Marvel's upcoming reboot is shrouded in mystery—but the comics it's drawing from might not be.
We're just months away from The Fantastic Four: First Steps hitting theaters, and Marvel Studios is playing its cards close to the chest. The trailer gave us retro-futuristic aesthetics, a star-studded cast, and the looming threat of Galactus—but what's the actual story? While we won't know for sure until July, the comics provide some major clues.
As someone who's spent more time in the Marvel archives than is probably healthy, I'm ready to make some predictions. Based on the characters confirmed (hello, Silver Surfer) and the period-piece vibe, here are the comic stories that likely served as inspiration for Marvel's fresh take on the First Family.
The Prime Suspect: Fantastic Four: Life Story
Written by Mark Russell, Art by Sean Izaakse, Francesco Manna, and others
If I had to bet on one comic shaping First Steps, it's this 2021 miniseries. Life Story reinvents the FF's origin by grounding it in real-world history—starting in the 1960s and progressing decade by decade. No sliding timeline, no eternal youth—just Reed, Sue, Ben, and Johnny aging, evolving, and facing the consequences of their choices.
Why It Fits:
- Galactus Connection: The series introduces a psychic link between Reed and Galactus from the very beginning—perfect for a movie that needs to establish both the team and its greatest threat.
- Period Authenticity: The retro-futuristic aesthetic in the trailer aligns with Life Story's Cold War-era sci-fi tone.
- Emotional Weight: This isn't just another origin retread; it's a story about legacy, family, and time.
How to Read It:
- Best Experience: The hardcover collection (for full art appreciation).
- Budget-Friendly: Marvel Unlimited ($9.99/month for digital access).
The Wild Cards: Other Possible Influences
- Fantastic Four #48-50 ("The Galactus Trilogy")
The OG Galactus story—but given the modern approach of First Steps, it's more likely serving as a loose framework than a direct adaptation.
- Ultimate Fantastic Four
A modernized, sci-fi-heavy take on the team's origin. If the movie leans into the "first steps" metaphor (scientific discovery meets superheroics), this could be a touchstone.
- Hickman's Fantastic Four Run
Less likely for an origin story, but if the film teases future cosmic stakes (Incursions, multiversal threats), this era's world-building could be in play.
The Malkovich Mystery
The biggest question mark? John Malkovich's role.
- Best Guess: A morally ambiguous government figure (a la Life Story's take on Henry Kissinger).
- Dark Horse Pick: The real Puppet Master (not the watered-down versions).
Final Prediction
First Steps won't be a straight adaptation—but Life Story is the Rosetta Stone for decoding its approach. If the movie nails the balance of period drama, cosmic awe, and family dynamics, it could be something special.