Fantastic Four: The First Steps – What’s Happening?

HERBIE’s Rocky Journey from Infamy to Mascot in the Marvel Universe

In the new Fantastic Four: The First Steps trailer, something curious happens. A quirky robot named HERBIE appears, making fans reminisce about their love-hate relationship with him. If you’re a comic aficionado of a certain age, it might stir some old grudges. But what is it about HERBIE that elicits such strong reactions? Is he the Marvel version of Jar Jar Binks, crashing what was a serious storyline?

HERBIE emerged from beyond the pages of comics, much like DC’s Harley Quinn. His debut was in the short-lived 1978 animated series, The New Fantastic Four. Created by the somewhat obscure animation studio DePatie–Freleng Enterprises, known for special effects in Star Wars and the Pink Panther credits, this series aimed to reinvigorate the Fantastic Four saga. Yet tangled contracts left them unable to use Johnny Storm, the Human Torch.

The Origins and Controversies of HERBIE

Executives feared depicting a flaming superhero might inspire kids to self-ignite. This led to crafting a non-flammable replacement—HERBIE. Rumors hint at a competing Human Torch TV film as another reason. Regardless, HERBIE was born, an all-purpose gadget-maker who grated fans longing for Johnny Storm.

In the Marvel Universe, HERBIE stands for "Highly Engineered Robot Built for Interdimensional Exploration." Creators Marv Wolfman and John Byrne wove him into comic lore, sustaining his presence despite mixed fan reception. Critics poked fun at the character’s absurdity. Still, years passed, and nostalgia spurred a warmer perception.

HERBIE’s Redemption in Modern Marvel Media

HERBIE’s persistence echoes that of Jar Jar Binks and fans have started forgiving him. The new Fantastic Four movie features HERBIE cooking with Ben Grimm, surprising fans with unexpected warmth from this previously maligned character. He’s even a central figure in the popular game Marvel Rivals, navigating the Fantasticar through a ravaged Midtown New York.

HERBIE’s comic backstory holds untapped potential. Crafted by Reed Richards and Xandarians—creators of the Nova Corps—HERBIE was designed to track Galactus. With Galactus set to play a major role in The First Steps, there may be deeper ties to explore. Could Xandar, devastated by Thanos, be part of the film’s narrative tapestry?

In the vast Marvel cosmos, HERBIE aims to transform his history of irritation into one of beloved camaraderie. As we prepare for this fantastic journey, he might just become an integral piece of the franchise’s fabric. And for those eager for more Marvel adventures, diving into the chronological order or timeline intricacies could be just the ticket.