The latest installment in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, “Fantastic Four: First Steps,” dives deep into the influences of legendary comic artist Jack Kirby, co-creator of the Fantastic Four. The film cleverly ties its setting, Earth-828, to Kirby’s birthdate of August 28, celebrating his legacy throughout the narrative.
Ben Grimm, also known as The Thing, portrayed by Ebon Moss-Bachrach, is reminiscent of Kirby’s classic heavy-browed design. The film features Kirby’s signature “krackles” and stylized retrofuturistic backgrounds, encapsulating the spirit of his original creations. Notably, there’s a cheeky nod to those familiar with comics, as a couple of characters appear in a midtown comic book office cameo.
The local setting of Yancy Street is rich with cultural references; Ben visits a deli named Maisie’s to indulge in black-and-white cookies, an homage to Kirby’s upbringing in the Lower East Side of New York City. A scene that stands out involves a group of children asking Ben to lift a Volkswagen Beetle, which is situated by a gate adorned with a Star of David—signifying a synagogue courtyard. In another poignant moment, Ben reminisces about his childhood on Yancy Street, acknowledging the comfort of familiarity in his past.
The film introduces a new character, Rachel Rozman, played by Natasha Lyonne, who some speculate could be a nod to Kirby’s wife, Rosalind. While Kirby never explicitly confirmed The Thing’s Jewish background in the original comics, the film’s depiction of Ben’s connection to Jewish culture aligns with Kirby’s own identity, thus intertwining the character more closely with the creator.
Director Matt Shakman and screenwriters Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, and Ian Springer included multifaceted content that pays respect to Jewish cultural elements. This culminates in a plot point where Mr. Fantastic and the Invisible Woman, Sue Storm, engage in prenatal testing, further embedding Jewish themes in their family narrative.
The film not only serves as an homage to Kirby’s enduring impact on the comic book world but also enriches the representation within the Marvel universe, demonstrating how legacy and identity can influence storytelling in exciting and significant ways. The combination of comic-book nostalgia and contemporary themes resonates with audiences, offering a blend of old and new for both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise.