By The official Fantastic Four: First Steps comic has now been released, symbolizing the Fantastic Four comics that are actually issued within the FF’s segment of the MCU – a quite meta idea. While the comic reveals little that might spoil the film, it does showcase the first official appearance of Mole Man, another antagonist in the movie, portrayed onscreen by Paul Walter Hauser.
The narrative is designed as a comic reinterpretation of the MCU Fantastic Four’s inaugural adventure, closely mirroring the tale of the real world’s Fantastic Four #1 from way back in 1961. In that narrative, the FF confronts the colossal mutated beast dubbed Giganto as it erupts through the streets of New York from beneath the earth.
However, Giganto isn’t acting independently; he has been set free by none other than the Mole Man, just as depicted in Marvel Comics. The real name of Mole Man, Harvey Elder, represents the very first supervillain of Marvel Comics, debuting alongside the FF in Fantastic Four #1, which initiated the entire Marvel Universe.
In comics, Mole Man resides deep below ground in the domain of Subterranea, sharing his space with a group of peculiar beings known as the Moloids and the various monsters inhabiting his territory. According to The Fantastic Four: First Steps #1, the MCU version of Mole Man is just slightly altered, leading a political movement for the individuals residing underground with him.
The Mole Man’s role in the film had previously been mostly concealed, although Johnny Storm/Human Torch actor Joseph Quinn did reveal that Mole Man was part of the film, prompting fans to quickly associate the character with Paul Walter Hauser, who was previously announced as an unnamed character in the film.
Mole Man joins Silver Surfer and Galactus as villains in the film, with John Malkovich’s still unnamed character speculated to be yet another antagonist, the Red Ghost.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps premieres in theaters on July 25 to herald Marvel Phase 6. For additional information, take a look at our guides to upcoming Marvel films and series and how to view the Marvel films in sequence.