Marvel Studios’ The Fantastic Four: First Steps is finally out on digital and there’s a surprise waiting for fans who purchase a copy. The MCU’s introduction to these heroes is absolutely littered with references to the comics and details for eagle-eyed fans. But, the digital release has something really neat for viewers who stick through the end of the credits. And, it’s a surprise that people didn’t really get during opening weekend at the theater.
Fans on social media who picked up the digital release shared that there’s a secret QR code at the end of the movie. Inside the Future Foundation logo, after the credits roll, Marvel tucked in a secret message. It reads, “The Future Foundation extends its thanks” with a QR code attached. It’s interesting and completely unexpected after seeing the movie more than once!
By scanning the code and following that link, viewers are treated to a Future Foundation landing page with some free comics titles to sift through. Marvel calls them “additional materials” for Marvel Unlimited. This is a fun little bonus until The Fantastic Four return in Avengers: Doomsday next winter. These comics also cover a lot of the plot points presented in The Fantastic Four: First Steps. So, let’s dive in and discuss what we’ve found here!
The Fantastic Four’s biggest story: “The Galactus Trilogy”
Viewers got a taste of The Fantastic Four’s origins in the Marvel movie this summer. But, by scanning that QR code, they can read the comic that started it all. 1961’s first issue is even part of an homage to the team that played in the promotional material for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. But, that’s just the intro to their larger adventures.
Issue #48 heralds the coming of Galactus. And here, the trilogy of issues gets its name for real. The Watcher is on-hand for the Marvel heroes facing their biggest threat yet. The Silver Surfer and Galactus appear first here in the pages of $48. This super family is going to have to find some way to defeat something beyond their comprehension.
Across the pages of The Fantastic Four #48-$50, the team figures out a way to drive back The Devourer of Worlds. And, as an added bonus, the Marvel Universe now has a Silver Surfer flying around to account for. This is the kind of grand storytelling that makes this era of Stan Lee, Jack Kirby, and more such a delight to read, even now!
Earth X and other oddities
Shalla-Bal in the new movie is inspired by Earth X’s take on The Silver Surfer. In the main universe, the tragic love of Norin Radd (Silver Surfer), but on an alternate Earth, a herald of Galactus herself. Julia Garner brings some icy intensity to Shalla-Bal’s plight in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Another big addition to these free comics is The Fantastic Four: Life Story. If you were going to pick one book that really helped form some of the tone for the Marvel movie, this would be a great pick. With all the retro-futurism about, it makes sense to use the Fantastic Four origin story most wedded to the 1960s. The gorgeous art is an added bonus too.
Maybe the most sneaky addition here is the first issue of Jonathan Hickman’s run with Marvel’s First Family. As The Multiverse Saga has lightly riffed on the storyline “Time Runs Out,” a Hickman product through and through, it’s good to see the moment that Reed Richards resolves to “Solve Everything” included for curious fans too. We see tinges of Mister Fantastic’s compulsive drive to perfect things here, but it can get much more dire!
(Photo Credit: Marvel Studios)
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