Marvel Studios Officially Unveils Its Answer to DC’s Bat-Signal (Photos)

by

Marvel’s newest movie included a take on the iconic Bat-Signal, and recently released concept art gives fans a closer look. The Bat-Signal is a well-known symbol in superhero lore, traditionally shining over Gotham City to summon Batman. It’s commonly featured in Batman stories, usually used by Commissioner Gordon and the Gotham City Police Department when they desperately need help.

Marvel Studios explained the story behind Johnny Storm’s signature move of creating a “4” in the sky with his flames in the official art book for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. According to the studio, Joseph Quinn’s version of the hero does it to get the attention of the other Fantastic Four members, likely as a signal for help.

The idea of a bright signal in the sky calling for heroes immediately brings to mind the Bat-Signal from DC Comics’ Gotham City. Usually, this signal is kept at the Gotham City Police Department and used by Commissioner Gordon to call Batman when he’s needed.

As a fan, I loved hearing Naomi Baker talk about designing Johnny’s symbol in the sky! She said it was really enjoyable to work on details like that – things that are special to the game’s story and that we, as fans, would get a kick out of. It’s awesome to see that level of care and attention put into the world!

The art book includes a look at how the artist imagined Storm creating her iconic symbol in the sky, showing the process from start to finish.

The fiery “4” gesture Johnny Storm uses isn’t new to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He’s been making the hand sign in Marvel comics for years, and Chris Evans’ version of the Human Torch performed it in the 2005 film Fantastic Four and its 2007 sequel, Rise of the Silver Surfer.

Fans will have to wait until October 1, 2027, to see Batman on the big screen again in The Batman: Part 2. However, Marvel might give us a superhero signal of our own sooner! Joseph Quinn is reportedly returning as Johnny Storm in Avengers: Doomsday, which is currently scheduled for release on December 18, 2026.

In the first major team-up of Phase 6, the Fantastic Four – Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm, and Ebon Mass-Bachrach as Ben Grimm – will unite to face off against Robert Downey Jr.’s Doctor Doom.

What’s Next for Johnny Storm in the MCU?

Joseph Quinn, who plays Johnny Storm, has already filmed his next Marvel Cinematic Universe appearance. He’ll be back next year in Avengers: Doomsday with the rest of the Fantastic Four, and they’ll be facing off against Doctor Doom – played by Robert Downey Jr. – who has kidnapped Franklin Richards.

Ebon Mass-Bachrach, who plays Ben Grimm, hinted that the Fantastic Four might be broken into different teams in the upcoming movie, Doomsday. While it’s unknown who would end up working with whom, it would likely make sense to keep Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm paired up, as their humorous interactions in First Steps were popular. Meanwhile, Reed Richards and Sue Storm could continue their journey across the Multiverse to find their son.

Storm is set to reappear next year alongside the Fantastic Four, as both are confirmed to be part of the upcoming Avengers: Secret Wars movie. The 2015 comic version of Secret Wars featured Doctor Doom transforming Storm into a sun-like being above a planet called Battleworld, leading fans to speculate if a similar event will occur in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Kevin Feige, head of Marvel Studios, is interested in bringing Johnny Storm and Spider-Man (played by Tom Holland) together in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This team-up would likely be very popular with fans, as their friendship is well-known and beloved in the comics.

Read More

2025-12-28 23:04