The Fantastic Four: First Steps is getting a Comic Book Prequel

Could this be the start of something new?

fantsticfourfirststeps2025 cover cropped scaled — Image Credit: Marvel — Art by Phil Noto

Written by

Sora Alfheim

3 minute read

Apr 26, 2025 12:37 AM

Apr 28, 2025 12:56 AM

It’s already well known that Marvel Studios’ upcoming movie The Fantastic Four: First Steps will skip the origin story of its main characters and introduce them as already established superheroes within their world. Making the story of how they got their powers a bit of a mystery this time.

But that might not be a mystery for long as Marvel has announced that they’re releasing a new comic book. A standalone issue simply titled The Fantastic Four: First Steps #1.

The comic is written by Matt Fraction and illustrated by Mark Buckingham and will serve as a prequel set 4 years before the events of the film, which will recount the team’s debut adventure.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps #1

This is Marvel’s official description for the upcoming comic book:

It’s the moment that changed the world–-presented in the most brilliant medium there is! FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS #1 is certain to be a must-have item, both for those who have looked up to this super team since they made themselves known those who might be unaware of the history behind Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch and The Thing’s incredible rise to global stardom!

Four years ago, the world was transformed as an amazing cosmic-powered quartet revealed themselves and their astonishing abilities to the public! Since that time, they have become world-famous as the Fantastic Four! Now, to celebrate that anniversary, Marvel Comics recounts their very first exploit that saved our city from near destruction!

In a public statement, Matt Fraction said: “What an honor to be asked to help celebrate the fourth anniversary of the Fantastic Four!”

“It was a thrill to bring their first legendary adventure to the world of comic books for the first time! It’s a story we all know by heart, but I think Magic Mark Buckingham and I have found a way to tell it as you’ve never heard or seen before — and who knows, this could be the start of something big!”

The end of that statement could be a hint that Marvel is planning more comic book spin-offs set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Maybe we’ll get a Tom Holland’s Peter Parker / Spider-Man origin story? One can at least hope.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps #1 is set to release on July 2. 2025, a few weeks before the movie arrives in theatres worldwide on July 25. Watch the trailer for the movie below.