Vanessa Kirby stepping into the jumpsuit and white boots ofSue StorminFantastic Four: First Stepsoffers the Marvel Cinematic Universe a golden opportunity. To truly honor the character and make The Fantastic Four proud, the film has to present a Sue who is beyond her early, somewhat constrained comic book portrayal.
Sue Storm, initially dubbed the “Invisible Girl,”began her comic book journey inFantastic Four #1(1961), created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, with her powers oftendepicted as more of a hindrance than a strategic asset.
Her character arc in these early issues sometimes places her in a supporting role, frequently overshadowed by her more overtly powerful male teammates.However, over the decades, particularly under writers such as Mark Waid, John Byrne, and Mike Wieringo,Sue evolved dramatically, blossoming into the formidable and strategically brilliant Invisible Woman, a leader in her own right.
The Era Of The “Invisible Girl” Must Remain In The Past
Despite The 1960s Setting For The Film, Sue Has Evolved Beyond The 60s Writing Tropes
The MCU’sFantastic Four: First Stepsshould not waste any time rehashing Sue’s initial struggles with her invisibility or her journey to self-acceptance as a hero. That story has been told and re-told.Modern audiences, and indeed the character herself, deserve a more advanced starting point.We don’t need to see Sue accidentally turning invisible at inopportune moments or grappling with the basic utility of her powers. Instead, the film needs to present her as a fully capable, confident individual from the outset, already possessing a mastery of her abilities and an understanding of her crucial role within the team.
During John Byrne’s influential run, particularly inFantastic Four#266 (1984),Sue Storm demonstrates her evolving scientific brilliance and a deeper understanding of her powers.Instead of simply relying on brute force or simple invisibility, she ingeniously manipulates her force fields and invisibility to create a complex illusion and disorient her opponent. She uses her power to bend light not just to become invisible, but to refract and distort Psycho-Man’s perception of reality, making him see things that aren’t there and causing him to question his own sanity.
This isn’t just a power-based tactic; it’s a brilliant application of scientific principles that shows her capacity for creative problem-solving beyond what was expected of her in earlier comics. This strategic and scientific use of her powers marked a significant shift in how Sue was portrayed, showcasing her as a formidable force with a keen mind, not just a hero with a singular, simple ability.Fantastic Four: First StepsneedsthatSue Storm;the one already proficient with her ability, constructing intricate force fields, manipulating kinetic energy with precision, or even dampening sound waves, showcasing the true potential of her abilities beyond mere invisibility.
Sue Storm Needs To Be The Strategic And Emotional Anchor Of The Fantastic Four
While Reed Richards Is Famous For His Intelligence, Sue Shines Just As Brightly
To truly make The Fantastic Four proud,Fantastic Four: First Stepsmust firmly establish Sue Storm as the indispensable strategic and emotional core of the team.While Reed Richards is lauded as the brains, Sue is the often-unsung genius who understands the nuances of battlefield control and psychological warfare. Her force fields are not just defensive barriers; in the hands of a skilled Sue, they become offensive weapons, containment units, platforms, and even tools for manipulating the environment. Sue could actively orchestrate team movements, identify enemy weaknesses, and use her powers in ways that are both creative and devastatingly effective.
While Reed Richards is lauded as the brains, Sue is the often-unsung genius who understands the nuances of battlefield control and psychological warfare.
Sue is also the emotional glue that holds the often-dysfunctional Fantastic Four together.Her leadership is subtly but powerfully demonstrated through her ability to rally the team, inspire confidence, and make difficult decisions under pressure.This isn’t about giving her a token leadership moment; it’s about showcasing her inherent capacity to guide, protect, and unite her family,making her not just a member of The Fantastic Four, but an integral part of what makes them truly fantastic. By doing so,Fantastic Four: First Stepscan ensure Vanessa Kirby’sSue Stormis the powerful, respected, and inspirational hero fans have long known she can be.
