Fantastic Four 2025: The Shocking Connection to Marvel’s First Comics Revealed!

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Many fans of Marvel Cinematic Universe, as well as a broad section of the general public, are aware that the July release, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” is set in an alternate 1960s. Some might also be cognizant that the movie’s narrative unfolds across several years within that decade. However, it’s likely that few people understand that the film’s key plot points link to particular issues of the “Fantastic Four” comic book series in an unconventional manner.

According to a recent video by film YouTuber, A Bit of Everything, the movie “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” appears to align several of its key scenes with issues from the original Stan Lee and Jack Kirby comic book series for Fantastic Four, following a similar timeline.

For example, the respected First Family’s initial fight after gaining their abilities was against a massive underground beast known as Giganto. This comic book came out on August 8, 1961. In previews for the movie First Steps, the heroes are shown standing on a marker in a Manhattan street. The marker has an engraving that reads:

“On this place, on this day, the 4 saved the city. A grateful city honors The 4” 

Additionally, the plaque features a depiction of the Fantastic Four (FF) clashing with Giganto, marked with the date of the encounter: “August 8th“.

In an ordinary way, August 8 might not stand out. However, take note that a significant portion of the promotional efforts for “First Steps” have depicted the team appearing on a television program similar to the iconic Ed Sullivan Show.

The meaning here is that Reed, Sue, Ben, and Johnny are likely to become even more prominent figures. This becomes clearer when combined with promotional content on the Marvel Studios Instagram account. In the storyline, a video teaser hints at providing a detailed inspection of the Four characters.

Over almost four years, the Fantastic Four have safeguarded us. Now, the Future Foundation offers you an opportunity to peer deeper into the lives of these superheroes, as we unveil the Baxter Building and reveal the ordinary people who make up the extraordinary icons.

In the fourth year since their life-altering space voyage, Reed and Sue, members of the Fantastic Four, led a behind-the-scenes media tour through the Baxter Building. This collection of events suggests that the Fantastic Four have chosen to share their personal lives and home with the news media on this significant anniversary.

Without mention of exact years in these sources, we can infer that the Fantastic Four gained their identities four years before this publicity campaign, suggesting the encounter with Giganto might have taken place on August 8, 1961.

The specific comic book featuring Giganto was indeed released on that precise date, marking not just its publication, but also the inaugural emergence of the Fantastic Four within our entire chronicles. Therefore, it’s highly probable that this pattern holds true for the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well.

As a cinephile delving into the vibrant world of First Steps, I can’t help but notice the intricate blend of humor and superhero elements. Intriguingly, the Silver Surfer’s arrival on Earth coincides with Halloween night of 1966, as portrayed in A Bit of Everything’s video analysis. This clever move not only adds a touch of suspense to the narrative but also creates a delightful juxtaposition between the frightening holiday traditions and the impending cosmic threat posed by Galactus.

This is demonstrated through scenes from the film. For instance, when Shalla-Bal appears in the sky over Times Square, a group of children dressed as Thing characters gaze upwards in astonishment. Additionally, various shots capture sidewalks decorated with Jack-o-Lanterns at different points.

Additionally, it’s evident that Sue Storm is quite far along in her pregnancy, with the Surfer hovering above her. Since she wasn’t pregnant in mid-1965, Johnny and Ben deduced that she must have missed her period in early 1966. This explains the advanced stage of Sue’s baby bump when Galactus’ Herald arrives in New York on Halloween. Subtracting nine months from October 31 gives us January 31, which would be the last day of her pregnancy.

Moving on to the topic of comics, the Silver Surfer, known as Norrin Radd in the comics, first arrived on Earth in Fantastic Four issue 48 from March 1966 – a mere seven months before Shalla-Bal appears in the movie’s timeframe. This issue also introduced Galactus, the primary antagonist of Fantastic Four: First Step, as a comic character for the first time.

Although Fantastic Four comic book #48 was published in 1965, its cover indicated a March 1966 release date. Cover dates in comics are often used by publishers to make consumers believe that an issue is still new. In fact, Marvel.com lists the publication date of issue #46 as March ’66, which is widely accepted as the true release date for most people.

It’s important to note the idea behind Marvel Time, a term used for the flexible timeline in the Marvel Comics universe. This concept was established approximately in 1968.

The purpose of the flexible timeline is to enable comic creators to incorporate current and trendy pop culture references, as well as commentaries on contemporary events, into their works. Yet, it ensures that all characters remain timeless, unaffected by the passage of time in reality. As Stan Lee eloquently expressed in a 1996 issue of “Bullpen Bulletin” (via tedagame.com):

“The beauty of our method is that we can keep our characters ageless – yet let them live, love, and fight the never-ending battle against evil in an ever-changing world.

Essentially, Marvel has a unique approach to ensure that The Punisher doesn’t age into an elderly man donning a skull emblem and mercilessly gutting criminals (a scenario that wouldn’t halt Frank Castle’s vigilante actions).

Remarkably, it’s worth mentioning that during the initial seven years of the Fantastic Four’s comic book journey, stories unfolded as if happening in real life because the concept of Marvel Time had not been established at that point.

In relation to “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” movie, the synchronization with the actual release dates of specific comic books, combined with the concept known as Marvel Time, enhances the film’s realism and appeal.

The eagerly anticipated Marvel Studios film titled “The Fantastic Four: First Steps“, directed by Matt Shakman, makes its way to theaters on July 26th (Friday). In this production, Pedro Pascal portrays Reed Richards, Vanessa Kirby embodies Sue Storm, Ebon Moss-Bachrach takes on the role of Ben Grimm, and Joseph Quinn plays Johnny Storm.

The actors Julia Garner, Ralph Ineson, Natasha Lyonne, and Paul Walter Hauser form part of the group of secondary characters. Matthew Wood lends his voice to HERBIE.

I’d like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to A Bit of Everything, whose extensive research and well-organized timelines presented in the video were particularly helpful.

I want to express my gratitude to A Bit of Everything for the comprehensive investigation and clear timeline breakdown that he provided in his video.

Lastly, another option:

Many thanks go out to A Bit of Everything for his thorough research and well-structured explanation of events over time, as presented in his video.

Could the MCU’s Fantastic Four Movie Match up to Marvel Comics in Other Spots?

It remains uncertain whether future comic book stories will correspond with the plot of the Fantastic Four film, as Marvel Studios tends to keep their plans secretive, and they have yet to provide details about the movie’s storyline.

To get the most accurate information, fans should make it a point to attend the cinema during the last full week of July when the movie “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” is being screened. That’s where they can witness the film stretching, colliding, setting fireballs, and manifesting visually before their very eyes, captivating the audience as a whole.

In the MCU, they often deviate from their original sources when creating stories. Therefore, the pairings in “First Steps” that are based on existing comics might be the only instances where they utilize creative liberties.

Fear not, fellow fans! Here comes the Fantastic Four, ready to thrill you with their extraordinary adventures in the classic Marvel fashion!

‘Nuff said.

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2025-07-01 21:35