Every Comic Book Villain in Fantastic Four: First Steps

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Introduction to the Fantastic Four in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe: Confronting Formidable Obstacles

Finally, The Amazing Four: Initial Strides have found their place within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They face significant hurdles. Despite Galactus and his emissary, the Silver Surfer, being prominently featured in the movie’s promotional materials, comic book enthusiasts of Marvel might be taken aback by certain adversaries that appear or are suggested throughout the film. To help you navigate these characters who make a cameo, we’ll provide insights about their role in the movie and their history in the comics, particularly how they clashed with Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben. Please note that this article contains extensive spoilers.

1) Galactus & The Silver Surfer

In our discussion, let’s tackle the main antagonists of the movie first. The World Devourer, played by Ralph Ineson, is faithfully depicted in line with comic book versions on the silver screen, while his emissary undergoes a significant transformation for First Steps. Instead of being introduced as Norrin Radd, the standard male version of the character, the Silver Surfer is presented as Shalla-Bal, Radd’s romantic interest. Although Bal has been the Silver Surfer in the comics, this portrayal deviates significantly from the conventional interpretation of the cosmic hero. With Galactus seeking to replace himself with Franklin Richards as a world devourer, the celestial duo are on a collision course with Marvel’s First Family.

2) Dr. Doom

In The Fantastic Four: The First Steps, Victor Von Doom isn’t explicitly mentioned, but his nation, Latveria, shows up occasionally. During scenes where the United Nations is depicted, Latveria has a seat at the table with Doom conspicuously absent from any speeches, primarily delivered by Sue Storm. However, Doom does show up in the post-credits scene, entering the Four’s residence from behind and apparently stealing Franklin Richards. Later, he removes his mask to reveal himself to Franklin, setting the stage for future events like Avengers: Doomsday. Interestingly enough, a Doombot is displayed during the final, animated post-credits sequence, suggesting that the Fantastic Four may have encountered Doom in previous battles.

2) Mole Man

In the comics, The Mole Man was the first antagonist encountered by the Fantastic Four, and his character is prominently portrayed in the Marvel Cinematic Universe due to actor Paul Walter Hauser. The movie opens with the subterranean sovereign and his giant creature, Giganto, making an appearance for just a few minutes before being defeated by the Fantastic Four. Later, Mole Man assists New York City in providing refuge for surface dwellers during Galactus’ arrival, although it is challenging to persuade him to cooperate. Despite having limited screen time compared to Galactus and Silver Surfer, Mole Man could be one of the standout characters of the film due to his brief appearances.

4) The Red Ghost & His Super Apes

Ivan Kragoff and his Super Apes have historically been among the Fantastic Four’s most unusual adversaries. In an effort to outdo America in the space race, Kragoff gathered three apes for a journey into outer space. Much like the human members of the Fantastic Four – Reed, Sue, Ben, and Johnny – they acquired cosmic abilities as a result of their voyage. The Red Ghost possesses the ability to become intangible, while Igor, one of the apes, can change shape, Mikhlo exhibits super strength, and Peotr demonstrates telekinetic powers. Initially intended to be portrayed by renowned actor John Malkovich, Kragoff’s role was ultimately cut during production. Fortunately, the Four engage in combat with the apes within the film’s first few minutes, which is now available for viewing online.

5) The Mad Thinker

In the movie “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” although the Mad Thinker isn’t visibly depicted, his plans to demolish New York are mentioned at the start. Fortunately, the powerful Four manage to thwart him. Although he can’t physically handle the Thing, the Thinker’s intelligence is on par with Reed Richards and has led to the creation of numerous artificial entities, like the Awesome Android, as alternatives. The Mad Thinker is a villain who has expanded his influence beyond the Fantastic Four, often causing trouble for various superheroes across the comic book world, making him a persistent problem.

6) Diablo

In the movie, before Franklin Richards is born, Mr. Fantastic prepares both the Baxter Building and all of New York City by dismantling three criminal organizations run by well-known villains. One such villain is Diablo, who possesses powers derived from alchemy. With an unusual supernatural background, he gains immortality after striking a deal with Mephisto. Utilizing numerous potions and elixirs, Diablo frequently creates trouble for the Marvel Universe. Although he doesn’t appear in live-action, Diablo does make a cameo as an animated character in the film’s final post-credits scene.

7) Puppet Master

In the Marvel Comics, the villain known as the Puppet Master is part of a group that Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) recently apprehended in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Philip Masters, also known as the Puppet Master, manipulates people by creating clay replicas with radioactive clay and controlling their minds. He has used this power to control the Fantastic Four on multiple occasions. Interestingly, he has often opposed Ben Grimm (the Thing) and his love interest Alicia Masters’ relationship, although he has shown some less villainous traits in the comics from time to time.

8) The Wizard

In the movie, Reed Richards successfully takes down the last major crime boss, “The Wingless Wizard,” whose real name is Bentley Wittman. Similar to the Mad Thinker, Bentley uses his genius intellect for nefarious purposes, particularly anti-gravity discs that continue to cause trouble today. Among other annoyances he’s caused for the Fantastic Four, one of his most memorable actions was assembling his own evil supergroup, the Frightful Four. Initially teaming up with the Sandman, the Trapster, and Medusa, this group has seen its membership change over time. However, Bentley Wittman usually leads the group in some capacity.

9) Dragon Man

Originally developed by Professor Gregson Gilbert during the early days of the Fantastic Four, Dragon Man (also known as Draconus) was not originally designed for nefarious purposes. However, it was the wicked Diablo who brought him to life, and for many years, this android served as a tool for evil in the hands of various villains such as Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin. Later, Dragon Man’s personality shifted towards altruism, and he began associating with the young members of the Future Foundation during Johnathan Hickman’s comic book era. Although Dragon Man doesn’t get a specific mention, he can be seen battling the Human Torch in the animated post-credits scene.

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2025-07-27 16:12