In the ever-evolving world of Marvel storytelling, the Fantastic Four—often hailed as the publisher’s “First Family”—is undergoing a notable transformation. With the relaunch of the Fantastic Four comic series and the impending release of the MCU’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman, is stepping into a more prominent role as leader of the team.
Sue Storm in The Fantastic Four: First Steps – YouTube, Marvel Entertainment
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This development has sparked discussions among fans about character dynamics, fidelity to source material, and the direction of Marvel’s narratives. As the comic hits shelves and the film approaches its July 25th premiere, here’s a closer look at these changes and the context surrounding them.
Sue Storm’s Rise to Fantastic Four Leader in the Comics
Marvel Comics recently launched Fantastic Four #1, written by Ryan North and illustrated by Humberto Ramos, marking a fresh start for the team following the events of previous arcs.
The issue opens in a dystopian future where Doctor Doom has conquered Earth, setting a high-stakes backdrop for the team’s reunion and battles. Amid this crisis, Sue Storm declares, “I lead the team,” positioning herself as the strategic and emotional core of the group.
Sue Storm and Reed Richards in The Fantastic Four: First Steps – YouTube, Marvel Entertainment
Historically, Reed Richards, aka Mister Fantastic, has been the leader since the team’s debut in 1961 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. Reed’s scientific genius often drives the plots, with Sue, Johnny, and Ben providing support.
While Sue has occasionally stepped up in past comics—such as during John Byrne’s 1980s run or in Reed’s absences—this explicit shift has been criticized by some as abrupt and influenced by the upcoming film. There were also later stories where she led the team in Reed’s absence.
The cast of Fantastic Four: First Steps – YouTube, Marvel Entertainment
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Critics argue that Reed’s demotion feels “off-panel” and forced, potentially sidelining his scientific prowess in favor of Sue’s emotional and tactical strengths.
In Fantastic Four #1, Sue Storm suddenly calls herself the leader. Not because it fits the story — but because the movie’s coming.
Reed got demoted off-panel and the plot got boxed in by a force field… along with logic and canon. pic.twitter.com/KYCd8U1Q1v
— Thinking Critical (@Wes_from_TC) July 10, 2025
Online discussions, including on Reddit, highlight concerns that this change prioritizes modern narratives over established canon, while feeding into Marvel’s “girlboss” obsession. Defenders point to Sue’s historical moments of command, but the timing—mere weeks before the MCU debut—has fueled speculation of corporate ideological synergy over organic storytelling.
Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer in The Fantastic Four: First Steps – YouTube, Marvel Entertainment
The issue emphasizes Sue’s force fields and resilience, portraying her as the “central strategic mind” against Doom’s tyranny. However, this has not quelled backlash, with some X users lamenting Reed’s reduced status as inconsistent with decades of lore.
Ties to the MCU’s The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Directed by Matt Shakman, The Fantastic Four: First Steps stars Vanessa Kirby as Sue Storm and Pedro Pascal as Reed Richards, set in a retro-futuristic 1960s world.
Shakman has described Sue as “the most emotionally intelligent person on the planet,” complementing Reed’s scientific intellect and positioning her as key to building an “idealistic society.”
The Thing and Herbie the Robot in Fantastic Four: First Steps – YouTube, Marvel Entertainment
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Executive producer Grant Curtis amplified this rhetoric, stating, “Sue Storm is arguably the leader of the Fantastic Four, because without Sue Storm, everything falls apart.”
Pascal has expressed enthusiasm for being “led by powerful women,” while Kirby has pushed back against portrayals of Sue as sidelined, mocking earlier comic depictions.
Galactus in Fantastic Four: First Steps – YouTube, Marvel Entertainment
These comments have drawn ire from fans who view them as diminishing Reed’s traditional leadership, with some calling it a “woke” overhaul.
They can’t help themselves, can they?
Reed Richard’s is no longer the leader of the Fantastic Four, and Sue Storm is basically God. https://t.co/bQXtGMbGyp
— Matthew Marsden (@matthewdmarsden) May 31, 2025
Trailers show Sue prominently, but reports of her pregnancy subplot have raised questions about how it impacts team dynamics.
The Controversial Female Silver Surfer: A Deep Cut or Unnecessary Swap?
Compounding the debate is the casting of Julia Garner as Shalla-Bal, a female version of the Silver Surfer and love interest to the original Norrin Radd in the comics.
Silver Surfer from Fantastic Four First Steps (2025); Screenshot
While Shalla-Bal has wielded the Power Cosmic in obscure storylines, the choice to feature her as Galactus’ herald instead of Norrin has been labeled a “gender swap” by detractors, sparking significant backlash.
A panel from Silver Surfer #1 (1968), Marvel Comics
Garner addressed the criticism, stating she was initially “confused” but focused on doing her job, emphasizing it’s “Shalla-Bal, so it’s different.” Despite this, online reactions have been harsh, with videos and posts roasting the design and accusing Marvel of prioritizing “gender politics” over fan expectations.
Fan Backlash and Divided Opinions
These changes have polarized the community. On X and forums, detractors decry the moves as part of a post-Endgame trend of “empowering women” at the expense of male characters, with terms like “M-SHE-U.”
Supporters argue Sue’s elevation draws from comics where she’s proven essential, and they claim Shalla-Bal is a legitimate variant.
The Human Torch in Fantastic Four: First Steps – YouTube, Marvel Entertainment
Pascal has confronted casting backlash, while Kirby’s comments on Sue’s pregnancy and leadership have added fuel. As the film approaches, the discourse shows broader tensions in Marvel’s storytelling evolution. Whether these shifts revitalize the First Family or alienate longtime fans will be evident upon release.
How do you feel about Sue Storm as the leader of the Fantastic Four? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
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This is done to have a fresh “It’s in the comics!” excuse for the backlash. To hell with this abortion of a movie.
This is going to bomb. Bad.
Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee Blammo!
All she does is get invisible :). Shouldn’t her leadership prospects be limited by a glass ceiling? Think so.
They just keep shooting themselves in the foot.
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