First Steps Is the Best Version of the Fantastic Four (And for One Major Reason)

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Over the years in the expansive realm of superhero movies, The Fantastic Four have been something of an enigma. Known as Marvel’s First Family, this group of interstellar explorers – comprised of Reed Richards (the brains), Johnny Storm (the hothead), Ben Grimm (the lovable tough guy), and Sue Storm (the steady anchor) – has had difficulty maintaining a solid presence on the big screen since 2005. Although these characters have thrived in comic books for many years, adapting their intricate relationships and distinctive abilities into an engaging film has been an ongoing struggle. Previous attempts often relied heavily on well-worn stereotypes, such as Reed being the sole genius, Johnny being impulsive, Ben being lovable yet tough, and Sue being underestimated. These portrayals have oftentimes failed to capture the true spirit of The Fantastic Four as a dynamic team of brilliant minds pioneering scientific and exploratory frontiers.

In contrast, the appearance of “Fantastic Four: First Steps” has solved the puzzle, offering a team depiction that respects their extensive comic book heritage while pushing them to unprecedented levels. This version distinguishes itself not by innovative special effects or the ominous presence of Galactus, but through a much deeper and lasting reason: “First Steps” acknowledges each member of The Fantastic Four as the highly intelligent and competent individuals they are individually, establishing a sense of intellectual parity among them that has been notably absent in prior adaptations.

By Showcasing Each Member’s Specific Talents, the Film Establishes a Family of True Superheroes

In contrast to past Fantastic Four films, where Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic) typically takes center stage, leaving Sue, Ben, and Johnny in secondary roles, First Steps challenges this norm. This film focuses on demonstrating the distinct intellectual abilities each member contributes to the team, rather than underplaying or overlooking them.

Johnny Storm isn’t just known as the flamboyant, quick-witted heartthrob; instead, in “First Steps,” he is depicted as a talented and accomplished astronautical engineer with an unexpected knack for languages. This hidden talent proves vital during their confrontation with Shalla-Bal, the Silver Surfer. His unique ability to decipher an alien language using only three words he heard once plays a significant role in the storyline, showcasing his intelligence in a less commonly recognized manner.

In this thrilling scene, Ben Grimm’s exceptional flying abilities are not only mentioned but brilliantly showcased as he skillfully navigates their spaceship through perilous cosmic currents during Sue’s labor. By performing a daring maneuver, he manages to propel the fuel-depleted ship back to Earth using the gravity of a neutron star, simultaneously capturing Shalla-Bal in the gravitational pull. This instance clearly highlights Ben as not just a powerful figure, but a seasoned and intelligent professional whose piloting skills are crucial for their survival, demonstrating his indispensable value beyond mere strength.

Each Member Actively Contributes Their Unique Intellect and Skills to Solve Complex and World-Ending Challenges




In the film “First Steps”, Sue Storm’s character undergoes a substantial shift from past portrayals. Instead of simply emphasizing her ability to become invisible and her role as an emotional anchor for the team, this version of Sue is depicted as a powerful and respected political leader and diplomat. She frequently interacts with the United Nations, even negotiating a peace treaty with Mole Man, who harbors deep mistrust towards surface-dwelling humans. Her intellect and strategic mind are evident in her eloquent speeches and her proficiency in navigating complex global and local politics. Sue’s knowledge of international relations and public opinion proves to be an invaluable resource, particularly when she addresses protestors outside The Baxter Builder, holding her infant Franklin in her arms, asserting that she will not compromise her child or the planet. In “First Steps”, Sue emerges as a formidable intellectual figure capable of exerting influence on a global scale, while also showcasing her physical prowess, thereby solidifying her as a force to be reckoned with both mentally and physically.

Absolutely, while Reed Richards is undeniably the brain behind many scientific advancements in the story, the film First Steps deftly avoids portraying him as the only catalyst for progress. Instead, it highlights the teamwork that underpins their success, with each character contributing their distinct skills and viewpoints. For instance, Johnny’s engineering acumen, Ben’s practical mechanical knowledge, and Sue’s awareness of societal implications are all integral to the breakthroughs achieved through collaborative brainstorming and experimentation. This focus on shared intelligence and collaborative problem-solving sets First Steps apart from its predecessors, painting The Fantastic Four as a united team of brilliant individuals whose collective intellect is more potent than any one of them separately. In essence, the film portrays The Fantastic Four not as Reed Richards and his companions, but as a cohesive ensemble, demonstrating that their combined brilliance surpasses the greatness of each individual member.

The subtly thoughtful representation of every character’s intellectual prowess and abilities sets Fantastic Four: First Steps apart as not merely a decent Fantastic Four film, but undeniably the finest in its category.

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2025-08-14 04:44