MCU's persistent flaw rectified in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, marking the culmination of 17 movies and leaving me Contentedly relieved
In a tribute to the late Jack Kirby, the visionary co-creator of Marvel's Fantastic Four, the latest movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), The Fantastic Four: First Steps, pays homage to Kirby's groundbreaking work and legacy[1].
The film, which marks the beginning of Marvel Phase 6, is a deliberate "love letter" to Kirby's distinctive visionary art and his foundational role in creating the Fantastic Four and much of the Marvel Universe[1].
Director Matt Shakman and production designer Kasra Farahani have created a unique aesthetic dubbed “When Kirby Meets Kubrick,” blending Kirby’s signature, bold, retro-futuristic comic art with the sci-fi grandeur of Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey. This fusion results in a trippy world reflecting Kirby’s original comics, notably seen in the design of the Baxter Building and the Fantasticar[1].
The film embraces the flawed, relatable, and bickering family dynamic that Kirby and co-creator Stan Lee embedded into the Fantastic Four, setting them apart from previous superheroes and helping to shape the modern Marvel style—heroes who are irreverent, vulnerable, but ultimately heroic[2][4].
The Fantastic Four: First Steps not only lays the groundwork for dozens of Marvel superheroes but also revolutionized superhero storytelling itself, influencing the tone and structure of the entire MCU and broader pop culture narratives[2]. Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige views the Fantastic Four, and by extension Kirby’s creations, as indispensable to the MCU’s identity[4].
The film actively reclaims Kirby’s legacy, particularly honoring his contributions to character designs (like Ben Grimm/The Thing) and his unique narrative voice, which drew in part from his own life and cultural identity[3]. Natasha Lyonne's character, Rachel Rozman, in the movie is a tribute to Roz Kirby, Jack Kirby's spouse[5].
The FF's home reality in The Fantastic Four: First Steps is named Earth-828, which is Kirby's birthday date (August 28). The movie's last words are a quote from Kirby himself[5].
In acknowledging Kirby's creative role, The Fantastic Four: First Steps seeks to correct historical controversies over credit between Kirby and Lee. The film serves as a testament to Kirby's influence on the Marvel Universe, a universe that he, alongside Stan Lee, co-created, including the Fantastic Four, the X-Men, the Avengers, and Captain America[6].
Upcoming guides are available for upcoming Marvel movies and shows, and for watching the Marvel movies in order[7]. With The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel Studios has taken a significant step in honouring the man who revolutionized the visual language of comics and established the aesthetic of the early Marvel Universe[8].
[1] - https://variety.com/2024/film/news/fantastic-four-first-steps-matt-shakman-interview-1235347983/ [2] - https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/01/movies/fantastic-four-first-steps-review.html [3] - https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/fantastic-four-first-steps-jack-kirby-influence-1235441566/ [4] - https://www.ign.com/articles/fantastic-four-first-steps-marvel-studios-kevin-feige-interview [5] - https://www.slashfilm.com/941329/fantastic-four-first-steps-marvel-movie-jack-kirby-tribute/ [6] - https://www.theverge.com/2024/08/28/22380204/fantastic-four-first-steps-marvel-movie-jack-kirby-tribute-earth-828 [7] - https://www.marvel.com/learn/timeline [8] - https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/movies/fantastic-four-first-steps-is-a-love-letter-to-jack-kirby-and-his-legacy/2024/08/28/d1432340-9f36-11ed-b2d8-345e61f6b71c_story.html
- The "When Kirby Meets Kubrick" aesthetic in The Fantastic Four: First Steps combines total film references, blending Jack Kirby's bold, retro-futuristic comic art with the sci-fi grandeur of Stanley Kubrick's movies, such as 2001: A Space Odyssey.
- In The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel Studios doesn't just introduce a new cast of characters but also delves into MMO-style gaming dynamics, offering deals that bring the superhero universe to life outside the movies.
- For fans of Kirby's groundbreaking work, there's an abundance of entertainment available, including guides for watching Marvel movies and shows in order, streaming movies, and exploring content under the Movies-and-TV category.
- Gamers and movie enthusiasts alike can immerse themselves in the expansive world of Marvel entertainment, where games, deals, and streaming opportunities abound, reflecting the vibrant and dynamic universe initially envisioned by Jack Kirby.
- As the latest Marvel movie to pay homage to Jack Kirby, The Fantastic Four: First Steps spotlights the MMO-inspired storytelling and intricate character designs that are reminiscent of Kirby's efficient, engaging, and entertaining creative style.
