Question
The Fantastic Four from a comic book. Toronto, Canada - January 29, 2025.

What is Mister Fantastic's real name?

Last updated: July 22, 2025

Walking around calling yourself "Mister Fantastic" is a pretty bold choice. There's no superhero named Great Guy or Amazing Dude, or Superma... nevermind. The Fantastic Four's resident genius spends most of his time stretching his brain around impossible scientific problems, but Stan Lee and Jack Kirby knew they needed to give a more humble alias for when he wasn't dealing with giant purple space men (not space clouds). What is Mister Fantastic's real name?

Correct Answer: Reed Richards

(Source)

Reed Richards perfectly captured the whole "brilliant scientist" vibe that Lee and Kirby were going for when they launched the Fantastic Four in 1961. The name managed to sound both authoritative and approachable, which made perfect sense for a character who needed to convince readers that he could lead a team of misfits while also being the kind of guy who would risk everyone's lives on an unauthorized space mission just to prove a scientific theory. Richards became officially recognized as the smartest man in the Marvel Universe, though you have to wonder if that title comes with any actual benefits beyond the constant pressure to solve every cosmic crisis that comes along. The guy can stretch his body into any shape imaginable, but his real superpower has always been his ability to out-think problems that would leave other heroes just punching things until they go away.

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