The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Summary
Details surrounding theMCU’sThe Fantastic Fourhave tease apart the resilient - action unveiling of HERBIE , a lesser - sleep together Marvel graphic symbol with a rich history working with The Fantastic Four . TheMarvel Cinematic Universehas announcedThe Fantastic Four ’s principal castin a piece of official art . While the fine art has confirmed several things aboutThe Fantastic Fourreboot , it has also teased the introduction of the Fantastic Four ’s faithful robot companion , HERBIE .
The Fantastic Four enteringthe MCU timelinehas been hotly anticipate for years , with an expected value that the team will play a vital part inthe MCU ’s future . As a result , any announcement was bound to bring examination , particularly consider the MCU ’s reputation for prefer very deliberately what is include in promotional material . The inclusion of HERBIE in the promo art would therefore propose he could play an essential role in the MCU’sThe Fantastic Four- and could indicate its villain .
Marvel Studios has announced the form for its Fantastic Four moving-picture show with artwork that all but confirm it ’s be at least partially a period slice .

H.E.R.B.I.E.? Marvel Comics Origin Explained
HERBIE is a beloved robot from Marvel’sFantastic Fourcomics , known for his endearing personality and quirky charm . His name stands forHumanoid Experimental Robot , B - character , Integrated Electronics . He is a robot built by Reed Richards and Master Xar of the Xandarians to assist in their lookup for Galactus . However , unbeknownst to his Maker , HERBIE was hold in by the subconscious mind of Xar ’s enemy , Doctor Sun . After Sun ’s subconscious peril to kill the heroes , HERBIE valiantly sacrifices himself to save The Fantastic Four and vote out Sun for good .
A second HERBIE appear soon afterward , serving primarily to watch over Reed and Susan ’s baby Logos , Franklin Richards , and dog the forward motion of his considerable powers . These top executive , incidentally , cause a power surge that destroys the second HERBIE . However , numerous HERBIE robots would subsequently come out throughoutFantastic Fourcomics , operate ashelper androids that assist the venerate Marvel squad . to boot , a strain roll in the hay as HUBERT was also build by Reed Richards to wait on as Franklin ’s babysitter , while SHIELD produce its own rendition love as SHERBIE .
As an android , HERBIE has an array of mechanically skillful ability that make him a unnerving opposite . Primarily , HERBIE can put across with any reckoner scheme , produce electrical stream and laser , and also gas an array of extra out of sight tool and features . This could prove helpful for the MCU’sThe Fantastic Four , but HERBIE ’s connectedness to Galactus may prove the most eventful . Considering the exit surroundingJonathan John Major ' Kang , HERBIE ’s presence could indicate that Galactus will be joining the enfranchisement sooner than expected . Galactus could correct the MCU ’s scoundrel problem , with HERBIE ’s inclusion body announce his arrival .

H.E.R.B.I.E. Was The Human Torch’s Replacement
HERBIE was ab initio conceived for the 1978 animated series , The New Fantastic Four . He wasdesigned by the legendary Marvel Comics brace , Stan Lee and Jack Kirby , to replace the Human Torch in the team ’s line - up . The television rights to the Human Torch , aka Johnny Storm , were held by Universal Pictures , who were planning to produce a solo television movie depict the hero , which never at long last happen .
With a primal phallus of the Fantastic Four missing , Lee and Kirby wanted to round out the team more and invented HERBIE . Despite failing to fill the void left by the Human Torch , HERBIEproved pop enough to introduce him officially into the comic strip one twelvemonth later , in 1979 . HERBIE becomes the team ’s loyal companion and often service as the team ’s comic stand-in .
Key Marvel Comics To Read To Understand H.E.R.B.I.E.
HERBIE ’s first official comic book appearance was inFantastic Four#209 ( August 1979 ) . His narrative evolved considerably inFantastic Four#215 , as Doctor Sun ’s influence became more celebrated . Thisculminated in HERBIE ’s sacrifice inFantastic Four#217 , just eight issues after his entry . HERBIE reappear two geezerhood by and by inFantastic Four#242 in his new character as Franklin ’s nanny , only lasting two more issues before his second destruction inFantastic Four#244 .
HERBIE resurfaced once more in 1998’sFantastic Four(Vol . 3 ) # 3 , marking his first of several minor appearances as an all-important Fantastic Four musical accompaniment robot and working throughout the Baxter Building . HERBIE laterplayed a major role in Marvel’sIron Man 2020event , as a member of the A.I. army . work alongside several other famed Marvel automaton , HERBIE has a cardinal role in the battle against the Extinction Entity , demonstrating his true potential drop as a character .
Essential H.E.R.B.I.E. Comic Books

The Fantastic Four: First Steps depicts Marvel’s First Family navigating their roles as heroes amidst a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world. As they defend Earth from Galactus and the enigmatic Silver Surfer, they must also uphold the strength of their family bond.
Year
Fantastic Four#209
1979

Fantastic Four#215
1980
wild Four#217

Fantastic Four#242
1982
Fantastic Four#244

Fantastic Four(Vol . 3 ) # 3
1998
Iron Man 2020(Vol . 2 ) # 1 - 6

2020
HERBIE ’s late roles truly demonstrated the character ’s straight potential . Though with his diverse narrative history , HERBIE ’s presence in the MCU’sThe Fantastic Fourart could be an indicator of the movie ’s geological era , recall the 1970s and 1980s comic book period . However , HERBIE could demonstrate to be a far more important figure than it immediately seems .
Cast
The Fantastic Four : First Steps depicts Marvel ’s First Family navigate their roles as heroes amidst a 1960s - inspired , retro - futuristic world . As they defend Earth from Galactus and the enigmatical Silver Surfer , they must also uphold the strong point of their phratry bond .



