Marvel-Comics - The Fantastic Four: First Steps – Marvel and Future Foundation Celebrate Legendary Team’s Origins in Comic and Cinematic Form

By Mulder, 25 april 2025

It's shaping up to be a truly fantastic summer for fans of Marvel's First Family. The Future Foundation, known for its philanthropic and scientific endeavors, has proudly teamed up with Marvel Comics to deliver a groundbreaking authorized retelling of the Fantastic Four’s earliest adventure in comic book form. Titled Fantastic Four: First Steps #1, this special issue, hitting shelves this July, is penned by beloved writer Matt Fraction, renowned for his definitive run on Marvel’s cosmic family, and brought vividly to life by the unmistakable art of Mark Buckingham. The timing couldn't be more perfect—coinciding exactly with the fourth anniversary of the Fantastic Four's public emergence.

Fraction, sharing his enthusiasm, described the honor of being chosen to revisit this monumental story: "It was a thrill to bring their first legendary adventure to comic books. Mark and I have crafted something unique—it’s familiar yet fresh, and hopefully just the start of something big!” Anecdotal chatter at local comic shops suggests an unprecedented wave of pre-orders, reflecting both the enduring popularity of these iconic characters and the excitement around Fraction and Buckingham's creative partnership.

Simultaneously, Marvel Studios is gearing up for the highly anticipated cinematic debut of Fantastic Four: First Steps, set to launch Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe on July 25, 2025. Directed by Matt Shakman—known for his innovative work on Marvel's WandaVision—the film promises to explore a vibrant, 1960s-inspired retro-futuristic Earth threatened by the cosmic menace Galactus, portrayed with imposing gravitas by Ralph Ineson, and his herald, the Silver Surfer, intriguingly reimagined by Julia Garner. Filming at Pinewood Studios and locations in England and Spain added authentic global flair to the ambitious production.

The film’s stellar ensemble includes Pedro Pascal, who intriguingly likened Reed Richards' intelligence to "the brilliance of an octopus," and Vanessa Kirby, whose portrayal of Sue Storm incorporates layers of complexity influenced by her comic incarnation as Malice. Joseph Quinn’s Human Torch brings nuanced charm, carefully avoiding the playboy stereotype, while Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm—the Thing—benefited from unique CGI and motion-capture technology inspired by conversations with Marvel veteran Mark Ruffalo. Production anecdotes suggest Shakman insisted on authenticity, even using practical, life-sized props and detailed, era-specific sets like Reed’s vibrantly-colored lab and the Yancy Street neighborhood.

Interestingly, the cinematic Fantastic Four have been together as a team for four years in the film's narrative, bypassing the traditional origin story. Shakman creatively weaves family dynamics and cosmic threats, aiming to recapture the optimistic spirit of the 1960s Space Race, referencing Kubrick’s classic, 2001: A Space Odyssey, and the visionary designs of Syd Mead. Industry insiders hint that the subtitle “First Steps” might hold deeper meanings, potentially referencing new family additions—teased subtly in recent promotional footage and the news of Sue Storm’s pregnancy.

Marvel has also cleverly integrated multimedia promotions. Notably, Michael Giacchino’s uplifting, major-key theme has already captivated audiences at live events, and the innovative Valentine's Day casting reveal, featuring 1960s imagery and nostalgic Beatles references by Pascal himself, cleverly hinted at the film’s distinct historical setting. The recently released teaser, viewed over 202 million times in a single day, has sparked widespread conversation, proving once again Marvel's mastery in generating excitement.

With this dual celebration in both comic and cinema form, Marvel and the Future Foundation have set a high bar, blending nostalgia with innovative storytelling to deliver a summer experience that fans of the Fantastic Four—both longtime devotees and newcomers alike—won’t soon forget. It’s safe to say this July is all set to be spectacularly fantastic!

Fantastic 4: first steps #1
Written by Matt Fraction
Art by Mark Buckingham
Cover by Phil NOTO
On Sale 7/2/2025

Synopsis : 
Fantastic Four: First steps plunges us into a retro-futuristic universe inspired by the 1960s and brings back to the screen Reed Richards (aka Mr. Fantastic), Sue Storm (aka the Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (aka the Human Torch), and Ben Grimm (aka the Thing). Faced with the challenge of balancing their roles as superheroes with the strength of their bonds, this family must confront an enormous threat: the cosmic entity Galactus and his enigmatic right-hand man, the Silver Surfer, whose ambition is nothing less than to devour the entire Earth and all its inhabitants. And as if all that weren't enough, things suddenly take a very personal turn...

The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Directed by Matt Shakman
Written by Jeff Kaplan, Ian Springer, Josh Friedman, Cameron Squires, Eric Pearson, Peter Cameron
Based on Fantastic Four by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby
Produced by Kevin Feige
Starring  Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Ralph Ineson, Julia Garner, Paul Walter Hauser, John Malkovich, Natasha Lyonne, Sarah Niles
Cinematography : Jess Hall
Music by Michael Giacchino
Production company : Marvel Studios
Distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures (United States)
Release date : July 23, 2025 (France), July 25, 2025 (United States)

(Source : press release)