15 Reed Richards Inventions Fans Want to See in The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Reed Richards, also known as Mister Fantastic, stands as one of the most brilliant minds in the Marvel Universe. His vast array of inventions has not only propelled the Fantastic Four through countless adventures but also shaped the very fabric of Marvel’s cosmic and technological landscape. As the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) prepares to introduce the Fantastic Four in “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” fans eagerly anticipate which of Reed’s groundbreaking creations will make their on-screen debut.

1. The Ultimate Nullifier

First Appearance: Fantastic Four #50 (1966)

One of the most fearsome objects in all of Marvel lore, the Ultimate Nullifier is capable of erasing any entity, even entire timelines, from existence. It’s the only weapon known to truly scare Galactus, and Reed Richards once used it to bluff the cosmic devourer into retreat. What makes the Nullifier so compelling is that it requires immense concentration and mental strength to wield. In the hands of someone weak-minded, it can destroy the wielder and their universe. Including this in the MCU could serve as a cosmic ace-in-the-hole — or a harbinger of immense destruction.

2. The Bridge

First Appearance: Fantastic Four #570 (2009)

Created during Jonathan Hickman’s run, the Bridge allows Reed Richards to observe — and later travel between — parallel realities. It’s through the Bridge that Reed discovers the Council of Reeds: a multiversal society of alternate versions of himself, each focused on solving the universe’s problems. This device embodies Reed’s obsession with understanding everything, even at the cost of his humanity. With the MCU exploring multiversal madness, the Bridge could become essential in navigating that chaos.

3. The Negative Zone Portal & Prison 42

First Appearance: Fantastic Four #51 (1966); Civil War (2006)

The Negative Zone is an antimatter universe teeming with hostile life and alien physics. Reed discovers it early in his career and later builds a dimensional gateway. Most famously, during the Civil War, he built Prison 42 inside it — an ethically controversial superhuman prison. This location reveals Reed’s utilitarian mindset and has deep implications for themes of control and freedom. It’s a perfect setup for morally complex storylines in the MCU.

4. The Cosmic Ray Chamber

First Appearance: Fantastic Four Vol. 3 #1 (1998)

After the original cosmic ray incident, Reed developed this chamber to control, replicate, or reverse the effects. It’s a scientific miracle that can potentially give or take away powers. In the comics, it’s used to cure Ben Grimm or enhance Franklin Richards. Introducing it in the MCU could raise narrative stakes: imagine a moment when the team has to choose between a normal life and their powers, and they have the means to do it.

5. Unstable Molecules

First Appearance: Fantastic Four #3 (1962)

The Fantastic Four’s iconic uniforms are more than just blue suits — they’re woven from unstable molecules. This material adapts to powers: Johnny’s suit doesn’t burn, Sue’s turns invisible, and Reed’s stretches endlessly. The molecules are a prime example of how Reed thinks practically and futuristically. For MCU costume design, acknowledging this tech would honour the comics while adding realism.

6. The Fantasti-Car

First Appearance: Fantastic Four #3 (1962)

The original super-team vehicle, the Fantasti-Car, is modular, able to split into four separate hovercrafts, one for each team member. It’s both functional and iconic. While the upcoming movie has teased a vehicle, fans are hoping it’s the real deal: boxy, blue, hovering, and full of personality. It’s the Fantastic Four’s equivalent of the Batmobile or Quinjet.

7. H.E.R.B.I.E.

First Appearance: Fantastic Four #209 (1979)

Humanoid Experimental Robot B-Type Integrated Electronics — better known as H.E.R.B.I.E. — was originally created to replace the Human Torch in a 1978 animated series. In comics, he evolved into the team’s sassy assistant AI, helping with lab work and Franklin Richards’ childcare. If Jarvis could become Vision in the MCU, then H.E.R.B.I.E. has every right to steal a few scenes.

8. The Fantasti-Flare

First Appearance: Fantastic Four #1 (1961)

An old-school but charming piece of tech, the Fantasti-Flare shoots a blazing “4” symbol into the sky. It’s used to rally the team during emergencies. More than a signal, it’s a symbol of unity, and would make for a great cinematic visual to cap a battle sequence.

9. The Coma Cannon

First Appearance: Fantastic Four Vol. 3 #15 (1999)

When Franklin Richards’ dreams become reality — literally — Reed builds the Coma Cannon to neutralise the threat… by putting his own son into a coma. It’s controversial, heartbreaking, and deeply revealing of Reed’s logic-first mindset. Introducing this in the MCU could explore parental fear and Reed’s complicated morality.

10. The Memorium Device

First Appearance: Fantastic Four Vol. 3 #2 (1998)

This device allows access to the memories of any individual. It’s been used to uncover hidden trauma, decode enemy strategies, and relive defining moments. In a movie, it could be a stylish way to explore character backstories without clunky exposition.

11. The Afterlife Transporter

First Appearance: Fantastic Four #510 (2004)

After Ben Grimm dies in battle, Reed builds a device that allows the team to enter the afterlife and bring him back. The concept is bonkers, deeply comic-booky, and very Reed. If Black Panther can explore the Ancestral Plane, why not let Reed explore Marvel’s spiritual realms?

12. The Bridge of Infinity (aka Multiversal Bridge)

First Appearance: Fantastic Four #570 (2009)

Not to be confused with The Bridge from earlier, this larger construct lets Reed traverse multiverses physically. It’s used in Dark Reign: Fantastic Four and FF runs. In live action, it could be Reed’s path into Avengers: Secret Wars and a logical extension of Kang Dynasty plots.

13. The Isometric Exerciser

First Appearance: Fantastic Four #293 (1986)

Designed for Ben Grimm’s immense strength, this high-resistance gym machine uses vibranium alloy and magnetism. It’s a funny but surprisingly grounded invention, showing that Reed cares about even mundane things like team fitness. And it’s proof that even Thing needs leg day.

14. The Bio-Scanner Security Grid

First Appearance: Fantastic Four #237 (1981)

Installed in the Baxter Building, the Bio-Scanner analyses visitors’ biology before granting access. It’s Marvel’s high-tech TSA system, but smarter. This device would visually establish Reed’s intellect and hint at the kind of threats he expects.

15. The Stasis Vault

First Appearance: Fantastic Four Vol. 3 #5 (1998)

The Stasis Vault suspends biological function, keeping subjects alive in frozen time. Reed has used it for everything from quarantining alien viruses to preserving endangered species. This concept could tie into longevity, cloning, or interdimensional containment in a post-Blip MCU.