With Vanessa Kirby as strategic and powerful Sue Storm in MCU’s Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel has a chance to redefine this iconic superhero on the big screen. The character’s evolution from her early comic book beginnings promises a portrayal that can establish Sue as both the brain and emotional heart of the famous team the moment she steps into the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
First introduced as the Invisible Girl in 1961’s Fantastic Four #1 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Sue Storm was initially depicted with powers seen more as obstacles than assets. Her early years in the comics frequently placed her in the background, especially alongside male teammates like Reed Richards, Ben Grimm, and Johnny Storm. But as decades passed, with writers such as Mark Waid, John Byrne, and Mike Wieringo developing her story, Sue Storm transformed into the formidable Invisible Woman—a leader, scientist, and innovator respected by both her peers and her audience.
Moving Beyond the Invisible Girl Era
Though the upcoming film is set during the 1960s, Fantastic Four: First Steps should break away from outdated versions of Sue characterized by uncertainty or clumsy beginnings. There is no need to revisit the phase where Sue fumbles with her invisibility or must relearn her capabilities. Audiences today expect a heroine who is confident and already fully aware of the possibilities her abilities offer. The MCU can showcase Sue Storm as a master of her powers from her first appearance, positioning her as a critical part of the Fantastic Four’s success rather than just another member finding her way.
This approach is supported by Sue’s major turning point in John Byrne’s influential run, specifically in Fantastic Four #266, when she cleverly uses her scientific understanding and control over her powers to battle complex threats. For instance, in her fight against Psycho-Man, Sue employs her force fields and light-bending abilities to create disorienting illusions, forcing her enemy to question his senses. This tactic underscores both her intelligence and her inventive combat strategies—skills she developed far beyond her original comic book incarnation.
What made this evolution significant was the focus on Sue’s sharp mind and capacity for innovation. No longer simply a superhero who could become invisible, she began wielding her powers in scientifically creative and strategic ways. As a result, future portrayals—including the MCU’s—should highlight not only her advanced force field manipulations and energy control, but also her ability to use these talents inventively, such as silencing sound or shaping the battlefield to her team’s advantage.
Sue Storm’s Role as the Team’s Strategist and Unifying Force
For Fantastic Four: First Steps to make a memorable mark, it must establish Sue Storm as the team’s irreplaceable strategist and emotional linchpin. Reed Richards (played by Pedro Pascal) is often celebrated for his intellect, yet it is Sue who frequently sees the subtleties of conflict and who excels at on-the-spot strategic decision-making. She doesn’t just construct force fields; she weaves them into offensive measures, manipulates her environment, and adapts dynamically to any threat, making her presence critical in every battle scenario.
Sue’s influence goes beyond tactics. As the invisible thread uniting the family, she offers both strength and empathy during the group’s frequent challenges. Her leadership isn’t about flashy heroics, but about her unwavering capacity to bolster her teammates—be it Ben Grimm’s resilience as The Thing, Johnny Storm’s reckless bravado as Human Torch (portrayed by Joseph Quinn), or Reed’s analytical mind. Sue provides the grounding and guidance that help the team thrive rather than simply survive.
This essential role is recognized:
“While Reed Richards is lauded as the brains, Sue is the often-unsung genius who understands the nuances of battlefield control and psychological warfare.”
—Mike Wieringo, Comic Book Writer
The film’s supporting cast further positions Sue as a vital core. Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm and Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards bring depth to the team dynamic, with Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm at its emotional and strategic center. The character’s interpersonal connections should be shown as deeply meaningful: Sue’s bond with Johnny highlights family loyalty, her partnership with Reed demonstrates mutual respect and intellectual collaboration, and her ability to rally the group defines her as its anchor.
Ultimately, audiences and fans are ready for a portrayal that does justice to everything Sue has become—a leader, inventor, strategist, and compassionate force. The MCU’s Fantastic Four: First Steps can solidify Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm as a model of power and influence, affirming why she has remained at the heart of Marvel’s first family for more than sixty years.
This approach will not only elevate the character within the highly anticipated film but also impact future comic book adaptations and audience expectations for women superheroes. With Kirby’s talent and the MCU’s global platform, Sue Storm has the opportunity to step forward as the strategic powerhouse fans have long envisioned—marking a bold new era for the Fantastic Four and the entire Marvel universe.
