Reed Richards

The stretching genius who leads the Fantastic Four.

Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic, is a Marvel Comics superhero created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. He is a founding member and the leader of the Fantastic Four, and within the Marvel Universe he is recognised as the smartest man alive.

Quick Facts

Character name: Valeria Richards
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Alliances: Fantastic Four; Future Foundation

Lore & Background

Richards built the spacecraft that was bombarded with cosmic radiation on its first flight, giving the Fantastic Four their powers; his own is the ability to stretch his body into any shape. His expertise covers engineering, chemistry, every branch of physics, and human and alien biology.

Reader's Guide

He is the team's leader and father figure. A lasting sorrow is his best friend Ben Grimm, the Thing, whom he keeps failing to turn back into a human. Reed is married to Susan Storm, father of Franklin and Valeria Richards, and mentor to his brother-in-law Johnny Storm. His archenemy, Doctor Doom, is obsessed with proving himself the smarter man.