Franklin Richards

• In one bolded sentence, Franklin Benjamin Richards is the reality-warping son of Reed and Susan Richards of the Fantastic Four, a being of near-limitless power whose personal journey from childhood innocence to cosmic architect has profoundly shaped the very fabric of the Marvel Universe.
• Key Takeaways:
• Role in the Universe: Franklin is a “universal shaper,” a psionic of immense power capable of creating and destroying entire realities. He functions less as a traditional superhero and more as a cosmic constant, a living force of nature whose whims and emotions can have multiversal consequences. His greatest struggles are often internal, managing a power that dwarfs cosmic entities like galactus and the Celestials.
• Primary Impact: His most significant act was saving the non-mutant heroes of Earth during the Onslaught Saga by creating the “Heroes Reborn” pocket universe. Decades later, following the collapse of the multiverse in Secret Wars (2015), he and the Future Foundation, aided by Molecule Man, spent eons rebuilding the entire Marvel Multiverse, seeding it with new life and new realities.
• Key Identity Debate: For most of his history, Franklin was considered arguably the most powerful Omega-Level mutant on Earth. However, a major 2020 retcon in the X-Men/Fantastic Four miniseries revealed that Franklin was not a mutant; he had subconsciously used his reality-warping abilities to alter his own biology to appear as a mutant, a revelation that has redefined his relationship with the x-men and the nation of krakoa.

Franklin Richards made his first appearance in Fantastic Four Annual #6, published in November 1968. He was created by the legendary duo of writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby during the zenith of their groundbreaking run on the title. The introduction of Franklin was a revolutionary concept for mainstream comics at the time. Unlike the static, unchanging nature of most superhero families, Franklin's birth signified a genuine evolution for the “First Family.” It grounded Reed and Sue Richards in a new, relatable reality of parenthood, adding a layer of domestic drama and responsibility to their cosmic adventures. For many years, Franklin was one of the few comic book characters who appeared to age in something approaching real-time, progressing from an infant to a young boy. This allowed writers to explore unique storylines centered on a child grappling with incomprehensible power, a theme that would become central to his identity. His creation cemented the Fantastic Four not just as a team of adventurers, but as a true family, with Franklin's safety and future often serving as the primary motivation for their actions.

Franklin Benjamin Richards's birth was fraught with cosmic peril, a direct consequence of his parents' own origins. The cosmic radiation that gave the Fantastic Four their powers had dangerously altered Susan Storm's cellular structure, making a normal pregnancy impossible. As Sue's life hung in the balance, a desperate Reed Richards, accompanied by Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm, journeyed into the antimatter universe known as the Negative Zone. Their mission was to retrieve the Cosmic Control Rod from the dimension's then-tyrant, Annihilus. The device's energy was the only thing capable of siphoning off the lethal radiation from Sue's body and stabilizing the birth. They succeeded, and Franklin was born, seemingly a healthy, normal child. It did not take long for his extraordinary nature to manifest. Franklin's powers were so immense and uncontrolled that they emerged in his early childhood with cataclysmic potential. In one instance, he prematurely aged himself into an adult form called Avatar, possessing full control of his abilities but lacking the emotional maturity to handle them. Reed was forced to temporarily shut down his son's mind to save everyone. Another time, the cosmic entity Ultron-7 hypnotized and unleashed Franklin's psionic power, nearly defeating the Fantastic Four and the Avengers. Fearing his son could accidentally unmake reality, Reed Richards designed a series of “power-dampening” devices and psychological blocks to keep Franklin's abilities in check, allowing him a semblance of a normal childhood. This decision, while well-intentioned, created a complex dynamic between father and son, as Franklin often felt constrained and misunderstood. His youth was a recurring cycle of his powers being suppressed, breaking free in moments of crisis, and being suppressed once more, all while navigating the bizarre and dangerous life of being a member of the Fantastic Four.

As of the current phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Franklin Richards has not yet been introduced or referenced. The Fantastic Four themselves are slated to make their formal debut in their titular film, and thus, their family life and children remain entirely unexplored within the mainline MCU (Earth-616/199999). While the film Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness introduced an alternate version of Reed Richards (from Earth-838) as part of the Illuminati, he was only shown in his capacity as a hero and scientist. The film did not confirm whether this variant had a family, and he was quickly killed by the Scarlet Witch. Speculation and Potential Future: The introduction of the Fantastic Four into the MCU opens the door for Franklin's eventual debut. His origin story is intrinsically tied to the team's core narrative and the cosmic elements of the Marvel universe. Filmmakers could adapt his story in several ways:

• A Direct Adaptation: Following the comics, Sue's pregnancy could be a major plot point in a future film, with the team's journey to a place like the Negative Zone being central to the conflict.
• A Time-Jump: The MCU could introduce the Fantastic Four as having been active for some time, with Franklin already born and his powers beginning to emerge, creating an immediate family-centric crisis.
• Focus on Power Control: The MCU often grounds extraordinary powers with personal, emotional stakes. Franklin's story is a perfect vehicle for this, exploring the theme of a family trying to raise a child who is, for all intents and purposes, a god. His potential relationship with other powerful young heroes, like Wanda Maximoff's children, could also be a source of future storytelling.

There is currently no official confirmation of his inclusion, but he remains one of the most anticipated legacy characters for the MCU's future.

Franklin Richards is, at his peak, one of the most powerful beings in the entirety of the Marvel Universe. His abilities are psionic in nature and operate on a reality-altering scale that defies conventional classification.

• Universal-Scale Reality Warping: This is his primary and most profound ability. Franklin can manipulate the very fabric of reality to his will. Unlike the chaos magic of the Scarlet Witch, which “tugs at the strings,” Franklin can fundamentally rewrite the source code of existence.
  • Pocket Universe Creation: He has created entire, fully functional pocket universes on multiple occasions. The most famous example is the “Heroes Reborn” universe, which he willed into existence to preserve the lives of the Avengers and other heroes.
  • Cosmic Entity Manipulation: At his full potential, Franklin's power is shown to be on par with, or even superior to, cosmic entities. As a child, he easily defeated Mephisto in his own realm. As a young adult, he was able to resurrect a dead galactus, making the Devourer of Worlds his personal herald. He has also stood against and destroyed multiple Celestials.
• Vast Psionic Powers: The foundation of his reality warping is a suite of psionic abilities of immeasurable scale.
  • Telepathy: He can read minds, communicate mentally across vast distances, and project his thoughts into others. His telepathic defenses are nearly impenetrable.
  • Telekinesis: He can move and manipulate matter with his mind on a planetary scale.
  • Astral Projection: He can project his consciousness out of his body, traveling through space and other dimensions.
• Matter and Energy Manipulation: Franklin can create and manipulate matter and energy for virtually any purpose. He can restructure molecules, generate immense energy blasts, and create complex objects out of thin air. He famously created a small sun in his bedroom as a child.
• Biological Manipulation: He can alter biological matter, as seen when he healed his grandfather from a near-fatal injury and, most significantly, when he subconsciously altered his own X-Gene to mimic that of a mutant.

For decades, Franklin was classified as an Omega-Level Mutant, often considered the most powerful mutant ever born. He was welcomed by the x-men and was a key figure of interest for the mutant nation of krakoa. However, the 2020 miniseries X-Men/Fantastic Four by Chip Zdarsky and Terry Dodson introduced a major retcon. Professor X, upon trying to psychically verify Franklin's mutant status for entry into Krakoa, discovered the truth: Franklin was not a mutant. From a young age, idolizing mutant heroes like Kitty Pryde, Franklin had subconsciously used his reality-warping powers to mimic the genetic signature of a mutant, creating his own X-Gene. He had wanted so badly to belong somewhere, to be part of a community that understood being “different,” that he willed himself into being one of them. This revelation was devastating for Franklin and led to his rejection from Krakoa. Compounding this identity crisis, he found that the immense power he used to create pocket universes and fight Celestials was a finite resource. Every use depleted his “cosmic battery.” After a final, universe-saving exertion of power, he was rendered effectively powerless, now living as a normal human. His current status is that of a depowered young man, though the potential for his abilities to one day return remains a possibility.

Franklin's personality is a product of a paradoxical upbringing: a loving, supportive family life set against a backdrop of constant cosmic danger and the burden of near-omnipotence.

• As a Child: He was often portrayed as innocent, imaginative, and deeply attached to his family, especially his uncle Ben Grimm. However, he was also prone to fear and emotional outbursts, which were terrifyingly dangerous given his powers.
• As a Young Adult: Franklin has matured into a thoughtful, empathetic, and sometimes melancholic individual. He carries the weight of his past actions and the potential of his powers with a seriousness beyond his years. He longs for normalcy and connection, as shown by his desire to be a part of the Krakoan community. He is fundamentally good-hearted, always striving to use his abilities for the benefit of all, but is haunted by the fear of what he could become if he lost control.

As Franklin does not exist in the MCU, his abilities and personality can only be speculated upon.

• Potential Abilities: The MCU would likely introduce his powers gradually. Initially, they might manifest as potent but uncontrolled telekinesis or telepathy, causing strange occurrences around the Baxter Building. A cinematic adaptation would likely build towards the revelation of his reality-warping, making it a major, awe-inspiring moment. His power level would probably be scaled down initially to fit the established power ceilings of the MCU, before potentially exploring his god-like potential in a major cosmic event film akin to Infinity War.
• Potential Personality: An MCU Franklin would almost certainly be defined by his relationship with his family. The core conflict would be Reed's scientific, cautious approach to his son's powers versus Sue's maternal, protective instincts. He could be portrayed as a clever, curious boy who feels like an outsider, struggling to reconcile his “normal” desires with his extraordinary circumstances, making him a highly relatable character for the audience.

• Susan Storm Richards (The Invisible Woman): His mother. Sue is Franklin's Fiercest protector and his primary emotional anchor. Their bond is the most important in his life. While Reed often views Franklin's powers as a scientific problem to be solved, Sue sees her son first and foremost, providing the unconditional love and support he needs to stay grounded.
• Reed Richards (Mister Fantastic): His father. Franklin's relationship with Reed is complex and has evolved significantly. In his youth, Franklin often felt alienated by his father's attempts to suppress his powers. As he's matured, he has come to understand the immense burden Reed carries and the fear that drove his actions. They share a deep love, but a tension born from their fundamentally different perspectives—Reed's logic versus Franklin's emotion—often remains.
• Valeria Richards: His younger sister. Valeria is Franklin's intellectual and emotional opposite. A super-genius like her father, Valeria is pragmatic, often arrogant, and views the universe as a puzzle. She and Franklin bicker like any siblings, but they are incredibly close and fiercely loyal to one another. Valeria often acts as Franklin's logical counsel, while Franklin provides the emotional heart and raw power in their partnership.
• Ben Grimm (The Thing): His uncle and godfather. Ben is arguably Franklin's closest confidant outside of his parents. As a child, Franklin saw Ben as his favorite playmate and protector. Ben, in turn, sees in Franklin an innocence and goodness that he strives to protect. Their relationship is simple, pure, and built on unwavering love and trust.
• Galactus: A highly unusual ally. In a future timeline, a fully-realized adult Franklin travels back in time and resurrects the then-deceased Galactus to serve as his herald. For a time, they traveled the cosmos together, with Franklin guiding Galactus to consume only lifeless worlds. This demonstrates the sheer scale of Franklin's power and his capacity for cosmic-level thinking.

Franklin doesn't have a traditional arch-nemesis in the vein of Spider-Man and the Green Goblin. His antagonists are often cosmic forces or entities who wish to exploit his power.

• Onslaught: The malevolent psychic entity born from the combined consciousness of Professor X and Magneto. Onslaught saw Franklin's reality-warping abilities as the ultimate power source. He kidnapped Franklin and intended to use him to rewrite reality in his own image, making him one of the most direct and terrifying threats Franklin ever faced personally.
• Mephisto: The demon lord has repeatedly tormented the Fantastic Four, and his actions left deep psychological scars on a young Franklin. In one of the most traumatic events of his childhood, Mephisto captured and tortured the Fantastic Four in his realm, an event from which Franklin never fully recovered.
• The Quiet Council of Krakoa: While not “enemies” in a physical sense, their decision to deny Franklin sanctuary on Krakoa after the revelation of his non-mutant status represents a profound ideological conflict. To Franklin, their rejection was a deep personal betrayal, turning a potential home into a source of alienation and reinforcing his feelings of being an outsider.

• Fantastic Four: The cornerstone of his existence. Though not an official member in the traditional sense for most of his life, he is the heart of the family and the primary motivation for many of their actions.
• Future Foundation: The organization founded by his father to guide the brilliant young minds of the world. After the apparent death of the Human Torch, Franklin became a core member alongside his sister, Spider-Man, and other gifted youngsters. He traveled the multiverse with the Future Foundation for eons (from his perspective) after Secret Wars.
• Fantastic Force: As a teenager (a time-displaced future version of himself known as Psi-Lord), he led his own superhero team, a spin-off of the main Fantastic Four.
• The X-Men: For much of his life, Franklin considered himself an ally of the X-Men and a member of the mutant community. He was a student at the Jean Grey School for a time and sought citizenship in Krakoa. This affiliation was officially and emotionally severed following the retcon of his origins.

This massive crossover event placed Franklin at its absolute center. The psychic monster Onslaught kidnapped Franklin and his powerful mutant counterpart, Nate Grey (X-Man), intending to use their combined psionic energy to achieve godhood and reshape reality. As the heroes of Earth made their last stand, it became clear that Onslaught's physical form could not be destroyed without killing the human heroes trapped within his energy shell. In a moment of incredible power and childlike innocence, Franklin created a complete pocket dimension—the “Heroes Reborn” universe—and shunted the non-mutant heroes (including his own family and the Avengers) into it, saving their lives as the X-Men destroyed Onslaught's psionic form. This act defined Franklin's cosmic importance for a generation.

During the final Incursion that destroyed the Marvel Multiverse, Reed Richards managed to save a handful of key individuals on a “life raft,” including Franklin and the Future Foundation. When Doctor Doom used the power of the Beyonders to create Battleworld, Franklin was separated from his father. He eventually reunites with his family and teams up with Molecule Man. After Reed defeats Doom and takes control of the Beyonders' power, he and Franklin embark on the ultimate mission: using Franklin's reality-shaping abilities and Molecule Man's energy, they spend uncounted eons rebuilding the entire Multiverse, one reality at a time. This storyline elevated Franklin from a universal power to a multiversal creator god.

This storyline is pivotal for Franklin's modern character arc. With his powers beginning to fade, Franklin fears he will lose them completely. He sees the mutant nation of Krakoa, with its “resurrection protocols” and mutant-centric science, as his only hope. This creates a schism in the Fantastic Four, as Sue believes he should be allowed to go, while Reed fears what Krakoan scientists might do with access to his son's biology. The story involves Doctor Doom attempting to “fix” Franklin's powers for his own ends and culminates in Professor X's shocking discovery that Franklin was never a mutant. The emotional fallout sees Franklin rejected by Krakoa and left to face his power loss alone with his family, fundamentally altering his status in the Marvel Universe.

• Psi-Lord (Earth-616, Time-Displaced): For a period in the 1990s, Franklin's younger self was swapped with his teenage future self, who had been raised in a desolate future timeline. This version, calling himself Psi-Lord, was more confident and proactive. He possessed powerful telepathic and telekinetic abilities but lacked the full reality-warping potential of his younger (and older) self. He formed and led the team known as Fantastic Force before eventually being returned to his own timeline and restored as a child.
• Adult Franklin (Days of Future Past - Earth-811): In the iconic “Days of Future Past” timeline, a grown-up Franklin is one of the last super-powered beings alive in a Sentinel-ravaged North America. He is the lover of Rachel Summers (Phoenix) and a powerful, battle-hardened survivor. This version demonstrates what Franklin could become when forged in tragedy, possessing immense power but scarred by a lifetime of loss.
• The Maker (Ultimate Universe/Earth-1610): While not a direct version of Franklin, the fate of the Richards family in the Ultimate Universe provides a dark mirror. In this reality, the Fantastic Four were much younger and Reed and Sue never had children. This universe's Reed Richards eventually became the villainous Maker. The absence of Franklin (and Valeria) in this timeline highlights how crucial the children are to grounding the prime Reed Richards and keeping the Fantastic Four a force for good.

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• galactus
• celestials
• onslaught_saga
• x-men
• krakoa

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