Reed Richards, known as Mister Fantastic, is one of Marvel Comics' foundational characters, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby and first appearing in Fantastic Four #1 in 1961. As a brilliant scientist and leader of the Fantastic Four, Reed gained extraordinary elastic powers after exposure to cosmic rays during a space mission with his friends Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm. His ability to stretch his body at will made him uniquely versatile both in combat and problem-solving. Over decades, Mister Fantastic has evolved from a pioneering superhero scientist archetype into a deeply complex character who balances heroism with family life and the profound ethical dilemmas of wielding great power and intellect. He has adapted across media including comics, animated series, and several blockbuster films where he is often portrayed as the moral and intellectual anchor of the Fantastic Four, consistently driving the team’s innovations and heroic endeavors. His character explores themes of curiosity, sacrifice, responsibility, and the pursuit of knowledge, while adapting to modern storytelling styles that emphasize personal flaws, familial bonds, and grounded scientific curiosity alongside superhero exploits.