In my time working at the comic shop, I recall selling numerous copies of the Sam Raimi Spider-Man comic, penned by Stan Lee, which Marvel produced to tie in with their film. Marvel is known for creating comics that are prequels, adaptations, and spin-offs of their movies.
It’s not surprising that Marvel is releasing a comic linked to their forthcoming Fantastic Four film titled “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”. What sets this apart is that the comic serves as an in-universe artifact from the movie world, and it’s worth noting that the film isn’t an origin story but instead follows the characters four years after they have already become heroes.
To put it simply: The Fantastic Four comic we’re discussing isn’t solely focused on the characters portrayed by Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bacharach in the movie; instead, it’s a comic that exists within the film’s own universe. So, if you were a kid who admired the Fantastic Four in the MCU, you could theoretically walk to your local store (or perhaps even your corner drugstore, since this story is set in the past before comic stores came into existence) and purchase a copy of this comic book.
The Marvel comic titled “First Steps” was penned by Matt Fraction and sketched by Mark Buckingham, with a captivating cover by Phil Noto. As you can observe, Noto’s artwork echoes the cover of the first ever Fantastic Four (#1) from 1961, designed by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Since the film is stated not to be an origin story and given the similarity in the cover art, it seems plausible that this comic serves as a retelling of the Fantastic Four’s initial confrontation with the Mole Man – much like how Lee and Kirby introduced their first battle in Fantastic Four #1. This is likely meant to cater to fans of the group within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, as trailers suggest that the FF are already popular figures in their universe.
In Lee and Kirby’s Fantastic Four tales, it is frequently emphasized that the FF were famous individuals who had their own comic book. Interestingly, this comic book was penned and illustrated by none other than Stan Lee and Jack Kirby themselves. This new work also carries on this unique aspect.
Marvel’s “First Steps” comic becomes available for purchase on July 2. The movie, titled “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” is set to premiere in cinemas on July 25.
The Best Superhero Movie Of Every Year From 2000 to Today
2000: X-Men
Absolutely, the initial black leather outfits of the X-Men characters make it look dated. And while Hugh Jackman was impressive as Logan in later films, he appears rather slim here compared to his subsequent portrayals. Nevertheless, the first X-Men movie played a significant role in igniting the superhero film trend of the 2000s. It managed to capture the essence of the characters and translate them onto the screen effectively, trimming away unnecessary details and focusing on the core elements that would resonate with a wide audience. Incidentally, Jackman, who went on to become a global star as Wolverine, was initially the second choice for the role. He only landed the part because Dougray Scott, the original Logan, had to withdraw from the project due to delays in filming Mission: Impossible II.
2001: Spy Kids
In the early 21st century, it wasn’t until several years had passed that big-screen superhero adaptations became commonplace, occurring annually or even monthly. However, the influence of comics – their visual style, character archetypes – could be seen everywhere, including in movies like Robert Rodriguez’s “Spy Kids”. Despite its title, this film is more than just a children’s espionage adventure; it features a good deal of superhero-style combat and sci-fi technology. Essentially, it’s a blend of James Bond, Batman, and a dash of “Home Alone”. This unique combination might seem strange, but it proved successful, with Rodriguez going on to create numerous sequels, reboots, and TV series based on the “Spy Kids” franchise.
2002: Spider-Man
With several Spider-Man films releasing almost annually, it’s effortless to overlook just how exceptional Sam Raimi’s initial “Spider-Man” film was back in 2002. It was far ahead of its time. The costume, action sequences, special effects, the poignant death of Uncle Ben, and Peter Parker’s intricate relationships with Norman and Harry Osborn were all spot-on. It transformed mainstream audiences’ perspective on superhero movies, paving the way for today’s cinematic universes. Notably, how many superhero movies have mimicked its concluding shot, where Spider-Man glides through New York City in a single, extended take?
2003: X2
As a devoted cinephile, I firmly believe that X2 stands as one of the most groundbreaking superhero films of the 21st century. The initial X-Men and Spider-Man movies demonstrated that cinema could capture the enchantment of comic books. However, it was X2 that showed us how films could eclipse their source material. Scenes like Nightcrawler’s White House infiltration, with its seamless portrayal of his teleportation ability, were not just a replication but an enhancement of the visual spectacle found in static comic book panels. The climactic dam burst in X2 can be likened to the opening of floodgates, marking the beginning of the Hollywood Superhero Gold Rush and forever changing the landscape of superhero cinema. After X2, nothing was ever quite the same.
2004: Spider-Man 2
In Spider-Man 2, director Sam Raimi was able to delve deeply into the complex relationship between Peter Parker and the ambitious scientist, Dr. Otto Octavius, brilliantly portrayed by Alfred Molina – arguably one of the standout performances in the entire Spider-Man series. This film, produced over 15 years ago, continues to impress visually, with the train sequence being a notable Marvel achievement. The movie’s knack for stacking one problem after another onto poor Peter Parker creates an intense emotional journey that makes the ultimately joyful (yet bittersweet) ending even more rewarding.
2005: Batman Begins
The movie “Batman Begins” offered a welcome shift in tone. It discarded the excessive physical and emotional baggage that had burdened the series, focusing instead on the character’s humble beginnings. Introducing us to a fresh Bruce Wayne portrayed by Christian Bale, and an intricately layered antagonist played by Liam Neeson. Even if subsequent films by director Christopher Nolan didn’t surpass this one, “Batman Begins” would still be celebrated as one of the finest Batman movies ever made.
2006: X-Men: The Last Stand
The film “X-Men: The Last Stand” surpasses its general perception by a small margin. It offers some noteworthy moments; Ian McKellen delivers an impressive performance as Magneto, the Danger Room sequence was worth the anticipation, and Kelsey Grammer’s Beast embodies his character perfectly, just like he was plucked straight from a Marvel comic. This is why Marvel chose him to be one of the earliest X-Men in the MCU. However, the Dark Phoenix segment is quite problematic. Despite its flaws, it remains the top choice among a limited selection of superhero films released in 2006.
2007: Spider-Man 3
The final film by Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man series has often been criticized undeservedly – even by Raimi himself, who once stated in an interview that it “didn’t work very well.” While it’s true that not every aspect of the movie excels, there are many strong points, such as several action sequences from the Maguire trilogy, like the thrilling mid-air rescue of Gwen Stacy from a construction accident. However, the portrayal of Venom, especially Raimi’s treatment of the black suit as a running joke, is a major point of contention for many viewers. The scenes where an “evil” Peter under the influence of his alien costume dances through New York were particularly off-putting, considering the shift towards darker and grittier superhero characters in movies during the late 2000s.
However, if you consider Spider-Man 3 as Raimi intentionally satirizing the concept of a “dark” comic book movie through Venom, the overall experience becomes more coherent. (It’s hard to deny that Emo Tobey and his dancing have grown on us.)
2008: The Dark Knight
In simple terms, Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” continues to be the benchmark against which all Batman films, and arguably every superhero movie, are measured. It offered the grandeur expected in such movies, especially when viewed on IMAX, a format it introduced to mainstream cinema for the first time. Additionally, it raised numerous thought-provoking ethical and philosophical questions. Quotes from this film have become part of everyday language, with one (“You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain”) being particularly memorable and surprising given its origins in a 2008 Batman movie. The film is a treasure trove of iconic moments, from Heath Ledger’s portrayal of the Joker, the unforgettable score by Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard, to the sleek design of the Bat-pod. Even over a decade later, “The Dark Knight” has yet to be outshone.
2009: Watchmen
Zack Snyder’s remake of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons’ revolutionary series can be compared to Gus Van Sant’s “Psycho” in the world of comic-book movies: It’s faithful, somewhat lacking in energy, yet intriguing at times. The opening credits that depict how superheroes might have changed the course of 20th-century history remain a standout feature. However, much of the rest has been eclipsed by Damon Lindelof’s more recent series. Despite this, considering the progression of the superhero genre since 2009, Snyder’s “Watchmen” now offers an engaging retrospective view (from a slightly avant-garde perspective).
2010: Super
In the years prior to James Gunn’s breakthrough with “Guardians of the Galaxy”, he created this bold satire. The story revolves around a distressed individual, portrayed by Rainn Wilson, who chooses to take on the role of a vigilante, despite having no superpowers or exceptional physical abilities. Essentially, it’s a humorous reinterpretation of “Taxi Driver”, and as dark and disturbing as that may seem.
2011: Captain America: The First Avenger
Despite some issues with its narrative structure, as a significant conflict is condensed into a series of quick scenes, Chris Evans’ portrayal of Captain America remains the standout character adaptation within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This film transformed a hero often criticized for being uninteresting or outdated into a dynamic, endearing, multi-layered individual embodying fundamental human qualities. The subsequent Captain America films have been commendable, but none may have surpassed this one in encapsulating the spirit of Steve Rogers. This film remains the go-to MCU movie when seeking inspiration.
2012: The Avengers
Despite the release of “Infinity War” and “Endgame”, the initial “Avengers” film remains an extraordinary feat. Each character is expertly balanced, the dialogue is concise, and the climactic Battle of New York is undeniably one of the most impressive action sequences in comic-book movies. Has Marvel ever surpassed this? It’s open to interpretation, but can they top lines like “Puny god” or “That’s my secret, Captain. I’m always angry”? That’s a tough call.
2013: Iron Man 3
A decent film, somewhat diminished by its connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The entirety of Iron Man 3 leads up to Tony Stark choosing to leave his Iron Man life behind and ride off into the sunset. However, he ended up making more than six additional films after that (which was before Robert Downey Jr. took on the role of Doctor Doom). Guy Pearce’s character, Killian, falls short, but all of Robert Downey Jr.’s frustrated interchanges with his clever young sidekick are top-notch. Generally, MCU films benefit from being watched in context; Iron Man 3 is an exception – it might be more enjoyable if you randomly decide to watch it without any prior knowledge or expectations.
2014: Guardians of the Galaxy
Initially, the film “Guardians of the Galaxy” demonstrated that Marvel’s reputation was robust enough to draw audiences to lesser-known properties. Many longtime Marvel enthusiasts hadn’t even read a single Guardians comic before the movie came out – the team was hardly significant in Marvel lore until director James Gunn transformed them into an unexpected blockbuster hit. Moreover, it is indisputable that Rocket is the superior character among the Guardians; there’s no need for debate on this matter, as this fact is self-evident.
2015: Avengers: Age of Ultron
Personally speaking, the Letterboxd rating for The Avengers was 3.7, and for Avengers: Age of Ultron, it was 3.2. I acknowledge that the sequel may not have been as exceptional as the original, but I’m still puzzled by the widespread criticism this movie has received. The climactic sequence in Sokovia, where the Avengers unite to rescue every single soul, epitomizes the essence of Marvel for me. Maybe, with time, there will be a shift in perception towards Ultron, just as some fans have come to appreciate Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man films more over time.
2016: Captain America: Civil War
While Captain America: Civil War may not have been particularly successful as an ideological battle between Iron Man and Captain America or as a tightly-wound thriller (in fact, its plot can unravel with minimal scrutiny), it excels superbly as a platform for the first wave of Marvel Cinematic Universe heroes. These heroes engage in an epic, climactic airport brawl instead.
2017: The LEGO Batman Movie
For approximately two years, my eldest daughter’s preferred movie was “The LEGO Batman Movie.” Frankly, I can’t count how many times we rewatched it. In essence, “The LEGO Batman Movie” stands among the most entertaining films of the past decade. It is filled with countless visual jokes, puns, and references to lesser-known Batman stories, not to mention Will Arnett’s excellent portrayal of LEGO Batman. Over the last decade, I’ve endured numerous children’s movies; some were amusing, others downright dismal. However, “The LEGO Batman Movie” takes the cake for being the funniest. Instead of mocking the character or comics, it is a heartfelt tribute to everything that makes the Dark Knight iconic.
2018: Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
In a different yet understandable way,
2019: Avengers: Endgame
Among all superhero films, none surpassed the complexity of “Avengers: Endgame.” It needed to neatly tie up one of the most intriguing cliffhangers in cinematic history, tidy up numerous plotlines from over 20 preceding Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movies, and still be an enjoyable standalone movie. Remarkably, Kevin Feige, the Russo brothers, and the Marvel Studios team managed to achieve this feat. Incredibly, all those Easter eggs didn’t hinder the narrative flow or the action, nor did they detract from the poignant conclusion of Robert Downey Jr.’s journey as Tony Stark.
2020: The Old Guard
In the comic book “The Old Guard,” penned by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernández, the story shares many elements common to superhero tales: A group of immortal warriors (headed by Charlize Theron) who cannot be defeated and find themselves perpetually embroiled in conflicts against evil forces. However, this time they confront a sneaky pharmaceutical executive (Harry Melling, delivering a top-notch performance in sniveling). He seeks to unravel the unique genetic makeup of these warriors. What sets “The Old Guard” apart is the touch of director Gina Prince-Bythewood, who infuses the narrative with depth and subtlety, typically characteristics missing from films that use such material as a pretext for violence on screen. Unlike many similar movies, “The Old Guard” delves into the grim realities of immortality.
2021: Spider-Man: No Way Home
In Jon Watts’ third “Spider-Man” movie, we find similarities with Sam Raimi’s third “Spider-Man” film. Both are filled to the brim with numerous villains. However, on a positive note, this film effectively portrays and embodies the charm of Peter Parker as a character – a man who may stumble but consistently strives for redemption in his future endeavors. Moreover, it significantly introduced the concept of the multiverse into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, thereby marking a significant event in the company’s history.
2022: RRR
This Indian film titled “RRR” immerses your brain in a three-hour extravaganza of spectacle, romance, music, and exhilarating action scenes. Essentially, it’s like a modern take on an old-school John Woo action flick set in South Asia, featuring two powerful characters from different sides of the law who form an unexpected alliance. The protagonists here are Bheem (N.T. Rama Rao Jr.), a Gond tribe warrior, and Rama (Ram Charan), a British Empire soldier. Initially, Bheem travels to Delhi to rescue a kidnapped girl, while Rama is tasked with finding the mystery man searching for her. Despite being on opposing sides, an unexpected accident brings them together as friends instead of enemies.
The film exhibits traits reminiscent of the superhero genre, as its director, S.S. Rajamouli, has openly referred to it as a “friendship between two imaginary superheroes.” With a contagious energy and spirit of adventure, they elevate the superhero genre to new heights, soaring into a promising future.
2023: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse
In the expanded universe of “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” Miles Morales encounters Spider-Man 2099 and his “Spider Society,” a group dedicated to safeguarding the multiverse against threats like the Spot, a new villain who can open portals between dimensions on a whim. Although “Into the Spider-Verse” was visually stunning, “Across the Spider-Verse” promises to be even more impressive and daring. The world of Spider-Gwen appears as a living watercolor painting, while the setting for Spider-Man India, dubbed “Mumbattan,” is a vibrant mix of yellows and greens. The downside? It’s the first part of a two-part movie, which at times feels like it. However, there’s no denying that “Across the Spider-Verse” will offer one of the most exciting and visually stunning superhero experiences from 2023.
2024: Deadpool & Wolverine
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2025-04-26 00:26