As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but marvel at the extraordinary intellect of Reed Richards, one of the brightest minds in the Marvel universe. His genius is such that he’s frequently the first hero summoned when a catastrophic crisis looms, and rightfully so. Time and again, Reed has rescued the Marvel multiverse with his ingenious inventions, like the ultimate nullifier – a formidable weapon capable of neutralizing cosmic-scale threats such as Galactus. However, it’s essential to remember that despite his legendary status, Reed Richards is not infallible. Even a mind as prodigious as his has its limits, and there have been instances throughout the years when he’s struggled – sometimes at a devastating cost – to protect the Marvel multiverse.
As “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” sets foot in cinemas this coming summer, let’s take a trip down memory lane and recall seven instances where the genius of Reed Richards didn’t suffice to rectify significant Marvel predicaments.
He Was Unable to Restart Wolverine’s Healing Factor
In simpler terms, when an unusual virus from another universe disrupts Wolverine’s remarkable healing ability, it’s understandable that he would seek assistance from Reed Richards later on. Initially, he asks Tony Stark and The Beast for help, but they can’t provide a solution. Disheartened, Logan approaches Richards, but is turned away once more. In a pessimistic manner, Richards informs Wolverine about the potential dangers his adamantium bones now pose without his healing factor, yet provides no practical suggestions to remedy the situation.
In simpler terms, Reed’s proposal essentially involves Wolverine laying low and avoiding confrontations until he potentially discovers a remedy. Given his intelligence, one might expect Reed to understand that suggesting Wolverine refrain from combat is rather impractical for someone like him.
He Failed to Stop the Hulk Twice
As a seasoned Marvel cinematic critic, I found myself drawn into the clandestine world of the Illuminati, an elite collective of heroes, including Reed Richards. In one hushed gathering, these titans of the universe made a fateful decision concerning the unpredictable Hulk, deeming him too perilous for Earth. Their strategy was to exile him to a tranquil planet far beyond our skies, ensuring both safety and serenity. However, their scheme went awry when the Hulk navigated through a wormhole, landing instead on Sakaar – a war-torn realm where he rose from commoner to revolutionary leader. The twist of fate took an even darker turn as a traitor sabotaged the ship, claiming the lives of the Hulk’s beloved wife and unborn child. This act of betrayal ignited a fierce vengeance within the Hulk, setting him on a path towards retribution against the Illuminati.
After coming back to Earth, the Hulk poses an even greater danger than when the Illuminati chose to exile him. Overwhelmed by guilt, Reed tries to subdue the rampaging Hulk using his elastic abilities, but unfortunately, their struggle ends disastrously as Reed’s body reaches its maximum extension and lacks the strength to revert back to its original form.
He Picked the Wrong Side During Marvel’s Civil War Event
In the aftermath of the “Superhero Registration Act” dividing the Marvel universe into two groups, an unexpected twist unfolds as Mr. Fantastic aligns with Tony Stark and those advocating for this act. However, this decision marks a misstep on his part, as Stark’s proposed system aims to reveal the identities of all superheroes, placing them under government control and essentially integrating them into the U.S. military structure.
Reed Richards makes another mistake in constructing Prison 42, an establishment in the Negative Zone used by Iron Man and his followers to imprison unregistered superheroes without fair trials. As he delves deeper into trouble, Reed contributes to the creation of a Thor clone that eventually kills superhero Goliath, widening the rift between him and his loved ones even more. Eventually, Richards acknowledges his mistakes and reconnects with the Fantastic Four, but not until after altering the world’s view of him from a benevolent scientist to a cold-hearted technocrat who values logic over compassion.
He Couldn’t Stop Onslaught
In the 90s, comics were particularly wild, and Marvel was not left out. For instance, consider Onslaught – a physical entity born from the amalgamation of Charles Xavier and Magneto’s subconscious minds, adorned in an armor reminiscent of Super Shredder’s version worn by Magneto. Onslaught represented the extreme, edgy characters that the decade became known for. Given he was essentially created as an indomitable adversary – much like Doomsday from DC – it’s not surprising that Reed Richards couldn’t handle him alone.
It’s somewhat awkward that under dire circumstances, he needed saving – this time by his son Franklin. Remarkably, Franklin managed to rescue him and the entire Fantastic Four, along with the Avengers, by conjuring a pocket dimension out of nowhere and tossing them all inside. Perhaps Earth-616 residents have been asking the wrong Mr. Richards for assistance.
He Couldn’t Help Beast Bring Back the Mutants
In the peak of the House of M storyline in Marvel Comics, Scarlet Witch says “No more mutants,” causing nearly all mutants to vanish, leaving just 198 behind. Additionally, the X-gene, the genetic code for mutant abilities, is erased from the Marvel universe. Immediately, Dr. Hank McCoy, also known as Beast, starts searching for a solution to bring back the mutant population, but encounters obstacles at every step.
In the end, Beast’s quest to restore the X-gene leads him to the Baxter Building and Reed Richards’ lab. However, despite Reed’s best efforts and diligent work, he proves unsuccessful in aiding McCoy.
He Couldn’t Save Aunt May’s Life
In a harrowing turn of events, when Aunt May, Peter Parker’s relative, gets hit by a bullet intended for Spider-Man, our hero tirelessly exerts all his might to rescue her. Desperate and determined, Parker seeks assistance from Dr. Strange, Iron Man, Doctor Doom, and eventually Reed Richards, hoping to find a solution to save May. Tragically, none of these powerful figures are able to offer aid, forcing Spider-Man into a dire predicament. In the end, he is compelled to forge an agreement with Mephisto, which ultimately results in the loss of his marriage.
Regarding Reed, it’s important to clarify that we’re not implying he’s a liar or anything of the sort. However, given his ability to traverse time, explore different dimensions, and create fabrics from unstable molecules, one might expect that mending a simple gunshot wound for an elderly lady would be relatively straightforward for him.
He Can’t Cure His Best Friend
Among all of Reed’s setbacks, the one that weighs heaviest on him is his inability to permanently cure The Thing’s condition. Since the space voyage that transformed the Fantastic Four into their present forms, Ben Grimm has persistently implored Reed to discover a method to restore him to his normal self. Over time, Reed has made numerous attempts to transform Ben’s stony, orange exterior back into regular skin, with mixed outcomes.
Occasionally, Reed manages to provide a temporary solution for his companion’s predicament, but inevitably, events transpire that cause him to revert back into The Thing. Despite his persistent efforts, Reed has yet to discover a lasting cure for his dear friend’s affliction, an affliction he carries a sense of guilt about as he feels it is partially his responsibility.
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2025-04-24 23:15