10 Comics to Read Now That Franklin Richards is In the MCU

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Franklin Richards made his debut in Fantastic Four, introducing one of the most potent characters within the Marvel universe. Despite being just a toddler at the film’s end, age doesn’t limit Franklin’s abilities. In the Marvel Comics, this young character has shown extraordinary feats, such as creating entire dimensions, worlds, and new races using only his mental powers – a feat that very few, if any, other Marvel heroes or villains can accomplish. Throughout the comics, Franklin has been part of the Fantastic Four, initially labeled a mutant before this was later rewritten, and he’s experienced multiple gains and losses of his powers. For a comic book character of his age, Franklin has experienced significant transformations as a teenager.

Here are some top tales featuring Franklin Richards, from his origin in the comics to displaying his abilities and traversing the Marvel Universe through time. (This version maintains the original’s flow while using more common language.)

10)Fantastic Four Annual #6

In the Marvel Universe, Franklin Richards first made his debut upon his birth. This momentous occasion unfolded in Fantastic Four Annual #6. At that time, the Fantastic Four were immersed within the Negative Zone due to Susan Storm’s challenging pregnancy caused by cosmic rays coursing through her body. Reed Richards, aware of a substance called Element X existing in the Negative Zone capable of saving his pregnant wife, guided them there. They encountered Annihilus during their stay, and realizing that Element X was embedded within his Cosmic Control Rod, Reed resolved to seize it. However, given that Annihilus depends on this rod for survival and fears death irrationally, a battle ensued. Eventually, Reed succeeded in obtaining the rod and extracted some of the precious substance to save Susan. This act allowed her to safely deliver Franklin Richards, who was born with extraordinary powers. This selfless act also ensured that Annihilus would be a perpetual adversary for the Fantastic Four, and Franklin’s life was forever linked with supernatural abilities.

9) Fantastic Four #140-141

In issue #140-141 of the Fantastic Four comic series, a significant storyline involving Franklin Richards unfolded when he was a child. At this point, Susan was absent from the team, and Medusa had temporarily replaced her. The narrative kicks off with Sue informing Reed that there’s something amiss with Franklin. Before they could connect, Agatha Harkness intervenes, safeguarding both Susan and Franklin. Unfortunately, they were all captured by Annihilus. By story’s end, Reed manages to save his son from the monstrous creature. However, when he witnessed Franklin’s eyes glowing, revealing the child’s immense powers, Reed resorted to using a device he created to put Franklin into a coma, fearing his powers might become uncontrollable. This act was one of Reed’s most regrettable decisions, and an enraged Sue took Franklin away, ultimately deciding to leave the Fantastic Four. The Thing then declared that the team had officially reached its end.

8) Fantastic Four #376

In issue #376 of Fantastic Four, everything shifted dramatically for Franklin Richards, although this change was temporary. Reed’s father, Nathaniel Richards, appeared and disclosed that he had ventured into the future, where he witnessed events connected to Franklin. Initially, his family trusted him, but they eventually understood that Nathaniel intended to take Franklin away from them. The ensuing battle between the Fantastic Four and Nathaniel ended in defeat for the team. Nathaniel fled through a portal with Franklin, leaving the Fantastic Four scrambling to pursue. However, before they could devise a plan, the portal reopened, and a teenage Franklin appeared, having been raised in the future and now possessing powers of his own. This Franklin turned out to be an alternate version from another Earth, which was eventually reversed, but it marked the beginning of a new adventure for the hero.

7) Fantastic Force

Before Earth-616’s young Franklin made his way back to our world, the adolescent Franklin embarked on a series of thrilling journeys. For the second-generation Marvel Comics hero, nothing was more monumental than his comic book series, Fantastic Force (1994). This series showcased the immense power that Nathaniel had instilled in Franklin. Adopting the alias Psi-Lord, he assembled this new team following the dissolution of the Fantastic Four, and they took over protecting the planet from perils. Besides Franklin, the team consisted of a young Wakandan warrior named N’Kano, an Inhuman called Devlor, and Huntara, a future denizen from one of Franklin’s otherworldly realms. Financed by Black Panther, they faced numerous challenges, including those posed by A.I.M., Klaw, and Morgan Le Fay.

6) Daydreamers

1996 saw the release of a three-part miniseries titled “Daydreamers,” where young Franklin Richards found himself all alone on Earth following the demise of the Fantastic Four and Avengers in their conflict against Onslaught. In contrast to the FF’s reincarnation in the Heroes Reborn universe, Franklin wound up at Professor Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, learning to manage his mutant abilities. There, he befriended Artie Maddicks, Leech, and other students, forming a team known as the Daydreamers, which also included Tana Nile, Howard the Duck, and Man-Thing. The series centers around their escapades in an enigmatic world, eventually revealed to be one that Franklin himself had created. This comic series delved into the theme of trauma and Franklin’s grief over his lost world, offering a powerful and moving portrayal at its time.

5) Heroes Reborn: The Return

In the account given earlier, it’s revealed that Franklin suffered a tragic loss after the event known as Onslaught, but what wasn’t common knowledge was that the revamped Heroes Reborn universe was actually one crafted by Franklin Richards. This was just one of many alternate realities he had constructed using his mental abilities, a hobby he had developed since childhood. The four-issue miniseries titled Heroes Reborn: The Return depicts Franklin grappling with his grief while simultaneously evading Onslaught. However, he discovers that both the original Earth and the Earth he fabricated (which he unknowingly carries in a blue orb) are at risk of being wiped out if he doesn’t make a choice to save one. The antagonists in this scenario are the Celestials, who have demonstrated sufficient power to eliminate gods, monsters, and other superheroes. It is only Franklin who possesses the power to rescue his reality.

4) Fantastic Four Vol. 3 #46–49

In this four-issue tale, the villain introduced was Abraxas, a cosmic entity originating from the heart of Eternity with ambitions to annihilate the Multiverse and bring about its ultimate demise. The Fantastic Four confronted him, but their efforts were insufficient on their own. During this period, they had Valeria, their daughter from an alternate Earth, who had grown up with Franklin Richards there. As the series reached its dramatic climax, Valeria, Franklin, and a teenage Franklin found themselves united. They performed something extraordinary – summoning Galactus, Franklin’s herald from another Earth, for aid. This was a powerful conclusion, as it showcased the potential of teenage Franklin, hinting at the greatness that future Franklin will undoubtedly achieve.

3) Onslaught Reborn

During his heroic act, Franklin Richards managed to rescue his family, the Avengers, and even the Hulk from the Celestials. However, Onslaught wasn’t done with the young boy yet. In an event known as M-Day, Scarlet Witch stripped the powers of all mutants worldwide, leaving only 198 untouched. Conversely, Onslaught reappeared and sought out Franklin Richards above all others. To evade him, Franklin returned to Counter-Earth, where he encountered Bucky (Rikki Barnes) from that particular Earth. Predictably, Onslaught pursued. The series presented an intriguing narrative as Franklin had to win over the heroes of Counter-Earth (who he himself had created), explaining his identity and earning their help in battling and ultimately defeating Onslaught once more.

2) Dark Reign: Fantastic Four

In 2009, the five-issue series titled “Dark Reign: Fantastic Four” unfolded, where Norman Osborn and his Dark Avengers targeted the Fantastic Four. At that moment, Norman held control over SHIELD and enjoyed the support of the U.S. government because he was credited with saving the world during the “Secret Invasion” crossover storyline. Iron Man found himself a fugitive, while most heroes were in hiding from Norman and his powerful team. The Fantastic Four refused to back down, even when Osborn invaded their Baxter Building headquarters. A notable event occurred when Franklin Richards, using a toy gun, shot at Norman, who was hit by a real bullet. This incident underscored the return of Franklin’s powers.

1) Fantastic Four Vol. 6 #2-3

As Dan Slott began penning the Fantastic Four comics, he sent them soaring through the cosmos again, where they resumed their roles as explorers. The realms they ventured into were captivating due to being a pocket dimension that Franklin had crafted mentally throughout his life. Inside this space, there were planets and civilizations born from scratch by Franklin, along with alien species that didn’t exist until he willed them to be. These particular stories stood out because they unveiled the most formidable villain of Franklin Richards since Onslaught – the Griever at the End of All Things, a being embodying death, decay, and the end of existence. She was enraged by Franklin’s creation of new worlds and sought to annihilate them all while ending Franklin’s life. With Reed needing assistance from the extended family of the Fantastic Four just to survive, it led to multiple encounters with the Griever in the following years.

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2025-08-04 18:16