I don't know how often readers take Sue Storm's age into account when they read an issue of Fantastic Four, I mean, she doesn't look a day over 35! In all seriousness though, I never really realized Sue Storm's importance to the Fantastic Four and to the Marvel Universe until the recent death of her brother, Johnny Storm in Fantastic Four #587. Honestly, I had never really been inclined to read FF books until Jonathan Hickman's recent storyline and have thus recently realized the great book I had been missing out on. It is in the issues that follow Johnny's tragic self sacrifice that Sue elicits tremendous strength and resilience; so it's kind of hard to think that the Sue Storm in today's comics is the same Sue Storm from the 1960's. And whatever people insist on telling you, they are not one and the same.

Sue Storm, or 'Invisible Girl' as she used to call herself, was first introduced in Fantastic Four #1. Sue was the first female superhero created by Marvel during the Silver Age. Even though Sue was Marvel's first female character, it does not always feel like the publisher markets her as their first female superhero, which kind of boggles my mind. Elevating Sue to the status of Marvel's 'First Lady' might draw more attention to her and the Fantastic Four (er...three) team as a whole. Sue Storm, who didn't always come across as the "independent woman," was often held back when she was first introduced.

In that very first issue of FF, Sue called herself 'Invisible Girl,' even though we all know she was an adult (seriously, who were they trying to fool). One can very easily read into the fact that Sue identified herself as a "girl and not a "woman," when she was clearly the latter. Choosing to identify herself as such only reinforced the idea that Sue Storm was a powerless and weak female character who was incapable, incompetent and incredibly unsure of herself.

Marvel comics first became popular because they were so distinctly different from other comic book publishers at the time. It was because Marvel writers explored their characters in greater depth, gave them tangible, relatable problems that made them so successful. However, it took Marvel 24 years (from FF#1 in 1961 to FF # 284 in 1985) to be comfortable enough to give their first female character an identity and problems that went beyond 'what to cook for dinner' and why 'Reed was too busy to take her out.' Sue's character was often used as a plot device by early writers and her role (even with the power to make herself invisible) was primarily to be the 'damsel in distress.' While her husband (Reed Richards) took the reigns of the Fantastic Four and influenced the Marvel Universe with his intellect and skill as both a scientist and a leader, Sue stayed home and did "womanly things" things like cooking and cleaning. It was not until John Byrne's run in the 1980's that Sue dropped the "girl" and became the 'Invisible Woman' in Fantastic Four #284, a symbolic step that would lead to the evolution of her character. It was during Byrne's run, and after Reed's death that Sue Storm broke away from the shadow of her husband and herself became a capable leader. Granted, Sue had to shed clothing in the 80's and cut out hole in the center of her uniform to sell books, but if it meant that she could start evolving and come into her own as a strong, female character, then they have my blessing.

Today, Sue is a capable leader and a fantastic female character. Not only is she a powerhouse in her own right, but Sue is a smart, interesting character that in my opinion, doesn't get enough panel time. She is one character I wish Marvel would make better use of. What do you think of Sue Storm? Do you like her? Hate her? Do you think she could lead the Fantastic Four and keep her clothes on? What Marvel ladies do you think deserve more of a spotlight?

Yes Sara, everyone dressed like that during the 80's, including a good number of men.

" Yes Sara, everyone dressed like that during the 80's, including a good number of men. "

Sue is perhaps the most crucial member of the FF, both in its current Future Foundation state and the Fantastic Four embodiment. 

You make good talk, and I think most people didn't have the "4" in the suit though.

From what I've read of the Fantastic Four, she is an awesome character. She is an awesome mom and kicks some serious ass.

On another note, belly windows are the stupidest costume thing ever.

This whole convo about '80s clothing reminds me of something very dear to my heart.

"Prince had this cat named, uh...Micki Free. All them dudes was like, 'Yo, Prince got this new chick. That b*tch fine like a motherf*****. Micki Free is not a girl."

I think he doesn't just have a prominent role because someone DECIDES to write her well. Sue Storm-Richards is also, as Norman said in the death issue review, a mother. They truly embody the familial elements better than any other in Marvel. Whereas other women might have to deal with relationship woes, Sue has to balance a marriage, kids and their life all in one. When you consider she's not married to the most attentive husband, though he does love her, it's gotta be tough.

I am personally thrilled with Christos Gage's job in Avengers Academy. People don't seem to like those characters, but I think he's doing an amazing job, especially with the ladies of the group.

I would love to see Elektra given more glory in terms of quality of writing. The woman who was pivotal in taking Daredevil from a poor-man's Spidey into one of its most serious and memorable arcs (Including her death) has barely had anything going on. The last huge story she had was her involvement in Secret Invasion and her return in Dark Reign. She didn't play as big a part in the monumentally mismanaged Shadowland as she should have.

Always have loved Sue. That 80s look sure is good even if it is obviously more appealing than functional.  Reminds me of the limited Fantastic Four Unlimited series when Sue had that look.

fav marvel superheroine <3

Sue is freaking awesome. She's always been my favorite Fantastic Four character.

I was never much of an FF fan, and in the interest of full disclosure, I've only really made contact with them during large scale crossover arcs. That being said, I've always wondered why Sue wasn't made more prominent in the general Marvel U. She has such a fundamentally great power set and is very important to continuity. I wouldn't necessarily care to see more of her, only because I don't care see more of the FF, but I do think she's kind of underrated.

I wonder if it has something to do with her being a rather generic looking, but pretty blonde from Marvel's first family.  Before I get flamed, I say this because it seems like the female characters that catch a really big following are the 'edgier' characters. Storm, Rogue, Psylocke, Elektra... These are all women who have a lot of mental and emotional baggage, and it may be true that these characters have the larger followings because of their personalities. Maybe?

o.O

Great article! Sue is the only original first wave of Marvel superheroines in an okay state. Jean and Janet are dead or as good as dead, Wanda is probably still crazy or perceived as. I think just by factor of how long she has been a character means she has a ton of complexity that a good writer who knows her history can tap into, to take the best parts and leave some of the... more questionable aspects. Its immensely fun sitting back with a stack of Essential FF4 and watching her develop as a character. Some interpretations I have hated, but for more recent times, she has been great! Loved her in Civil War. I think she was one of the biggest characters there and helped Iron Man's side look well... more balanced. Very cool, complicated and iconic character! 

My favorite of the four is Johnny, but Sue is a close second. She is so criminally underrated, despite having been named (on several occasions) the most powerful of the four. But beyond her power, she manages to balance being a wife, mother, and a super hero. And she is married to a douche of a man. 

Personally I don't read FF and other than the movies and a few references from Spiderman can't say that I've got the grasp for them. However I can say that in today's world girls/women from comics, be they DC or Marvel deserve more respect. I mean the "lets have them nearly naked" sells for the "hopes" but after so much time things should take a twist. Personally I've read Birds of Prey and honestly I think that's right now the best available book where women superheroes are portrayed in an above-average light showing they are fully capable of holding their own. As for the revealing costumes that leave little to the imagination I think in the end they do more harm than good.

However I do have 1 quick question. In that picture with the 80s Sue there's another Sue Storm in the background. A fan perhaps?

Edit: As for revealing males I think Ka-Zar is probably the best example :P

It's pretty amazing how far she has come. It's almost embarrassing to read those old issues now.

Currently, I think she could take on any member of the Four, or anyone for that matter. She is one of the most powerful people in Marvel, male or female.

x 23

Sometimes I kinda just hoped that the FF were mostly killed off and Sue would come into her own. She's come a long way and I always cringed when I've seen her referred to as Mrs. Richards.

Love the article, but if I may; Sue Storm is an inherent hypocrisy.  While being Marvel's 'first lady', it none the less remains that Sue Storm original power was to be invisible, allegorical for the 50s that birthed the book.  Women, were neither meant to be seen or heard.  In it's own right, it's a step back from Wonder Woman. For those that don't know, The FF actually altered the entire focus of comic books forever by successfully bridging the 'super hero' and 'sci fi' genre.  Sure, Superman was a 'alien', but at his core he's really just a human with powers, it was Reed Richards that turned the cheek to alternate dimensions, alien empires, and 'world devourers'.  The Human Torch and The Thing were really benign elements in the book for some time, accomplishing the stereotypical 'superhero' role.  Sue Storm was an unfortunate victim.  The wife of a mad scientist, invisible, at times, to even him.    
  In any case, the fact that Sue HAS come so far is an accomplishment.  Sue's role in Civil War was, arguably, the voice of reason among the heroes.  She holds herself now as decisive and defiant.   Beyond obviously being the most powerful of the FF, she has now has the most formidable persona.  I would love to see her branch off further from her husband, possibly even divorcing him to remove herself from his dangerous obsessive ways.  Has that happened?  It should.   

" From what I've read of the Fantastic Four, she is an awesome character. She is an awesome mom and kicks some serious ass.On another note, belly windows are the stupidest costume thing ever. "

" It's pretty amazing how far she has come. It's almost embarrassing to read those old issues now. Currently, I think she could take on any member of the Four, or anyone for that matter. She is one of the most powerful people in Marvel, male or female. "

I would love to see Elektra given more glory in terms of quality of writing. The woman who was pivotal in taking Daredevil from a poor-man's Spidey into one of its most serious and memorable arcs (Including her death) has barely had anything going on. The last huge story she had was her involvement in Secret Invasion and her return in Dark Reign. She didn't play as big a part in the monumentally mismanaged Shadowland as she should have. "

I have always seen Sue as the heart of the Fantastic Four, without her to keep Johnny's antic in check, keeping Reed attentive to his social life and his kids, and Ben from beating Johnny in...the team would fall apart.

"

Hickman really upped Sue's profile for me. That panel of her laying the pimp hand down on Imperious Rex in 577 will forever dwell fondly in my memory. 

I love this article, good job, Sara. I only read a few old Fantastic Four comics back during Walt Simonson's run, but I just started collecting the new FF series. I totally agree, poor Susan used to be a sorry reflection of the 60's attitude toward women, but thankfully she is now a strong, powerful female superhero. I just love where she is right now.

Invisible Woman is the best female character in comics.

Its good that Sue is getting some love.  I'd honestly like to read an Invisible Woman mini, but I dont think that will happen. Oh and about her 80's outfit, well lets just say she was going through a phase.

"Fine! Wives should be kissed -- and not heard!" lmao i'm gonna blow that panel up and put it on a T-shirt. Did he happen to tell her to go make him a sandwich too XD

I like that 80's costume HOT

Great article, Sue deserves the recognition.

there are so many costume to me to catch up

I love how Hickman handles Sue. I never really knew her importance until I started reading Three. Her part in Three was definitely my favorite and the most interesting, for me at least.

i feel that Marvel for the most part can't make a good super heroine to save their lives, they either have them annoying and bitchy or just a quiet member of a team of all males, however sue is the first and only in my opinion, Marvel Heroine who is successful on her own, although Reed is the brains behind the FF sue is the heart and spirit, and without her i believe the team would crumble, she is nice, strong, relatable and smart as well as wont take crap from anyone(you can be this and NOT be a bitch, are you listening Emma Frost?) she's really the ONLY woman in marvel i actually like and respect!

In my opinion, current FF's quality are no where near late 70's to 80's FF.

Could Sue lead the FF?

This was a great article

If she could keep her clothes on, that'd be great. Anyway, I admittedly haven't read the recent comics, but I never liked Sue Storm. Or almost any comics heroine, actually. The entire medium could stand to have some better female characters. (and maybe keep them more modestly dressed.)

" This whole convo about '80s clothing reminds me of something very dear to my heart."Prince had this cat named, uh...Micki Free. All them dudes was like, 'Yo, Prince got this new chick. That b*tch fine like a motherf*****. Micki Free is not a girl."

What's your opinion of Jessica Alba's performance in the Fantastic Four  films? I think she's just a retread of the 60s Sue Storm w/ the sex appeal of the modern one. She seems insecure and too dependent on Reed to be a strong leader like Invisible Woman in the comics.

I'd say modern Sue is really better fit to lead the FF than Reed. Reed get's too caught up in science, and is fine on his own, but puts the team in more danger than they need to be in. If I were in the Fantastic Four, with Sue in charge I would have more confidence that the whole team would be making it back alive from a mission. With Reed I would bring along my Rosary beads.

I'd love an explanation as to how she put up with Reed for all these years.

She really needs to put Reed in HIS place for this: