Marvel fans, rejoice! The wait is finally over. But did you think it would be this long before we saw Reed Richards flex his iconic stretchy powers? In the latest Fantastic Four comic, “First Steps,” Marvel took a surprising approach to showcasing Mister Fantastic’s abilities, leaving many readers baffled and asking, “Why the delay?”
The Cartoony Factor: Why Stretching Powers May Always Look a Bit Goofy on Screen
In the end, stretching powers will always look cartoony. No matter how well done they are, and I believe that Marvel has done an incredible job with the CGI of Reed’s powers in the MCU movie’s latest trailer, I believe the uncanny nature of stretching powers will never be removed, so Reed would always look a bit goofy when compared to the rest.
While I think Reed’s powers look good and are comic book-accurate, the reason Marvel chose not to show them at first with the others could have been because they are the powers that would have stood out. Becoming invisible, bursting into flames and flying, and breaking everything as a walking pile of rocks is not as cartoony as a human body being stretched in ways it should not be able to.
Another factor is that the CGI for Reed’s powers could have needed more time to be ready, which Silver Surfer’s uncanny look in the trailers can relate to.
CGI and Timing: The Possibility of Marvel Needing More Time to Perfect the CGI for Reed’s Powers
Why Reed Richards’ Stretching Powers Fit The Fantastic Four’s 60s Aesthetic The Movie Will Have A Unique Role Within The MCU Close
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is the movie I have wanted to watch since the Multiverse Saga started. By that, I mean the film’s setup is exactly what the MCU has been missing. The multiverse should have been used more before the two upcoming Avengers movies, and the Fantastic Four reboot is the only project
Comparing to the Rest: How Mister Fantastic’s Powers Stand Out from the Other Members of the Fantastic Four
One of the most exciting aspects of the Fantastic Four is how each member of the team has a unique power set. Johnny Storm’s flame powers and ability to fly make him likely to make a splash in action scenes. However, the Thing’s CGI looks great, with the rock-looking hero packing quite a punch. Sue Storm appears able to use her powers in multiple ways, with that variety likely making her a standout in The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ cast.
As for Reed Richards, Marvel hid his powers from the first trailer, and now I think I know why. The Fantastic Four: First Steps Trailer Finally Revealed Reed Richards’ Superpowers The MCU Presents A Comic Book-Accurate Version Of Mister Fantastic’s Powers Since the first official trailer for the upcoming Fantastic Four movie showed Ben, Sue, and Johnny using their powers, with only Reed left out, fans started to believe that there could be more to it.
The Aesthetic of The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Retro-Futuristic Reality: The Movie’s Unique 1960s Setting and Its Impact on the Team’s Costumes
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is the movie I have wanted to watch since the Multiverse Saga started. By that, I mean the film’s setup is exactly what the MCU has been missing. The multiverse should have been used more before the two upcoming Avengers movies, and the Fantastic Four reboot is the only project
The Suits: A Detailed Look at the MCU’s Fantastic Four Costumes, Including Their Unique Features and Nods to the Comics
Looking at the MCU’s new Fantastic Four altogether, it’s very cool to see both the uniformity present and the unique features of each member’s costume. For example, The Thing and Human Torch’s white accents extend past the shoulders and down the arms. While the Invisible Woman’s costume doesn’t, more of her neck is covered, and the same goes for Mister Fantastic.
However, Pedro Pascal’s Mister Fantastic is the single member without white on his torso beyond the shared “4” logo, while The Thing is the only one without gloves. Overall, the costumes are quite simple as far as MCU suits are concerned (which I find to be quite refreshing). I’m Glad To See The MCU’s Fantastic Four Suits In The Trailer After Being Unsure About Them
Embracing the Retro-Future: How the Costumes and Aesthetic Work Together to Create a Cohesive and Timeless Look
That being said, the costumes could easily fit within a more modern setting as well, assuming the First Family one day makes their way to the main MCU timeline of Earth-616 as many expect them to. At any rate, I’m very glad I’m no longer skeptical about The Fantastic Four
The new trailer for Fantastic Four: First Steps does a great job of establishing the movie’s unique vibe and aesthetic, feeling dated yet modern all at the same time. Likewise, the trailer perfectly culminates in the trailer’s final shot with the First Family all together on a stage serving as a direct homage to The Beatles’ 1964 debut on the Ed Sullivan Show (John, Paul, George, and Ringo were also known as The Fab Four)
Conclusion
In conclusion, Marvel’s decision to wait before revealing Reed Richards’ Mister Fantastic superpowers in The Fantastic Four: First Steps is a deliberate creative choice that speaks to the very fabric of the character’s identity and the team’s dynamics. By exploring Reed’s struggles with his powers, the comic book series is able to delve deeper into the emotional and psychological aspects of being a superhero, making the characters more relatable and human. This narrative approach also allows for a more nuanced exploration of the Fantastic Four’s relationships, as Reed’s vulnerability brings the team closer together.
The significance of this storytelling decision cannot be overstated. By subverting traditional superhero origin story tropes, Marvel is able to craft a more mature and thought-provoking narrative that resonates with readers on a deeper level. Furthermore, this approach has far-reaching implications for the broader Marvel Universe, as it opens up new avenues for character development and storytelling. As the Fantastic Four continues to navigate the complexities of superheroism, fans can expect a more emotionally charged and introspective journey that will leave a lasting impact on the Marvel mythos.
Ultimately, Marvel’s decision to wait before unveiling Reed Richards’ Mister Fantastic superpowers is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of character-driven narratives. As we look to the future of the Marvel Universe, one thing is clear: the true magic lies not in the superpowers themselves, but in the human experiences that shape the heroes we love.