In the Marvel Universe, the lines between science fiction and the supernatural often blur in extraordinary ways.
At the center of these intersections is Mister Fantastic, the ultimate man of science. Reed Richards, whose worldview is firmly grounded in logic and scientific reasoning, has frequently found himself confronting magical phenomena that defy conventional understanding.
Despite his scientific approach, Reed has had to acknowledge, at least tacitly, that some things are beyond explanation.
Here’s a look at the key moments when Mister Fantastic faced the supernatural, and how he responded to events that challenged his extensive scientific expertise.
The Fantastic Four Save Galactus
Whenever Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds, appears, it’s a call for all hands on deck.
The Fantastic Four have repeatedly faced off against Galactus, using wit, strength, and even negotiation to save Earth.
In FANTASTIC FOUR (1961) #243, they received unexpected help from Doctor Strange, who used a spell that struck Galactus with the souls he had consumed over the eons.
Galactus collapsed, barely surviving the supernatural attack. Reed, however, was not impressed by the magical intervention. Instead, he focused on the necessity of Galactus’ existence in the universe and ultimately revived the weakened entity to maintain cosmic balance.
Reed Meets Ghost Rider
In FANTASTIC FOUR (1961) #348, when the original team was believed dead, a new Fantastic Four stepped in, consisting of Spider-Man, Hulk, Wolverine, and Ghost Rider Danny Ketch.
The original team, having been kidnapped by Skrulls, eventually reunited with their replacements. Amidst the chaos, Reed recognized Ghost Rider’s mystical powers and relied on Danny’s abilities to neutralize a magically protected bomb.
Though Reed remains uncomfortable with magic, this instance shows his acknowledgment of its utility, especially when science fails to provide a solution.
Doctor Doom's Magical Revenge
Reed’s rivalry with Doctor Doom reached new heights in FANTASTIC FOUR (1998) #500, when Doom captured the Fantastic Four and trapped Reed’s son Franklin in Hell.
Doom, confident in his superiority, left Reed with a library of arcane knowledge, doubting that Mister Fantastic could master it.
Desperate, Reed sought help from Doctor Strange, who taught him that magic cannot be approached like science. Reed’s eventual acceptance of his limitations allowed him to harness magic, defeat Doom, and rescue his son. However, the encounter left Reed physically and emotionally scarred.
The Fantastic Four Meet Their Creator
After losing his best friend, Ben Grimm, Reed ventured into the afterlife to bring him back. In FANTASTIC FOUR (1999) #511, the team encountered sword-wielding angels and even met God, who resembled the characters’ co-creator Jack Kirby.
God healed Reed’s injuries and sent the team back to Earth, marking a profound experience that blended the supernatural with the deeply personal.
The Thing is Possessed by an Asgardian Demigod
In the crossover event FEAR ITSELF (2011), the Serpent, Odin’s evil brother, unleashed chaos on Earth, with his powers transforming the Thing into a monstrous version of himself.
The corrupted Thing attacked his friends, leaving Reed and Sue overwhelmed. Although Franklin Richards eventually restored Ben, the incident was a traumatic reminder of the overwhelming power of Asgardian magic.
Mister Fantastic Enters Wakanda’s City of the Dead
Reed’s bond with T’Challa, the Black Panther, took him to Wakanda’s Necropolis, a sacred city of the dead.
In this journey, Reed and T’Challa faced Bast, Wakanda’s patron deity, who accepted Reed as T’Challa’s eternal companion in trials.
Despite his uncertainty about the supernatural, Reed’s loyalty to his friend remained steadfast, cementing their bond.
The Rise of a New Frightful Four
The Frightful Four, long-time enemies of the Fantastic Four, took a new approach in FANTASTIC FOUR (2014) #10, blending science with magic.
The Wizard, aware of Reed’s weaknesses against the supernatural, recruited members from the magical villain group Salem’s Seven. The attack nearly succeeded, but Scarlet Witch’s intervention saved Reed.
In the aftermath, Reed confessed to Wanda Maximoff that he was still ignorant of magic’s true nature, which eluded his scientific understanding.
Reed Witnesses the Power of Mjolnir
In the EMPYRE (2020) event, Reed found himself awestruck by the sheer power of Thor’s Mjolnir.
As the Avengers and Fantastic Four faced an interstellar invasion, Thor’s clash with Hulking—who blocked Mjolnir with a cosmic sword—left Reed visibly amazed by the collision of magic and science, highlighting the limitations of his scientific perspective.
Blood Hunt and the Vampire Problem
In BLOOD HUNT (2024) #1, when vampires plunged the Earth into eternal night, Reed was initially hesitant to accept the supernatural threat.
However, once the reality set in, he employed scientific strategies, creating ultraviolet lights to repel the vampires and working on a cure for vampirism.
Yet, even with his scientific brilliance, Reed will face a formidable challenge from the relentless vampire army.
For more on Mister Fantastic’s latest magical challenge, check out BLOOD HUNT #1, now available on Marvel Unlimited!
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