Fantastic Four: Dive Into Their Origin With New Comic Prequel

Marvel Comics is expanding its storytelling horizons by delving deeper into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. A prequel comic book, titled "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," is set to explore the team's origins before the events of the upcoming film.

"The Fantastic Four: First Steps #1" takes readers four years into the past, before the movie's timeline. Written by Matt Fraction, known for his work on "Hawkeye," and illustrated by Mark Buckingham of "Fables" fame, this standalone issue promises to retell the FF's very first adventure. The comic draws inspiration from Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's iconic "Fantastic Four #1," offering a fresh perspective on the team's beginnings. The new film will largely skip over the Fantastic Four's origin story. This comic serves as a companion piece, offering those interested a chance to learn about the team's formation.

Marvel's official description paints a picture of a world forever changed: "It’s the moment that changed the world–-presented in the most brilliant medium there is! FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS #1 is certain to be a must-have item, both for those who have looked up to this super team since they made themselves known those who might be unaware of the history behind Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch and The Thing’s incredible rise to global stardom! Four years ago, the world was transformed as an amazing cosmic-powered quartet revealed themselves and their astonishing abilities to the public! Since that time, they have become world-famous as the Fantastic Four! Now, to celebrate that anniversary, Marvel Comics recounts their very first exploit that saved our city from near destruction!" Fraction expressed his excitement about the project, stating, "What an honor to be asked to help celebrate the fourth anniversary of the Fantastic Four! It was a thrill to bring their first legendary adventure to the world of comic books for the first time! It's a story we all know by heart, but I think Magic Mark Buckingham and I have found a way to tell it as you've never heard or seen before -- and who knows, this could be the start of something big!"

Fraction's hint at the possibility of more MCU-set comics in the future. With the exception of tie-ins to earlier MCU films like "Captain America: The First Avenger" and "The Avengers," Marvel has largely avoided publishing stories specifically within the MCU canon. Could this prequel pave the way for similar projects, such as an "Avengers: Doomsday" or "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" comic? "The Fantastic Four: First Steps #1" is scheduled for release on July 2, 2025, a few weeks before the film's theatrical debut. This comic promises to be a treat for both longtime fans and newcomers, filling in the gaps of the Fantastic Four's early days and potentially opening the door for more MCU-centric comic book adventures.