Warning: Spoilers for Aliens vs. Avengers #1
Reed Richardsis known for being the brains behind theFantastic Four, with astounding intelligence that’s aided him in countless missions alongside his family. However, he isn’t always as put-together as he seems, and one alternate universe features a version of Mister Fantastic who’s a far cry from his usual fantastic self. In a heartbreaking scene,Reed Richard’s last words reveal what it would take to unravel him.
Aliens vs. Avengers#1 by Jonathan Hickman and Esad Ribić is set withintheAlienuniverse, where the Earth has fallen victim to a Xenomorph invasion. In the only remaining city on the planet, the few heroes who have survived are working together to finda way to stop the Xenomorphs. Among those who have been lost to the alien threat are the Fantastic Four, including Reed Richards. Bruce Banner, who was present at the end of Reed’s life, shares what Mister Fantastic’s final words were.
This parting message to Bruce reveals thatlosing his daughter - the last of his family - would be devastating enough to break Reed Richards, proving that even the smartest mind in the Marvel Universe can be broken down.
Reed Richards' Dying Wish Is For His Daughter To Be Safe
Valeria Richards Is His Only Family Left - But For How Long?
In this story, Reed Richards has lost his entire family, and it’s clear from what Bruce tells Carol that this loss affected him deeply. According to Bruce,Reed had become a shell of who he once was by the end of his life, withValeria Richardsbeing all he had left. In his final moments, his only request is for Bruce to keep her safe. However, fate has other plans. Valeria’s plan to produce a virus that kills alien eggs before they can hatch backfires and results in her tragic death,causing Reed’s worst case scenario to become a reality.
Fantastic Four Is Setting the Stage to Make Reed Richards Sorcerer Supreme - Theory Explained
The end of the Blood Hunt presents a fascinating opportunity for Reed Richards to show what he can really do as a tech wizard (well, sorcerer).
After losing the rest of his family, Reed’s only remaining hope is for Valeria to live, and even that is shattered as her experiment goes awry.
Reed Richards may havea reputation for being uncaring, buthe cares deeply for his loved ones, and losing them is one of the few things capable of breaking him. InFantastic Four (2022)#4, he shows just how much he cares when he’s overcome with guilt after he endangers his children’s lives bysending the Baxter Building into the futurewith them inside. Reed’s devastation over what he’s done to his family proves that he loves them beneath his cold and calculating exterior, so it makes sense that their deaths would push him to a breaking point.
Mister Fantastic Falls Apart Without His Family
This Alternate Universe Gives Reed His Darkest Ending Yet
With this crossover storyline, readers are offered a glimpse into a bleak world whereReed Richards has broken down completely. After losing the rest of his family, Reed’s only remaining hope is for Valeria to live, and even that is shattered as her experiment goes awry. Luckily, in Marvel’s main continuity, Reed’s family is alive and well. His fears have yet to be realized, though now readers know thatMister Fantastic can indeed be broken. IfReed Richardsever truly lost theFantastic Four, the damage would be irreparable, just as it is in this alternate universe.
Aliens vs. Avengers#1 (2024)
Fantastic Four
TheFantastic Fouris a superhero franchise centered on Marvel Comics' first family of superheroes. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the team made its comic book debut in 1961 and quickly became a cornerstone of Marvel’s success. The franchise follows four astronauts—Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm—who gain superpowers after being exposed to cosmic radiation. Over the years,Fantastic Fourhas been adapted into several live-action films, animated series, and video games. The films have seen multiple reboots, with varying levels of success, and are now set to be integrated into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), with a new film slated for release in 2025.
