Warning: Spoilers for Fantastic Four #32!
In a stunning turn of events, Marvel has initiated a radical transformation for The Fantastic Four. Under the reign of Doctor Doom as Sorcerer Supreme, he has exercised his authority to reverse The Thing’s transformation, reverting him back to his human form. This loss of power has cascading effects, leading to a gradual weakening of the entire Fantastic Four team. In a desperate bid to restore their abilities, they attempt to recreate the incident that granted them their powers by traveling to an alternate universe; however, their plan quickly goes awry.
The fallout from the previous issue’s actions is vividly illustrated in Fantastic Four #32, penned by Ryan North with illustrations by Cory Smith. As detailed in Fantastic Four #31, Ben Grimm altered their coordinates, transporting the team to Earth-616’s past and inadvertently absorbing the cosmic rays linked to their origin. The chilling consequence? This act nearly wipes The Fantastic Four from existence.
Before the release on May 21, readers can glimpse a preview of Fantastic Four #32, showcasing the stunning cover art by Joshua Cassara and Dean White:
In a dramatic turn, The Fantastic Four and their children face annihilation, yet they are not completely obliterated: they awaken in new forms.
The Fantastic Four Are Killed and Reborn in New Bodies
Fantastic Four #32 by Ryan North, Cory Smith, Wayne Faucher, Oren Junior, Jesus Aburtov, and VC’s Joe Caramagna
In the preview, Sue Storm puts forth significant effort using her formidable force field to shield her children, Valeria and Franklin, yet even her powers prove insufficient. They, along with the rest of The Fantastic Four, dissipate into oblivion. Miraculously, Valeria survives by a twist of fate and awakens in a different body. In this alternate reality, the iconic Fantastic Four never exists. Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben emerge from their space shuttle stripped of their abilities. Ben and his partner, Alicia, find themselves alone, living in the countryside and without children.
Meanwhile, Reed and Sue maintain their marriage but lose their children, Valeria and Franklin. Instead, they welcome Mary and another Franklin—not the same mutant superhero but rather namesakes of their grandparents. Valeria’s name, which pays homage to Doctor Doom, does not carry into this new world, leaving her fate uncertain. While the ultimate destiny of the original Earth-616 version of The Fantastic Four remains unknown, it’s plausible that the remaining members find themselves in similar circumstances as Valeria, inhabiting new forms.
Is Marvel Creating a New Status Quo for The Fantastic Four?
Analyzing the Permanence of These Changes for The Fantastic Four
As The Fantastic Four gear up for their forthcoming cinematic project, First Steps, it’s improbable that Marvel will allow these new identities and forms to persist for long. However, a more significant shift in their dynamism could emerge, perhaps positioning them in a fresh storyline that sees them striving to return to their original home. This narrative twist would not only provide exciting new challenges but wouldn’t obstruct Marvel’s plans for its first family within the MCU, allowing The Fantastic Four to explore innovative narratives and character developments.
Mark your calendars: Fantastic Four #32 is set to hit the shelves on May 21.