It was my fault that our flight to mars failed and we nearly lost our lives when we crash-landed on earth…
Mr. Fantastic in Fantastic Four #2
First Appearance: Fantastic Four #1 (1961)
Affiliation: Founding member of the Fantastic Four
Powers: Remarkable elasticity, allowing him to stretch and reshape his body at will
From the very start in Fantastic Four #1, Reed Richards—Mr. Fantastic—stands at the heart of the team. It is his vision, scientific brilliance, and daring space flight that led the future Fantastic Four into the cosmic-ray encounter that gave them their powers. As the group’s intellectual center, Reed often serves as both inventor and strategist, devising solutions to seemingly impossible challenges. His elastic abilities, while physically striking, mainly serve to supplement his far greater strength: an unmatched scientific genius.
Throughout these early adventures leading into 1965, Reed employs his flexible form creatively, but his leadership is defined more by insight and resourcefulness than raw might. Whether confronting the Mole Man’s subterranean monsters, Doctor Doom’s diabolical schemes, or cosmic threats well beyond human understanding, Mr. Fantastic’s calm, analytical approach guides the team through danger after danger. His relationship with Sue Storm, the Invisible Girl, grows more nuanced, reflecting the personal bonds that hold the team together. Meanwhile, his friendly rivalry with Ben Grimm (the Thing) and his responsibility toward Johnny Storm (the Human Torch) reveal the weight of holding a “family” together as much as a superhero team.
By the time these formative stories have concluded, Mr. Fantastic stands not just as a hero, but as a pioneering figure shaping the Marvel Universe’s exploration of unknown frontiers. His blend of intellect, adaptability, and moral leadership sets the template for a new type of superhero—one who relies as much on wits and collaboration as on any superhuman ability.
In early continuity, Reed Richards had served during World War II along with Ben Grim, a fact seen in Sgt. Fury #3 as well as in other flashbacks.
Fantastic Four #1 :First appearance, as well as his first mission and origin.
Fantastic Four #2 :Exhibits skill at hypnosis in dealing with the remaining Skrulls.
Fantastic Four #3
Fantastic Four #4
Fantastic Four #5 :College background as relates to going with Doctor Doom is revealed.
Fantastic Four #6
Fantastic Four #7
Strange Tales #101
Fantastic Four #8 :Works on a potion to cure the thing.
Strange Tales #103
Fantastic Four #9 :Bankrupts the Fantastic four with bad stock investments.
Fantastic Four #10 :is switched into Doctor Dooms body, has to convince the Fantastic Four of the truth.
Strange Tales #105
Fantastic Four #11
Fantastic Four #11 :Opens up on his feelings for Sue, depth given to his college days as well as time in the service. Tries to make Ben normal again.
Strange Tales #106
Amazing Spider-Man #1
Fantastic Four #12
Strange Tales #107
Fantastic Four #13
Fantastic Four #14
Strange Tales #109
Fantastic Four #15
Strange Tales #110
Fantastic Four Annual #1
Fantastic Four #16
Strange Tales #111
Fantastic Four #17
Avengers #1
Strange Tales #112
Sgt. Fury And His Howling Commandos #3
Fantastic Four #18
Amazing Spider-Man #5
Fantastic Four #19
Fantastic Four #20
Strange Tales #115
Fantastic Four #21
Amazing Spider-Man #8
Strange Tales #116
Fantastic Four #22
Avengers #3
Strange Tales #117
Fantastic Four #23
Strange Tales #118
Fantastic Four #24
Strange Tales #119
Fantastic Four #25
Strange Tales #120
Fantastic Four #26
Strange Tales #121
Fantastic Four #27
Daredevil #2
Fantastic Four #28
Tales Of Suspense #56
Amazing Spider-Man Annual #1
Fantastic Four #29
Fantastic Four #30
Fantastic Four Annual #2
Strange Tales #125
Fantastic Four #31
