WARNING! This issue contains spoilers forThe Fantastic Four: First Steps#1
Stan Lee’s cameo appearances were a beloved staple of Marvel movies and a delightful nod to the legendary creator. With his passing, the void of those surprise appearances is keenly felt by fans worldwide. With the upcoming release of the highly anticipatedThe Fantastic Four: First Stepsfilm, a new comic is paving the way to keep Stan Lee’s legacy alive.
While a direct cameo may no longer be possible,Marvel is finding new and meaningful ways to honor everything Lee created.
InThe Fantastic Four: First Step #1, written by Matt Fraction with art by Mark Buckingham, subtle yet significant tributes are woven into the story, promising something arguably even better than a fleeting glimpse: a permanent, embedded shout-out to the man who built the Marvel Universe.
The Excelsior Continues To Soar
The Fantastic Four: First Steps #1, Written By Matt Fraction With Art By Mark Buckingham
One of the most heartwarming details revealed inThe Fantastic Four: First Steps#1is the name of the ship that carried Marvel’s First Family into space for their first and fateful journey:The Excelsior.This isn’t just any name; it’s Stan Lee’s iconic catchphrase, a word he famously used to sign off his columns and interviews, embodying his spirit of pushing forward and reaching for greater heights. It’s a powerful, constant reminder of his enduring influence.
The issue also introduces “Rocket City, USA,” a vibrant hub dedicated to scientific advancements that are inherently linked to Reed Richards and the entire team. It’s a place where “the Earth’s brightest and best gather to share ideas” and those ideas are brought into realitythrough the genius of inventors. This concept of Rocket City perfectly echoesLee’s own vision of Marvel Comics as a collaborative space where imaginative ideas were brought to life and shared with millions.
In A Way, Stan Lee Is Still Watching Over Marvel’s First Family
Excelsior!
The Fantastic Four: First Steps#1touches upon a “State-of-the-Art Cosmic Radiation Monitor;” the area in which Reed, Sue, Ben, and Johnny were monitored after they gained their powers. This subtle detail alludes to the scientific origins of The Fantastic Four’s powers and the meticulous nature of their creation,much like Lee’s careful crafting of these beloved characters and their world-altering powers.
Reed Richards is the “smartest guy in the world, but he hasn’t figured out he can’t control everything.”
The characters note that their self-quarantine allows them time to learn more about their life-altering powers faraway from the public, where they could possibly be a danger to society.This adds a layer of depth to the heart and soul of the team; their choices resonate with the idea of adapting to change, which is a theme often explored byLee in his characters' journeysas they grapple with newfound abilities.
Finally, Ben Grimm’s candid remark that Reed Richards is the “smartest guy in the world, but he hasn’t figured out he can’t control everything,” offers a classic touch of humor and humility. It’s a very “Stan Lee” kind of observation, highlighting the human element and imperfections even in the most brilliant minds, a hallmark of the grounded, relatable heroes he helped create, just likeThe Fantastic Four.
