Who Are the Fantastic Four in Marvel: Origin and Powers Explained

Fantastic Four has seen multiple adaptations. Some came in the form of animated adaptations, while others were live-action, with the first live-action adaptation released in 2005. Even though the movie generally received bad reviews, it was appreciated by a good fraction of the fanbase, but its 2007 sequel was a straight-up box office flop. The 2015 adaptation of the movie met with the same fate, and now in 2025, MCU is rebooting the Fantastic Four, releasing in July under the title of The Fantastic Four First Steps. So, if you are a bit rusty on the tale of this team, let me tell you all about who the Fantastic Four are in Marvel, their origin and powers.

What Is the Origin of the Fantastic Four?

The Fantastic Four made their debut in Marvel with The Fantastic Four #1 released in 1961. In the comics, America and the USSR are in a space race. Scientist Reed Richards, a sibling duo of Johnny and Sue Storm, and pilot Ben Grimm get on a ship and launch themselves into space to make America win the space race. However, on their ambitious mission, the four of them were bombarded with a heavy dosage of Cosmic Rays.

When they landed back on Earth, they found themselves enhanced with various superpowers. Even though they initially thought of them as a curse, they finally embraced their powers and formed a superhero team called The Fantastic Four.

What Are the Powers of the Fantastic Four?

After their exposure to Cosmic Rays, each member of the Fantastic Four got a different power. Some say that the powers they got were a reflection of their personalities, but Marvel has never confirmed this theory. So, with that being said, let’s take a look at each member of Marvel’s first family and the powers they possess.

1. Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic)

Reed Richards or Mister Fantastic, often regarded as the smartest man alive, got powers based on plasticity, which enabled him to stretch to incredible extents. He could also change the shape and form of his body, and since his body is extremely elastic, he could withstand serious impact and, in some cases, survive bullet shots. Along with his intellect and powers, Reed is also a skilled martial artist and an expert tactician, which makes him a great leader.

2. Sue Storm (The Invisible Woman)

Sue Storm is the sister of Johnny and the love interest of Mister Fantastic, and they eventually get married. She gained the power of invisibility after being exposed to cosmic rays. Since she can go invisible, thanks to the ability to control and manipulate light fields, she can also make force fields that act as a shield. She can make not only herself invisible but also anything she touches.

3. Johnny Storm (The Human Torch)

Johnny Storm is the younger brother of Sue Storm and has had the “Cool Guy” image since the very first issue of Fantastic Four comics. The cosmic rays gave him the power of pyrogenesis. Johnny can create fire from his body and set himself ablaze while also being able to control and manipulate fire generally. Since his powers are based on fire, he also uses it to create thrust, which allows him to fly as well.

4. Ben Grimm (The Thing)

Lastly, Ben Grimm had the hardest time embracing his powers since the cosmic rays turned his skin into hard rock, completely changing his physical appearance. This massive change in his appearance also caused Ben to lose his fiancé and despise his friends for quite some time before he finally accepted his new self. Grimm is incredibly strong and has a regenerative healing factor, which makes him immortal to an extent.

In the trailer for The Fantastic Four First Steps, we got to see each member of the team use their powers except for Reed Richards, so fans are waiting for another trailer to see him in action. However, I hope that I answered your question regarding The Fantastic Four, and till the movie is finally out, stay tuned with us for more!