Superman Will Collide with Fantastic Four in 2025, But Believe It or Not, This Has Happened Before

[[{“value”:”

In 2025, DC and Marvel will go head-to-head as Superman and Fantastic Four: First Steps bring legacy superheroes back to the big screen. However, this isn’t the first time Superman and the Fantastic Four have crossed paths. In a forgotten crossover, the Man of Steel and the first superhero family teamed up to defeat Galactus, and their worlds collided like never before.

Superman/Fantastic Four: Infinite Destruction (1999) – written by Dan Jurgens and illustrated by Art Thibert – puts a spin on classic Superman and Fantastic Four lore by hinting that Krypton’s energy was consumed by Galactus, setting in motion Superman’s origin.

When Superman discovers the truth of Krypton’s demise, he seeks out the Fantastic Four for help but is ambushed and turned into Galactus’ herald, prompting the team to rescue him from the world-devourer. This crossover seamlessly merges the DC and Marvel universes, combining the most iconic aspects of both superhero mythologies.

Marvel & DC Once United Their Flagship Superheros for One Epic Story

Superman/Fantastic Four: Infinite Destruction (1999) – Written By Dan Jergens; Art By Art Thibert; Color By Greg Wright; Letters By Bill Oakley

DC’s Superman kick-started the Golden Age of Comics when he first debuted in 1938, and the Man of Steel has continued to be an iconic figure, transcending comics into different media, such as the upcoming Superman film directed by James Gunn. Likewise, the Fantastic Four were created by the legendary Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, becoming the first superhero family, with their stories continuing to influence the comic landscape. In a rare moment of unity between Marvel and DC, these heroic entities come together in a surprisingly seamless way.

The story blends some of the most memorable aspects of both Superman and the Fantastic Four while emphasizing their most defining characteristics, such as Reed Richards’ super-genius and Superman’s selfless nature. Though it’s revealed that Cyborg Superman lied about Krypton’s destruction, the concept of Galactus being the catalyst for Krypton’s end is an excellent way to connect Superman to the Fantastic Four. Superman’s first encounter with the Fantastic Four highlights the many similarities they share and why these heroes remain so enduring, even after so many years.

Superman & The Fantastic Four Became the Blueprint for Comics, Setting the Gold Standard

These Two Superhero Icons Have More in Common Than You Think

There is a remarkable simplicity that both Superman and The Fantastic Four share as they radiate a more hopeful side to their respective superhero universes, but nostalgic sentiments aren’t the only similarity between these legacy heroes. The Fantastic Four’s nemesis Doctor Doom and Superman’s villain Lex Luthor share the archetype of being a narcissistic yet incredibly powerful scientist hellbent on conquest. Even the heroes’ larger-than-life cosmic threats such as DC’s Darkseid share a common universal fear factor with that of The Fantastic Four’s classic villain, Galactus.

Multidimensional threats like Darkseid and Galactus have proven to be perfect catalysts for crossovers, such as Uncanny X-Men & The New Teen Titansby Chris Claremont. In this 1982 crossover event, DC’s tyrant of Apokolips, Darkseid, attempts to take over both the Marvel and DC Universes using the power of the Dark Phoenix. Likewise, Marvel and DC use Galactus to forge a common enemy for the Fantastic Four and Superman. By blending elements of both mythologies, they create something entirely new—Superman as a herald of Galactus.

Fantastic Four & Superman Come Together To Create a Unique Moment Fans Won’t Get To Experience Again

Superman and Fantastic Four: First Steps Reunite in Theaters July 2025

Superman has remained one of the most powerful superheroes within the DC Universe for decades, so the Man of Steel being imbued with Galactus’ Power Cosmic is a striking but terrifying upgrade, making him one of Galactus’ most powerful heralds to date. The crossover further explores the unusual dynamic between Galactus and Superman by showing Clark Kent’s empathy, as Superman saves Earth by offering Galactus planets that contain no life. The Fantastic Four also shine, proving they can hold their own and work together while facing a cosmically empowered Superman.

Crossover one-shots such as Superman/Fantastic Four: Infinite Destruction are a rarity for Marvel and DC. As the two comic book giants grew and became part of larger enterprises, their competition intensified. The constant competition between DC and Marvel breathes life into comics; however, crossovers between properties like The Fantastic Four and Superman allow for unique interactions that aren’t often explored. Despite the exciting potential of crossover events, DC and Marvel’s existence as direct competitors makes Superman/Fantastic Four a thing of the past.

Seeing Superman and The Fantastic Four unite in one story is a fascinating yet isolated moment in comic history, as two pioneers of the genre from rival companies came together to create a lighthearted yet well-woven narrative. As Superman and Fantastic Four: First Steps hit theaters at the same time, it’s apparent that both films take inspiration from an era when The Fantastic Four and Superman thrived. The longevity of each comic book icon is evident as they return to theaters, but creative ideas like Superman as Galactus’ herald will likely remain confined to their brief moment in history.

“}]] Heroes Superman and the Fantastic Four reunite.  Read More