Sue Storm Takes Charge: Fantastic Four’s Epic Leadership Shift Before MCU Release!

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In the constantly changing landscape of Marvel narratives, the iconic team known as the Fantastic Four, frequently referred to as the “First Family” by fans, is experiencing a significant shift. With the reintroduction of the Fantastic Four comic book series and the upcoming premiere of MCU’s “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” Sue Storm, also known as the Invisible Woman, is taking on a more prominent leadership position within the team.

This advancement has ignited conversations among fans regarding the relationships between characters, adherence to original stories, and the plotlines of Marvel’s narratives. As the comic becomes available and the movie gets ready for its July 25th release, let’s delve deeper into these alterations and the circumstances surrounding them.

Sue Storm’s Rise to Fantastic Four Leader in the Comics

Recently, Marvel Comics debuted Fantastic Four Issue 1, penned by Ryan North and brought to life by Humberto Ramos. This represents a new beginning for the team as they move forward from the conclusions of their past storylines.

The story begins in a bleak future where Doctor Doom rules over Earth, creating an intense scenario for the team’s reunion and confrontations. In the midst of this turmoil, Sue Storm steps forward to assert, “I am in charge of the team,” thus establishing herself as both the tactical and emotional heart of the group.

From its inception in 1961 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic, has consistently taken the lead. His extraordinary intelligence in science frequently steers the storylines, while Sue, Johnny, and Ben lend their support.

In some past comic books, Sue occasionally took on more significant roles, like during John Byrne’s run in the 1980s or when Reed was away. However, this recent and explicit change in her role has drawn criticism from certain quarters as being sudden and potentially driven by upcoming movie events. Additionally, there were later stories where she temporarily led the team while Reed was gone.

As a film critic, I must admit that the sudden shift in Reed’s character felt rather abrupt and seemed more like a plot decision made behind the scenes, rather than something naturally unfolding on-screen. This transformation might have unintentionally diminished Reed’s intellectual prowess, instead highlighting Sue’s emotional intelligence and tactical skills.

In issue number one of Fantastic Four, it is Sue Storm who unexpectedly takes on the role as the team’s leader – a move not dictated by the plotline, but rather hinting at her upcoming prominence in the upcoming film adaptation.

Reed got demoted off-panel and the plot got boxed in by a force field… along with logic and canon.

— Thinking Critical (@Wes_from_TC) July 10, 2025

Discussions online, such as those on Reddit, express worries that this change might emphasize contemporary narratives over traditional lore, and seems to align with Marvel’s growing focus on female empowerment. Proponents counter by citing Sue’s past instances of leadership, but the timing – so close to the MCU premiere – has sparked questions about corporate ideological harmony versus natural storytelling development.

The narrative focuses on Sue’s powerful shields and ability to endure, positioning her as the “key tactical brain” in opposition to Doom’s oppression. Yet, this hasn’t stopped criticism from certain X users who argue that Reed’s diminished role goes against established storylines over the years.

Ties to the MCU’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Under the guidance of director Matt Shakman, the film titled “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” features Vanessa Kirby portraying Sue Storm and Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards. The story unfolds in a captivating retro-futuristic backdrop reminiscent of the 1960s.

Shakman praises Sue as a remarkably empathetic individual, equivalent to the most emotionally perceptive person globally. Meanwhile, he highlights Reed’s exceptional intellectual prowess in science and positions Sue as crucial for constructing a society based on idealism.

In simpler terms, Executive Producer Grant Curtis emphasized that Sue Storm, often considered the head of the Fantastic Four, plays a crucial role as the group cannot function effectively without her.

Pascal appears excited about following strong female leaders, whereas Kirby disagrees with the portrayal of Sue as marginalized and criticizes past comic representations of her character.

Fans are expressing criticism towards these comments, viewing them as undermining Reed’s historical leadership style. Some even refer to this change as a modern or progressive makeover, which they label as “woke”.

They can’t help themselves, can they?

Reed Richard’s is no longer the leader of the Fantastic Four, and Sue Storm is basically God.

— Matthew Marsden (@matthewdmarsden) May 31, 2025

The trailers heavily feature Sue, but her storyline involving pregnancy has sparked debate on how it might influence the group’s dynamics.

The Controversial Female Silver Surfer: A Deep Cut or Unnecessary Swap?

Enhancing the controversy is the choice of Julia Garner for the role of Shalla-Bal, a female interpretation of the Silver Surfer and romantic interest to the original character Norrin Radd from the comics.

In some lesser-known comic book tales, Shalla-Bal has utilized the Power Cosmic. However, when she was chosen to serve as Galactus’ herald over Norrin, critics described this change as a “gender swap,” which led to strong opposition.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I’ve taken the time to address the criticism leveled against the latest Marvel production, “Shalla-Bal.” Initially, I was taken aback by the mixed responses, feeling a bit bewildered. However, I quickly refocused on doing my job to the best of my abilities, understanding that this project is unique, hence it differs from what fans are accustomed to.

Regrettably, the online reception has been rather harsh, with numerous videos and posts criticizing the design and suggesting that Marvel prioritized “gender politics” over fan expectations. I can only hope that the audience will give this fresh take on a classic genre a chance, and appreciate it for its uniqueness and the messages it conveys.

Fan Backlash and Divided Opinions

These alterations have sparked a divide within the community, leading some on X platforms and forums to voice opposition, claiming these changes are an aftermath of “Empowering Women” that diminishes male characters. They’ve even coined phrases such as “M-SHE-U.

Advocates believe that Sue’s promotion is justified because she has been indispensable in the comic books, and they assert that Shalla-Bal is a valid alternative version of her character.

In the lead-up to the movie, Pascal has faced criticism about his role in recasting, and Kirby’s remarks on Sue’s pregnancy and leadership have intensified this backlash. This suggests deeper divisions in Marvel’s narrative development, and it remains to be seen if these changes will breathe new life into the First Family or drive away long-standing fans once the film is released.

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2025-07-15 23:57