Fantastic Four

When Reality Appeals: The Unique realism of Fantastic Four

The Stan Lee- Jack Kirby tandem created their very first superhero team series in 1961. Fantastic Four helped in putting a much needed realism in the crime fighting genre. It is one of the most popular, and breakout stars of Marvel Comics that transformed them from a small publishing outfit to a big conglomerate.

The story circles around a team of 4 scientists/ explorers who were on a space mission and were hit by a massive cosmic ray that transformed their genetic structure, giving them capabilities beyond human. The leader of the group is Mr. Fantastic that can stretch his body to extreme extent. Invisible woman can become invisible and create force fields. The next one is The Torch whose body can transform into flame. Lastly, there is Thing whose drastic transformation changed his body into a stone like quality.

A move towards reality

Ever since its conception of Fantastic Four in 1961, it has been that their relationships were quite dysfunctional and it really gives a human element and conflict in the series. This attitude towards each other has broken down other archetypes where there was so much convenience between the characters; they tend shy away and become approachable, lacking that sense of individuality. Or course, this is not just the conflict that people can expect from the series. Their arch-nemesis is Doctor Doom as well as the Silver Surfer, Galactus and Namor.

Throughout the years, Fantastic Four has achieved quite a status and it has been transformed into the big screen. The first one is the low budget film in 1990 and the next one was in 2005. The most recent film was in 2007 entitled Fantastic Four, Rise of the Silver Surfer. They are very unique since the element of realism is very apparent, they do not conceal themselves with alter egos and they also have personal and professional issues to manage.