WARNING: The following contains major spoilers for Fantastic Four #40, available now from Marvel.
The ancient, near-unstoppable Reckoning has emerged once more, and in no time at all absolute chaos has broken out across every corner of the Marvel Universe. While Earth’s Mightiest Heroes desperately fight to save their home, Reed Richards has taken on an even greater task of saving reality as we know it. Unfortunately, taking on the powers that would let him do so hasn’t just left Reed more than just a little detached. In fact, Mister Fantastic’s latest heroic transformation is actively killing him, and he’s already counting down the hours until it does.
Reed Richards has led a team consisting of She-Hulk, Jack of Hearts, and the Thing through the stars to the far reaches of Shi’ar space in a race to protect the all-powerful M’Kraan Crystal. Unfortunately, they have arrived well behind opposing forces in the pages of Fantastic Four #40 (by Dan Slott, Rachael Stott, Jesus Aburtov, and VC’s Joe Caramagna), including Rapture, the warrior destined to end the Thing’s life. Seeing his future killer has shaken Ben Grimm to his core, although he isn’t the only one staring down their own demise. As Reed Richards reveals, the impossible new powers he has bestowed upon himself aren’t just leading him towards the universe’s salvation, but to an early grave as well.
Reed explains that no human mind has ever been able to withstand the knowledge of the Watchers, and the very same sight that has led them to the M’Kraan crystal has also left Mister Fantastic with a three-day lifespan. Like Ben Grimm, this isn’t the first time that Reed has faced his own demise, though it isn’t anything like he had been expecting. Unsurprisingly, Reed doesn’t seem to have any doubts that the situation at hand is more important than what is happening to him, despite not having considered what comes after he is gone.
Reed Richards isn’t just one of Marvel’s foremost intellects, he is also a central figure within the bigger picture that is the Marvel Universe. At least, when it comes to all things cosmic or interdimensional, Reed has been at the front and center of nearly every major event. For how integral to the super-scientific community he is, the death of Mister Fantastic could come along with some serious repercussions. Much like how the death of Doctor Strange opened the door for a myriad of mystical threats to invade Earth, the absence of Reed Richards could create a power vacuum ripe to be taken advantage of. There are the obvious adversaries such as Doctor Doom who could step in to fill that gap, as well as the Fantastic Four’s own Valeria or Franklin who would rather see their father’s legacy live on with greater respect, but none of them are as concerning as the absolute unknown.
When Reed Richards dies, so too will the incredible power he has claimed, opening yet another door for new threats to attack should that prove to be yet another painful absence. It’s hard to imagine that one figure could hold so much responsibility on their shoulders so casually. Then again, Reed has always stood as one of the absolute best that the Marvel Universe has to offer. Hopefully, he will uncover the means to continue playing that role. If not, things will be changing in irreparable ways that even the Reckoning didn’t expect.
About The Author