7 Comics to Read After The Fantastic Four: First Steps

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The Fabulous Debut of Marvel’s First Family – The Fantastic Four: Initial Footprints

The movie, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” artfully introduces the first family of Marvel, seamlessly reintroducing the characters for a new audience while maintaining the essence of their comic book roots. This film deftly combines complex sci-fi elements, colossal threats from the cosmos, and the heartfelt family dynamics that have endeared the team to fans for generations. Moreover, director Matt Shakman skillfully weaves a vast amount of lore into the narrative, presenting not only the main four characters but also crucial allies, adversaries, and concepts that have shaped their tales for more than six decades. From the advent of Galactus (Ralph Ineson) to the formation of the Future Foundation, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” offers a tantalizing peek into a far more extensive universe.

For those viewers who found themselves captivated by the intricate exploration of Marvel lore in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’, here’s some exciting news! These stories have been delved into even more extensively across thousands of comics. This movie thus acts as an ideal introduction to some of the most creative and impactful comic book series ever produced. If you were fascinated by the fresh take on Silver Surfer, the daunting power of Galactus, or the intricate rivalry between Reed Richards and Victor Von Doom, there’s a perfect comic for you! The following list suggests seven must-read comics that further expand upon the groundwork laid in ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps’.

1) Silver Surfer Epic Collection: Freedom

The Initial Journey of the Fantastic Four introduces a pivotal shift in mythology by presenting Shalla-Bal (portrayed by Julia Garner) as the Silver Surfer, a sorrowful emissary of Galactus. In this movie, she is a virtuous spirit compelled to discover planets for her overlord to devour to safeguard her home, Zenn-La. The struggle within her forms one of the film’s most captivating emotional narratives, reaching its peak when she sacrifices herself to propel Galactus through a portal, thereby saving Earth. Purchase on Amazon.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into the character of Shalla-Bal, a great starting point would be the “Silver Surfer Epic Collection: Freedom”. Although this comic series focuses on Norrin Radd, also known as the Silver Surfer, it primarily revolves around his homecoming to Zenn-La and his tumultuous bond with Shalla-Bal, who has risen to empress of their planet. The narrative delves into their past, their heartrending love story, and the difficult decisions they are compelled to make. It beautifully supplements the film by portraying the profound life and love that Shalla-Bal gave up to become a Herald.

2) “The Galactus Trilogy”

In “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” Galactus is portrayed as a formidable force of nature, more like a cosmic deity than a conventional villain, whose appetite is not just a selfish act but a universal law. This film magnificently illustrates the magnitude of his power, depicting him trying to save Franklin Richards’ life in negotiations, only to be outwitted by the Fantastic Four and exiled to a remote corner of the cosmos. The movie further suggests Galactus’ tragic plight, revealing that he has been in existence since before the universe’s creation and is doomed to an eternal craving.

To fully grasp the tale that forever etched Galactus into comics lore, readers should delve into the timeless “Galactus Trilogy” from the legendary Fantastic Four issues #48-50 penned by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. This is where Galactus first stepped foot on Earth, simultaneously introducing him and his original form, Norrin Radd (as the Silver Surfer), to the Marvel Universe. This epic cosmic narrative sets the stage for the gravity of his arrival and instills a sense of awe and fear around him. To this day, it serves as the gold standard for cosmic comic book events and is indispensable reading for anyone aiming to comprehend why Galactus stands among the most legendary villains ever conceived.

3) Fantastic Four by Jonathan Hickman: Volume 1

One intriguing aspect found in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” involves the unveiling of Franklin Richards’ powers. Following Sue Storm’s (Vanessa Kirby) collapse and death due to overusing her abilities against Galactus, the infant Franklin restores her to life with a simple touch. Moreover, this movie suggests that Galactus recognized the baby’s link to the Power Cosmic and aimed to barter Earth’s safety for him, indicating Franklin’s vast, unrealized potential.

Discover the comprehensive investigation into Franklin’s extraordinary powers, as portrayed in Jonathan Hickman’s epic run on the Fantastic Four series. This epic journey unfolds from the first volume of Hickman’s work, titled “Fantastic Four by Jonathan Hickman: Volume 1”. The narrative revolves significantly around the children, Franklin and Valeria, who play pivotal roles in this science-fiction saga. The storyline delves into Franklin’s struggle with his colossal reality-altering abilities and his significant part in a cosmic conflict. This run redefines Franklin from a secondary character to a central figure in the destiny of all existence, making it essential reading for those captivated by the movie’s hints. Grab your copy on Amazon!

4) Fantastic Four Vol. 1: Imaginauts

The film First Steps brilliantly illustrates the team not just as superheroes, but as a band of adventurers and researchers, more like a close-knit family. The movie initiates with a scene depicting their perilous space voyage, aimed at uncovering a fresh territory. This idea is consistently maintained throughout the film, as when confronted by Galactus, they instinctively decide to journey towards his spaceship for talks, emphasizing their role as pioneers mapping the unexplored.

The essence of this fundamental idea is brilliantly encapsulated in Mark Waid and Mike Wieringo’s acclaimed stint on Fantastic Four, which initiates with the trade paperback titled Fantastic Four Vol. 1: Imaginauts. Waid’s writing redefines the team by emphasizing their original identity as a family of science fiction explorers, shifting away from conventional superhero stories to craft tales brimming with wonder, creativity, and an infectious sense of enjoyment. This run is often seen as a heartfelt homage to the spirit of discovery that characterized the team’s early journeys and is renowned as one of the most exceptional portrayals of the Fantastic Four ever penned. You can find it on Amazon.

5) Fantastic Four #1

In the movie, one of the early adversaries faced by the team is the Mole Man (played by Paul Walter Hauser), who governs a subterranean realm hidden beneath the Earth’s crust. Unlike the typical antagonist, the Mole Man is portrayed as a more compassionate character in this film, leading a self-governing nation that eventually agrees to collaborate with Sue (Vanessa Kirby) for global peace initiatives. Although he initially releases a beast on New York City, he swiftly transforms into an ally of the Fantastic Four rather than a true enemy.

To find out how the Mole Man’s tale unfolds, readers ought to grab Fantastic Four #1 penned by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The initial issue of the team presents the Mole Man and lays down the fundamental aspects of his character. Although the comic portrayal is typically villainous, it narrates his rejection by society and subsequent discovery of Subterranea, which forms the basis for his conflict with the surface world. Reading this issue not only offers an insightful look into the character but also allows one to appreciate a significant piece of comic book lore.

6) FF Vol. 1: Fantastic Faux

The Fantastic Four: Initial Moves
The comic book, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, introduces the Future Foundation, a concept that is outlined by Sue Storm during a gathering with an empty chair symbolizing Latveria in attendance. In her speech, she shares her vision for this organization’s future. As the founder, she defines its purpose as promoting global peace and providing guidance to the upcoming generation. By doing so, she broadens the team’s objectives from mere exploration to encompass education and advancement.

A great continuation to this concept is the comic series FF Vol. 1: Fantastic Faux, penned by Matt Fraction and illustrated by Mike Allred. This series delves into the exploits of the Future Foundation, but with an innovative twist. When Reed Richards deems it necessary for the children of the Foundation to embark on an educational journey through time and space, he enlists a temporary Fantastic Four to look after them on Earth. This intriguing premise places the spotlight squarely on the kids and their mentoring struggles, offering a fresh take on Sue’s vision. Allred’s lively pop-art illustrations breathe life into the book, making it an engaging and entertaining read that offers a fresh perspective on the FF’s educational endeavors. Grab your copy on Amazon!

7) Doctor Doom: Books of Doom

In the closing moments of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” we get a spine-tingling introduction to the enigmatic Victor Von Doom, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr. This hidden scene finds him confronting a youthful Franklin Richards, with his mask but not his face visible on camera. Though the movie doesn’t delve into his backstory, an earlier hint at Latverian politics in the Future Foundation scene suggests that his rising power and eventual clash with Reed Richards (Pedro Pascal) are predestined.

To truly delve into Victor Von Doom’s mind, fans should check out “Books of Doom” by Ed Brubaker and Pablo Raimondi. This six-part comic series reimagines Doctor Doom’s origin story from his perspective, portraying him as the heroic lead in a heart-wrenching saga. Despite being relentlessly challenged by Reed Richards’ recklessness and jealousy, Doom emerges as a complex character whose motivations become more understandable – even justifiable, from his viewpoint. This series is an indispensable read for anyone aiming to grasp the depth of this legendary comic rivalry. Grab your copy on Amazon now!

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is currently available in theaters.

If you’re a fan of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”, I’d love to hear about some other comic books you might enjoy. Please feel free to share your recommendations in the comments below!

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2025-07-29 16:14