If Iron Man is the orthodox hero of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, then Mister Fantastic, Reed Richards, is naturally seen as the rightful leader of the Fantastic Four in the comics.
Before Iron Man ascended to divinity through film, there was a saying used to describe Batman in DC: "A mortal among gods."
In the comics, however, it is Mister Fantastic, Reed Richards, who holds the title of Marvel smartest man.
Inventions like the time machine from Avengers: Endgame were commonplace for him.
Reed had even traveled through various parallel universes using his own spacecraft, establishing connections with other Mister Fantastics across the multiverse.
With his high intelligence and miraculous inventions, countless Marvel fans affectionately called him "Magician Reed."
Of course, within the cinematic universe, Reed had to take a back seat to Iron Man.
In the film world, it was Iron Man who single-handedly turned the tide for Marvel, becoming Marvel patriarch.
This felt similar to how, in the comics, the Fantastic Four single-handedly revived Marvel fortunes.
In this current world:
Tony had always maintained an image of success in the eyes of others, managing to exude an effortless charm even in his most disheveled moments.
Reed, on the other hand, was just an obscure, failing researcher on the verge of bankruptcy.
Inside Reed personal research lab:
The four-person research team exchanged looks of shock after hearing an astonishing revelation from Reed.
Every person who had been through the cosmic storm might have undergone mutations.
Indeed, they had already begun to feel the differences.
After Reed reminder, the remaining three members observed carefully and felt significant changes in their bodies.
Ben Grimm transformation was visibly apparent.
Externally transformed into a rock-like being, he was now enduring immense psychological torment and had been nicknamed "The Thing" by outsiders.
For the remaining three, Reed Richards could change the shape of his body at will, stretching like rubber and even becoming immune to physical attacks.
Sue Storm and Johnny Storm, the siblings, each gained unique abilities: Sue could turn invisible and create protective fields, while Johnny could generate extreme heat, fly, and emit flames, all while being immune to fire.
These transformations undeniably meant that they had become humans with extraordinary powers.
Despite the fact that these changes greatly deviated from Reed original genetic engineering research, they nonetheless indicated that their research was effective and had even achieved preliminary results.
"If that the case, we can win back our investors and continue our research," declared Johnny, who would later be known as the Human Torch.
Though often considered a bit of a rascal, Johnny was no fool. If his brother-in-law research proved successful, his own status would also rise.
With these new superpowers, he might even catch Batman eye and be invited to join the Justice League as a superhero.
The boastful Johnny Storm never denied being a huge fan of Batman.
He harbored a great desire to become a superhero and make a grand impression.
"No."
Reed firmly declined: "They chose to pull their funding at our most critical moment—it their loss. Since they didn't trust in our results, we naturally need to find an investor who will."
"Do you want to continue with Victor?"
Sue Storm asked: "Victor is one of us, and if we have undergone changes, then he must have as well..."
"The investor I'm thinking of isn't him."
Reed made it clear he disliked this romantic rival: "However, I will contact him later to explain our situation."
"Who do you want to find then?"
The Thing, Ben Grimm, said: "Whatever you plan to do, I'm willing to support you. But, Reed, my abilities are different from yours, and this transformation has tormented me—I just want to return to being a normal person."
"Ben, I'll help you."
Reed cared deeply for his old friend and was not one to be arrogantly dismissive, understanding the discrimination the Thing had suffered due to his physical mutations.
"I'm planning to approach John."
Reed paused before adding, "John Jameson."
"Ah?"
"What?"
The others were taken aback, exchanging puzzled glances: "Our coach?"
Indeed.
John Jameson, a retired astronaut, had been their coach before their space mission.
"How did you think of him?"
The rest were perplexed.
"Do you remember how I used to chat with John during our training?"
Reed smiled slightly: "He once told me that he was likely to return home to take over the family business after retiring."
"So, John family is wealthy?"
Johnny eyes lit up.
He had a good relationship with John but had never delved into these details.
"Indeed wealthy, and not just ordinarily so."
Reed continued: "Think about it, the most famous Jameson in America right now—whom do you think of?"
"Jameson?"
The three exchanged glances, their breaths catching: "Anton Jameson?"
"Yes."
Reed nodded: "Do you remember John once told us he had a son…"
"His son is Anton Jameson? Batman ally?"
Aside from Reed, who had already guessed the truth, the others displayed expressions of shock, their eyes wide with disbelief.
"We've struck it rich!"
"If John son is really Anton Jameson, does that mean we might actually meet Batman? Could I really join the Justice League?"
"My God, who would have thought John was so low-key?!"
Seeing their astonished faces, Reed couldn't help but smile, though his thoughts were churning secretly.
John himself probably hadn't anticipated before returning home that he possessed such astonishing influence.
Reed still remembered how John had complained to him about his son being nothing but a spendthrift playboy.
Who could have imagined that just a trip away and returning home would see the Jamison family fortunes soar so high?
A day later.
While slacking off at DC Comics and supervising the screenwriters perfecting the Constantine script, Anton was surprised to see John show up: "Dad, what brings you here?"
"Uh, there something I need to discuss with you."
John looked somewhat awkward, struggling to find the right words.
"What is it?"
Anton couldn't help but chuckle: "If it something that would make the old man stamp his feet in frustration, I might just agree right now.
Of course, if you're going to say you don't want to join Wayne Enterprises and would rather continue being an astronaut, then never mind."
"Of course not."
John replied: "A friend has approached me, hoping Wayne Enterprises could invest in them… I must be honest, my friend is very talented, but his company… it a bit complicated."
"Which friend?"
Anton frowned: "Isn't this something you should discuss with the old man?"
"At first, I thought so too, but they insisted on meeting you personally."
John spread his hands helplessly: "They're good friends of mine, I couldn't refuse."
"Who?"
Anton seemed intrigued: "What his name?"
"Reed Richards."
John explained: "He was one of my trainees on that space station project I was involved in. I was their coach."
"No problem."
Anton perked up immediately, nodding without hesitation, and stood up: "Let go, I'm very interested in meeting him."