Fantastic Four: First Steps Features the MCU’s Strongest Character (& It Isn’t Galactus or Franklin Richards)

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In the midst of the Multiverse Saga, the Marvel Cinematic Universe is adopting a fresh strategy for its upcoming movie, titled “The Fantastic Four: First Steps“. Unlike previous films in the series, this one unfolds in an alternate universe, where Marvel’s First Family dwell on Earth-828 – a nod to the birthdate of comic book artist Jack Kirby. While it’s unusual for the film not to feature connections with other MCU heroes or recent events like the Void’s attack on New York City in “Thunderbolts“, the world of the Fantastic Four remains brimming with possibilities, hinting at characters such as Doctor Doom and other timeless Marvel figures.

In the comic First Steps, although Mole Man and Red Ghost only play minor parts, the main action revolves around Galactus, who dispatches his emissary, the Silver Surfer, to alert Earth of his upcoming visit. His intention is to consume the planet to quench his hunger. However, the Fantastic Four aren’t going to sit idly by as their home gets devoured. They engage in an intense battle, but it’s comforting to know they have the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s most powerful character supporting them during this struggle.

Invisible Woman Pushes Herself to Her Limit to Beat Galactus

It turns out that Galactus arrives at an inconvenient moment as Reed Richards and Susan Storm are on the verge of parenthood. Despite this, they, along with their closest friends Ben Grimm and Johnny Storm, decide to venture into space to face off against the Devourer of Worlds. In a surprising turn, Galactus presents them with an appealing proposition: surrender their unborn child, and he’ll spare Earth. Uninterested in this offer, the Fantastic Four quickly evacuate. However, mid-flight, Sue experiences labor pains and is forced to give birth, even with the looming danger outside the spaceship window. While things go relatively smoothly, Sue understands that Galactus covets her child and will do whatever it takes to obtain him.

Instead of losing their fifth family member too swiftly, the Amazing Four devise a solution: Reed believes he can apply his teleportation abilities to shift the Earth out of Galactus’ grasp. Unfortunately, this plan falls apart when the Silver Surfer shows up and demolishes all the bridges. With no other options left, the Fantastic Four gear up for a fight against Galactus, using Franklin Richards as a decoy. However, Galactus soon catches on to their scheme and advances toward the baby. In that critical moment, Sue steps forward to engage Galactus in single combat.

Utilizing her powers over light frequencies and shield generation, Invisible Woman halts Galactus in his advancement. Unable to act, the antagonist remains stationary, allowing Reed to seize Franklin. With a powerful heave, Sue hurls Galactus into the gateway transporting him across the galaxy. Momentarily escaping, the Silver Surfer intervenes to settle scores with his former master for uprooting him from home. However, this triumph carries a heavy price, as Invisible Woman succumbs to the strain of overusing her powers, ultimately leading to her demise.

Great Power Comes With Great Cost in First Steps

For an extended period, Sue has been maintaining a barrier against Galactus, a task that proves too much for her. Her teammates grieve as she lies unconscious in the street. Yet, hope arises when her son Franklin, who possesses the Power Cosmic, resurrects her, offering her another opportunity at life. Overwhelmed with joy, the family resumes their normal routines until Doctor Doom emerges in the mid-credits scene of First Steps. Now, it seems that the Fantastic Four will have to engage in another battle, and for them to prevail, Sue must regain her full strength.

Four years after clashing with Galactus, Sue Storm’s mastery over her powers has undoubtedly grown. Additionally, there remains a question about the impact Franklin had on her abilities, possibly enhancing them in some way. Regardless of the specifics, when facing Doctor Doom, Invisible Woman will likely need to rely heavily on her skills and show why she shouldn’t be dismissed as an easy target in Avengers: Doomsday.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in theaters now.

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2025-07-26 04:12