I’ve been a fan of both DC and Marvel Studios for years, and while I thought “Superman” was incredible, I feel “Fantastic Four: First Steps” was the best superhero movie of the summer. 

Since the release of “Avengers: Endgame”, Marvel has tried and failed to recreate the momentum they once had. So while “Fantastic Four: First Steps” may not have had the biggest success at the box office, it more importantly brought people back to Marvel. 

As someone who has religiously watched Marvel movies from a young age, it reminded me of what Marvel movies once had been and why I’d loved them so much. It gives me hope that Marvel is finally making a recovery from the past few years of throw-away plot lines and excessive streaming content.

Additionally, part of what sold me on Fantastic Four was what was done behind the scenes.

“Fantastic Four: First Steps” had very practical effects and sets in an attempt to reduce the use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) compared to lots of movies as of late. This, combined with the futuristic yet time-accurate costuming and architecture, created a superhero movie that was not only entertaining but also visually stunning.

The team itself has had many movies made about them in the past, none of them quite doing the characters justice. I never expected to walk into the theatre for a Fantastic Four movie and leave filled with hope, but “Fantastic Four: First Steps” did just that.

Let me start by saying that I am a Marvel fan. During the pandemic lockdown, I watched the entire chronological timeline with my dad and brother. I saw “Captain Marvel” in theaters with my mom, and haven’t missed a movie since.

However, Marvel isn’t what it used to be. After “Avengers: Endgame”, the quality of Marvel movies has gone from amazing to terrible to fine to absolute trash, and then back again.

“Fantastic Four: First Steps” was a good movie, but it was not unique, and it was not the level of entertainment that I used to be able to expect from Marvel.

On the other hand, “Superman” was something new, it was different and it was fun.

Full of bright colors and positive themes, “Superman” breaks through the barriers of superhero fatigue and gives fans a brand new take on the classic Kryptonian. David Corenswet is a hero who cares about the people he protects, fights to the bitter end and doesn’t care if he’s a little bit corny.

The movie is reminiscent of director James Gunn’s previous hit “The Guardians of the Galaxy”, a movie that was made back when Marvel wasn’t afraid to be fun, but could twist it perfectly into a serious plot with deeper undertones.

I saw “Fantastic Four” and “Superman” in the same week, and I only left one of them excited for a sequel.