The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Reed Richards and Susan Storm are preparing for dinner when Sue reveals she is pregnant after two years of trying. Reed is excited but nervous about their child's genetically altered origins, while Sue reassures him they will be ready for parenthood.

The Fantastic Four, including Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben, return to Earth after a space mission where they were exposed to cosmic rays. Each member gains extraordinary powers, transforming into superheroes with unique abilities. They become celebrated heroes in New York City.

The Fantastic Four confront and defeat the supervillain Mole Man, who controls an underground city called Subterranea. Sue Storm mediates a peace deal with Mole Man, showing her kindness despite his hostility towards the Four.

Reed and Sue share the news of her pregnancy with Ben and Johnny. The team prepares for the baby's arrival, with Ben and H.E.R.B.I.E. baby-proofing the house, and Reed developing a teleportation machine to ensure the baby's safety.

Ben Grimm, as The Thing, is cheered on by schoolkids eager to see him lift a car. He fulfills their wish and later meets Rachel Rozman, a teacher, with whom he becomes smitten.

The Fantastic Four respond to a storm in Times Square and encounter the Silver Surfer, who warns of Earth's impending destruction by Galactus. She leaves, and Johnny chases her into space, but she warns him in her language before knocking him off her board.

Reed tracks the Silver Surfer’s path, discovering Galactus’ plan to consume planets, including Earth. The Fantastic Four vow to stop the cosmic threat and travel into space, confronting the Silver Surfer and Galactus himself.

Galactus demands Earth’s destruction in exchange for sparing its inhabitants, and the Four refuse to give up their baby. Sue goes into labor amidst the chaos, giving birth to Franklin while the team plans their escape.

The Four reveal they refused to surrender Franklin, leading to public anger. Sue announces she will not sacrifice her child and vows to continue fighting. The team undertakes a risky plan to teleport Earth away from Galactus.

Galactus finally arrives in Earth’s vicinity. The team uses Franklin as bait and creates a device to teleport him away. They fight to hold off Galactus, with Sue creating a huge forcefield to contain him temporarily.

Shalla-Bal, former Silver Surfer and Galactus’s herald, sacrifices herself to send Galactus through a portal into an unknown void, saving Earth. Sue is gravely injured but revived when Franklin’s touch heals her.

The people of New York celebrate the team’s victory, unaware of the full cost. Reed and Sue mourn Sue’s temporary death, but she is revived, and the family begins anew with Franklin showing his remarkable potential.

The Fantastic Four resume their roles as heroes, with Franklin already displaying extraordinary abilities. However, a new mysterious figure appears in Sue’s home, hinting at the looming presence of Doctor Doom.

An animated logo for a Fantastic Four cartoon shows, and H.E.R.B.I.E. switches off the TV, hinting at future adventures and new villains for the team.