

Grab your copy, dive into the retro-futuristic world, and get ready for a fantastic adventure that’s out of this world.