The way that the Marvel reboot for the Ultimate Fantastic Four has caused some stir in the comic book community is nothing new, and it appears from a recent interview with Executive Producer Grant Curtis that Sue Storm-the Invisible Woman-will be the leader for the ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps’ team. Yes, people do have thoughts about that.
“If you do go back through the comics, you realize that Sue Storm is arguably the leader of the Fantastic Four, because without someone like Sue Storm, everything falls apart,” Curtis told that frank interviewer. While it might have sounded like a pretty strong statement to some, for any longtime comic reader there is at least some so-called truth behind it. Lead roles in the comics have been taken on by Sue for some time, especially of late. But that isn’t something everyone is happy about.
Well, the reaction on Twitter was actually mixed, to say the least, with some fans agreeing that Sue has been the backbone since generations. “Sue at least since the Byrne era has always been a leader. She is the head of the FF in the exact same way most Moms run the family,” one user named @AlphaTalking tweeted. The other side was less sure. “@cosmic_marvel Ah, Sue Storm was always the leader… Sure,” another user named @MadridOld replied with a sarcastic GIF.
Arguments erupted. Some fans were insisting on the notion of Mr. Fantastic always being the leader, “The way it’s always been.” And then the ones opposing would come back with receipts-release actual comic panels with Sue in command. “@Th3birdman15 @Dontfeedthecrz @cosmic_marvel It’s like, no one denies Mr. Fantastic was the original leader, but now in some recent entries Sue is,” comments @Cinemabu11. “And there is literally nothing wrong with that.”
And, of course, being the internet, things only heated up from there. Alleging Marvel pushing a woke agenda, one side began with sarcastic remarks: “Define woke, slop, and girl boss, I’d bet a lot of money you don’t know what it means,” said another Twitter user.
But that’s the key—whether you love it or hate it, this isn’t some random Hollywood-inflicted change: Sue Storm has been leading the Fantastic Four for some time now in the comics. And it actually makes sense. I mean, her powers are insane (invisibility AND force fields?), she is the heart and soul of the group, and, well… Reed’s genius doesn’t necessarily translate to practical leadership. The guy gets lost in his own head half the time.
Some air probably won’t hurt for a team that’s been about since the 60’s, right? And given Marvel’s track record for stirring the pot (hello, female Thor), it certainly shouldn’t be that big of a shock that they chose to spotlight Sue via a little twist. The verdict on whether that was a good idea or not will be left in the hands of moviegoers once the movie hits cinemas. Until then, nobody is going to sit quietly and just let it slide. In fact, the arguing is going to continue well past the movie’s release.
Meanwhile, if you want to see Sue’s leadership on the comics, you layer that with Jonathan Hickman’s Fantastic Four or any recent arcs—and that might change some minds-or at least give you the ammunition for the next Twitter debate.
