It’s easy to get swept up in the sheer spectacle of a new Marvel movie, especially when it’s the long-awaited debut of the Fantastic Four. But sometimes, the real magic lies in the details, the little nods and winks that connect the on-screen action to decades of comic book history. And with Fantastic Four: First Steps, set in the charmingly retro-futuristic Earth-828, the filmmakers have packed in a surprising number of these gems.
Right from the get-go, the film throws us into a montage on the Ted Gilbert Show, where the iconic foursome's origin story is being recounted. This isn't just exposition; it's a treasure trove of villainous introductions. We get a direct look at Mole Man, a character who plays a significant role in the movie itself. For those who want to dive even deeper into his early clashes with the FF, there’s a comic book tie-in that explores those events further.
Then there's the Red Ghost, voiced by the inimitable John Malkovich. While Malkovich's physical presence was ultimately cut from the final film, his presence is felt through his notorious super apes. One of them, Peotr the orangutan, actually makes it into the movie. It’s a fascinating deep cut, referencing the original Fantastic Four #13 where the Red Ghost, Ivan Kragoff, a Soviet scientist, attempted to replicate the cosmic rays that empowered the FF, but with his simian companions. Peotr gained the ability to manipulate magnetic fields, while others like Mikhlo the gorilla became super-strong, and Igor the baboon could shapeshift. And for a delightful callback, the Red Ghost and his apes appear in animated form during the end credits, serving as the intro to an in-universe Fantastic Four animated series.
Another villain name-dropped is the Mad Thinker, a classic rival to Reed Richards known for his formidable intellect. While we don't see him in person in First Steps, his mention harks back to his debut in Fantastic Four #15, a testament to the film's commitment to honoring the FF's rich rogues' gallery.
But the references don't stop there. The montage also features the Fantastic Four battling Giganto, the colossal green monster. This scene is a near-perfect recreation of the cover of the very first Fantastic Four comic book, Fantastic Four #1. Giganto, a creature often controlled by Mole Man, also has a surprising lineage, being a creation of the Deviants, the ancient enemies of the Eternals. It’s a subtle hint that perhaps, just perhaps, other corners of the Marvel universe might be closer than we think.
These aren't just random inclusions; they're carefully placed breadcrumbs for dedicated fans, weaving a tapestry of Marvel lore into the fabric of this new iteration of the Fantastic Four. It’s a reminder that even in a universe separate from Earth-616, the echoes of past adventures and future possibilities resonate.
