Latest news with #StanLee
Geek Girl Authority
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
THE FANTASTIC FOUR: FIRST STEPS Spoiler Review
Major spoilers ahead for The Fantastic Four: First Steps. You've been warned. * * When the comic debuted in 1961, not even Stan Lee could foresee how popular The Fantastic Four would be – that Marvel's 'first family' would spawn hundreds of collections of comics that continue to this day. However, that popularity didn't translate as well to the movie versions that popped up over the years. It seemed like nobody could get Fan 4's particular brand of goofy, family-friendly adventure right for the big screen. But now The Fantastic Four: First Steps takes a huge, ambitious, risky swing at it. Does it score? Read on to find out. RELATED: Superman Spoiler Review So, it's important to note that this version of Fantastic Four takes place on Earth-828, in 1964. And in this glorious, retro-futuristic (think Tomorrowland at Disneyworld) version of New York is where the Fantastic Four make their home. While Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic (Pedro-I'm-in-friggin'-everything-Pascal) tears the bathroom apart looking for something, his wife and colleague, Susan Storm, aka Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby) tells him to wait just 12 more seconds. Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn in The Fantastic Four: First Steps She goes to just the right drawer, finds the thing he's looking for and gives it to him. Then, she gives him a pregnancy test blinking positive. Reed's both nervous and excited, given that they've both been genetically altered. But Sue says it's going to be okay. They can do this. A TV show plays, 'The Ted Gilbert Show,' going over the events which led to the Fan 4 becoming the supers they are. As astronauts, Reed and Sue, her brother Johnny, aka Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and pilot Ben Grimm, aka The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) went to space and were exposed to cosmic rays that altered their DNA. RELATED: Movie Review: Osiris For those unfamiliar, Reed became super-stretchy; Sue can turn invisible and create force fields. Johnny can turn into flame and fly, and Ben turned into a super-strong rock monster. Over the years, the Fan 4 became Earth's heroes, protecting people from supervillains like Harvey Elder, aka Mole Man (Paul Walter Hauser). But at least with Mole Man, Sue was able to broker a peace deal so that New York and his city beneath the city, Subterranea, could coexist. Sue and Reed join Ben and Johnny for their traditional Sunday dinner. Ben can immediately tell that Sue's pregnant. Everyone celebrates, including the family robot, H.E.R.B.I.E. (Matthew Wood). Over the next few months, everyone works on baby-proofing the penthouse and lab. Meanwhile, Reed also works on a teleportation machine but can't get it quite right. They also pick up a broadcast from space in a strange language, which H.E.R.B.I.E. records. Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Matthew Wood in The Fantastic Four: First Steps While out buying cookies for Sue (but mostly himself), a bunch of schoolkids see Ben and cheer for him, wanting him to pick up a car. They want him to throw it, but of course, Ben won't do that. The kids' teacher, Rachel (Natasha Lyonne), comes out to talk to him. Ben's clearly surprised that she isn't frightened of him or just wants a photo. They strike up a conversation, and Rachel invites Ben to stop in and visit next time. Ben walks away with a new crush. Aww. Picking up a strange signal coming into the city from space, the Fan 4 fly their Fantasticar to Times Square as a strange being arrives. It looks like a metallic, humanoid, female-looking alien hovering on what looks like a surfboard (Julia Garner). She asks the Fan 4 if they're Earth's protectors, and they say yes. The Herald announces that Earth is marked for destruction by her master, Galactus (Ralph Ineson). RELATED: Movie Review: The Fantastic Four: First Steps She says that all Earth's inhabitants should spend what little time they have with their loved ones. Then the Herald flies away, back toward space. Johnny 'flames on' and follows her, catching up to her and grabbing the board. The Herald says something to him in her language and then knocks him back, sending him falling back down. Meanwhile, as the public starts panicking, Reed assures them that they will protect them. The Fan 4 go back to the lab, and Reed analyzes what info they have. Based on her looks, they decide to call the Herald 'Silver Surfer,' and identify other planets where her energy signature has been – other planets that have been destroyed. Even though Sue is ready to deliver any day, the Fan 4 realize they have to go back to space. So, they hop in their Excelsior rocket and take off with the world anxiously waiting. Julia Garner in The Fantastic Four: First Steps Reed finds the planet that Galactus is currently consuming. His massive ship pulls the Excelsior inside, and Silver Surfer meets them, bringing them to meet Galactus. Reed guesses that she is the one who decides which planets to destroy. And Johnny asks her what she said to him. She tells him it was a blessing: 'Die with yours.' The Fan 4 finally see Galactus, the ultra-humongous cosmic god, and Reed asks that Earth be spared. Galactus detects Sue's baby and also detects the baby's power. He says that the child shares the same power as he does, and that the child could take his place so that he could finally rest. Galactus gives them an ultimatum: sacrifice the child or sacrifice Earth. RELATED: Thunderbolts* Spoiler Review Unwilling to give up the baby, the Fan 4 make a break for their ship and manage to break free of Galactus' ship. But Silver Surfer chases them, even following them at faster-than-light speed. Sue goes into labor while Reed tells Ben to fly them toward a black hole. Johnny fires their guns at Silver Surfer, but the wormhole bends the beams. Ben flies them closer to the black hole, close enough to start ripping parts off the ship – but also close enough to trap Silver Surfer in the gravity well. Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby in The Fantastic Four: First Steps The Excelsior barely makes it out but manages to get home, and Sue gives birth to a baby boy, Franklin. When they get back to Earth, everyone's excited to see the baby but upset when Reed tells the press that they couldn't defeat Galactus – because the price was too high. When Reed reveals that they wouldn't sacrifice Franklin, public opinion immediately turns on them. Meanwhile, Silver Surfer tries to reason with Galactus, saying that killing a baby is going too far. But Galactus lifts her off her board, choking her for daring to question him. Back on Earth, while Reed desperately tries to come up with some way to defeat Galactus, Johnny decides to do some work on his own, analyzing all those recordings of those space broadcasts until he finds one that contains the same language Silver Surfer spoke to him. RELATED: Movie Review: Jurassic World: Rebirth From the penthouse, Sue looks down on the angry mob protesting outside the Baxter Building. She takes Franklin and goes outside, telling them that while she will never sacrifice her child, she also won't sacrifice anyone else's. She asks everyone to just have some faith that they'll be able to save them, which seems to lessen the crowd's anger. Reed finally perfects his teleportation device and scales it way up so that they'll be able to actually teleport the entire planet. This means building special rigs all over the world and nightly global blackouts to conserve power. But it works, and as Galactus approaches Earth, Reed throws the switches. But then Silver Surfer shows up and zips around destroying all the rigs. Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby in The Fantastic Four: First Steps Johnny goes after her as she reaches New York and catches up to her. He speaks to her in her language, addressing her by her real name: Shalla-Bal. Apparently, she was a scientist on her own world, and when Galactus came calling, she offered to become his servant in exchange for saving her world and her child. Haunted by the deafening screams of the dead, Silver Surfer flees. RELATED: Captain America: Brave New World Spoiler Review With the planetary teleportation plan blown, the Fan 4 have one play left – to teleport Galactus when he arrives. But the only way to get him away from his ship is to lure him. And the only thing they can lure him with is Franklin. It's a scary, horrible plan, but even Reed and Sue know it's the only way. And to get the many civilians out of harm's way, Sue reaches out to Mole Man and gets him to agree to let the people stay down in Subterreanea. The Fan 4 set up the teleporter and put Franklin in a baby seat/protective pod in the center of it while they hide out of sight. Galactus shows up as expected, tromping the city under his massive feet. But just as he's heading for the teleporter, he realizes the baby's not there. He scans around and finds Franklin in the Baxter Building instead, the Fan 4 having pulled a switcheroo. The Fan 4 use all their powers to try and stop him, but individually, they're just no match. Galactus gets a kick out of stretching Reed to almost snapping him in half. Johnny and Ben manage to temporarily burn Galactus' eyes and clobber him, but they both get knocked out of the way. Only Sue can generate a forcefield powerful enough to push Galactus toward the open porthole. Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Joseph Quinn in The Fantastic Four: First Steps But Sue's tiring fast, and they can all see that Galactus might pull himself out before it closes. So Johnny makes the fateful decision to sacrifice himself and flies toward Galactus with all speed, to push him back in. But then suddenly Silver Surfer reenters the fray and comes flying in, shoving Johnny out of the way. She launches herself at Galactus, and they both disappear into the porthole as it closes. RELATED: Kraven The Hunter Spoiler Review Sue collapses. Reed, Johnny and Ben rush to her side with baby Franklin. Reed does CPR on Sue, but she's gone. Baby Franklin cries, reaching for her, so Reed puts him down on her chest. Franklin touches her, and after a moment, she comes back (like there was ever any question). Everyone's relieved, and Sue says Franklin's more special than they could've imagined. All's well that ends well, and just as the Fan 4 are about to go onto Ted Gilbert's (Mark Gatiss) show, they receive a distress call. Ted Gilbert opens the curtain on an empty stage while the Fan 4 are outside by the Fantasticar. Holding Franklin, Sue smiles while watching Reed, Ben and Johnny argue over putting the baby seat in right. Then, once they get it figured out, they zip off to their next mission. Then, in the mid-credits scene, four years later, Sue reads a book to Franklin. He asks for another, and she goes to get one. When she comes back, she hears a weird noise and prepares a force field. She sees Franklin touching the face of someone in a hooded green cloak, holding a metal mask – Doctor Doom. Vanessa Kirby in The Fantastic Four: First Steps And in a last stinger, a main title sequence for an animated Fantastic Four cartoon plays, and a quote from the late comic creator Jack Kirby: 'If you look at my characters, you will find me. No matter what kind of character you create or assume, a little of yourself must remain there.' *** I'll be the first to admit that I'm suffering from a pretty acute case of superhero fatigue – especially Marvel fatigue. The MCU's Infinity Saga was such an incredible ride, such a perfect case of lightning in a bottle. They've been trying like crazy ever since to recreate the magic. But with each new flick or series or whatever, it makes part of me wish they would just stop altogether. RELATED: Art Book Review: Marvel Studios' The Infinity Saga – Avengers: Age of Ultron: Art of the Movie None of the flicks that Marvel's put out since Avengers: Endgame (2019) have retained the same level of narrative quality. While Thunderbolts* came pretty close, and as appealing as they are, it's clear that Yelena and Bucky and company (or street-level supers like Daredevil and Punisher, who have the best written series) aren't the kind of supers who are going to defeat something like Galactus or the Celestials. But the next iteration of the Avengers is slowly coming together anyway, although it's not at all clear how – or how well – they'll work as a team. But what is clear is that the Fan 4 are an integral part of this new version of the Avengers. So, in order for the team to work, their own flick's launch has to be a success. And thankfully, The Fantastic Four: First Steps is not only making a profit, but it's also just really, really good. Joseph Quinn, Pedro Pascal in The Fantastic Four: First Steps The most impressive thing about it is, without a doubt, the gorgeous production design. Director Matt Shakman's previous work on WandaVision (2021) clearly informed his decisions here, to amazing effect. It's not often that the worldbuilding and visual scope of a flick impress me enough to make my jaw drop, but I was in awe. It was Tomorrowland to infinity. From the Fan 4's penthouse to Galactus' ship and the Interstellar -inspired black hole. Truly outstanding work. Thankfully, just as much work has been put into the writing. With the Fan 4, it's easy to get mired down by their – let's face it – pretty corny powers. But what's focused on in First Steps is each character, even if, like in Ben and Johnny's cases, they aren't given equal screen time. RELATED: Art Book Review: Marvel Studios' The Infinity Saga – Captain America: The Winter Soldier: The Art of the Movie Even though one could say that Pedro Pascal's Reed is a little too understated (and in need of a shave), he certainly portrays Reed's conflict of being the world's smartest guy while also being scared. Vanessa Kirby's Sue is the most powerful and the most confident of the family, but she too contends with the conflict of being a heroine and now a new mother. While they toned way down the goofy, sibling-like rivalry antics between Ben and Johnny, each of them gets their moment. Instead of just being the vapid, attention-seeking womanizer, Johnny actually gets to do some science-y stuff and forms a connection (though tenuous) with Silver Surfer. He even displays selflessness and courage at the end. Ebon Moss-Bachrach in The Fantastic Four: First Steps And then there's Ben, whose story is the most endearing. Even though attention to him is slight, what he does get is quality time. Though he keeps up the Thing's wisecracking bravado, Ben's loneliness is evident. When Natasha Lyonne's Rachel takes the time to notice him, to just talk to him as a person, it's so genuine. They're so sweet together, and I totally ship it. RELATED: Top 10 Badass Marvel Female Characters First Steps also manages to present one of Marvel's most unwieldy super-mega-humungo-villains, Galactus, in such a way that he actually looks like he's supposed to look, but not so far gone that he looks silly. In fact, as he's presented here with a ship that he's built into, Galactus is pretty creepy. And I gotta give them props for that. I'm really happy to say that I walked out of The Fantastic Four: First Steps with a big sigh of relief, instead of more fatigue. While Marvel will never recapture the magic of the Infinity Saga, First Steps gives me hope for at least Avengers: Doomsday . Given the strength of Fan 4, I have hope that Marvel's first family will be the right leaders of the next generation of Avengers. Directed by: Matt Shakman Written by: Josh Friedman, Eric Pearson, Jeff Kaplan, Ian Springer, Stan Lee (comics), Jack Kirby (comics) Release date: Jul 25, 2025 Rating: PG-13 Run time: 1hr 55min Distributor: Marvel Studios/Walt Disney Studios I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER Spoiler Review
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
That ‘Fantastic Four: First Steps' Ending Quote Explained: Who Is Jack Kirby?
Thanks to 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps,' Marvel legend Jack Kirby is finally starting to get more recognition for his work. Consider it a post-credit scene if you want, consider it a tribute, but the latest MCU film ends with a quote from Jack Kirby, the co-creator and initial artist for the Fantastic Four. More from TheWrap 'Tron: Ares' Brings New Nine Inch Nails Video and Light Cycle Chases to Comic Con Larry Ellison to Hold 35.5% of Family's Voting Rights in New Paramount, National Amusements After Skydance Merger Closes Stephen King's 'The Long Walk' Gets Tense New Trailer as the Game Begins Cole Escola Joins Melissa McCarthy in Warner Bros. Animated Christmas Musical 'Margie Claus' | Video 'If you look at my characters, you will find me,' the quote at the end of the film reads. 'No matter what kind of character you create or assume, a little of yourself must remain there.' While Stan Lee was front and center for much of the early hayday of MCU movies for his creations, many of the characters getting movies about them were co-created by Kirby. Other characters the artist had a hand in co-creating include Ant-Man, The Avengers, Black Panther, Captain America, Thor, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, The Silver Surfer, and The X-Men. It wasn't just the quote that gives a nod to Kirby. The Fantastic Four of the MCU are from a different, retro-futurist Earth than most of the movies in the canon. The Earth is designated Earth 828. The final tribute reveals Kirby's birth and death dates Aug. 28, 1917 to Feb. 6, 1994. 8/28 becomes Earth 828. 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' is being heralded as a return to form for Marvel Studios after much of Phase 4 and 5 entries were considered rocky. TheWrap critic William Bibbiani called it a first-rate movie for Marvel's First Family. In his review he said, ''The Fantastic Four: First Steps,' whatever its drawbacks, feels like a real Fantastic Four movie, and that's no small achievement. It'll never be as important or influential as the comics but it does feel like an idyllic summer afternoon, sitting under a shady tree and thumbing through back issues of a marvelous series with endearing characters. That's more than enough. In fact, that's a heck of a lot.' The post That 'Fantastic Four: First Steps' Ending Quote Explained: Who Is Jack Kirby? appeared first on TheWrap.
Hindustan Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
How Fantastic Four: First Steps gives Marvel's ‘first family' a second chance
Marvel's Fantastic Four: First Steps is not just another superhero film. It is a second shot at a franchise that has never quite worked on screen. As The Conversation points out, every past Fantastic Four movie - from the early 2000s to the 2015 misfire - has been labeled a flop. Fans are hoping this time will be different. In comics, though, the Fantastic Four have always been a big deal. Marvel's Fantastic Four: First Steps aspires to redefine the franchise's legacy.( (Marvel/Disney via AP)) When Stan Lee and Jack Kirby introduced them in 1961, they ripped up the old superhero playbook. There were no masks. No secret lairs. Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm were public figures, squabbling like any real family while saving the world. Marvel superheroes leading normal lives These were not just action comics; they broke social ground. Reed and Sue exchanged vows in 1965 - the first superhero wedding. In 1968, Sue gave birth to Franklin Richards, making her the first pregnant superhero mom. The Fantastic Four also introduced the Black Panther in 1966's issue #52 - a historic first for a major Black superhero. And while it was not made official until decades later, scholars believe Ben Grimm was always meant to be Jewish, adding another layer of representation. Also read: Fantastic Four: First Steps' mid-credits scene was shot by Avengers' Russo brothers, says director Matt Shakman The Fantastic Four did not just redefine heroes; they built the Marvel universe itself. Spider-Man's debut in 1963 featured the team right on the cover of Amazing Spider-Man #1, a move that boosted both characters. By 1965, Reed and Sue's wedding turned into a wild crossover with 19 superheroes and 28 villains crammed into one issue. Stan Lee and Jack Kirby even appeared in the comic, blurring the line between fiction and reality. As comics historian Douglas Wolk has said, those first hundred issues are 'Marvel's Bible and manual,' reports The Conversation. Marvel's Phase Six and beyond Now, Fantastic Four: First Steps will launch Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, which will culminate in Avengers: Secret Wars in 2027. The film is not just a reboot - it is meant to carry the same spark that made the original comics so influential: heroes who are powerful, flawed, and deeply human. FAQs Who is Zac Efron playing in Fantastic Four? Marvel hasn't confirmed Zac Efron as part of the cast, and no official role has been announced for him. Who is playing the new Fantastic Four? The cast for Fantastic Four: First Steps includes Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Pedro Pascal, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach. Is Fantastic Four from Marvel? Yes, the Fantastic Four are Marvel characters, created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1961. When is the new Fantastic Four movie coming out? Marvel's Fantastic Four: First Steps was released on 25 July 2025.
Digital Trends
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Digital Trends
The Fantastic Four: First Steps is better than Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer
The Fantastic Four: First Steps marks the second attempt at presenting the first battle between Marvel's First Family and the villain Galactus (Ralph Ineson) on the big screen. The first attempt came in 2007 with the film Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer, but this movie wasn't as well-received as First Steps. Marvel Studios' new Fantastic Four does a much better job of adapting Stan Lee and Jack Kirby's iconic Galactus Trilogy than Rise of the Silver Surfer. From the way it presents the heroes and villains to the cosmic family drama, First Steps excels at presenting the Fantastic Four's war with Galactus on several fronts, making it worth the long wait after Rise of the Silver Surfer. The heroes are far more developed While Reed and Sue's characters grow in both films, the rest of the cast don't achieve the same level of development in The Rise of the Silver Surfer. Chris Evans's Johnny Storm seems most interested in picking up women and earning money from celebrity endorsements. Since he doesn't seem to grow past this in the film, his character seems even more problematic 20 years later. Recommended Videos Joseph Quinn's version of the character in the 2025 film is dedicated to protecting his family above all else, nearly sacrificing himself to stop Galactus and save his nephew, Franklin. He also showcases great intelligence by translating the Silver Surfer's language to learn more about her, proving he isn't just some childish womanizer. Ben Grimm/The Thing doesn't grow that much in First Steps, but his character appears completely static in Rise of the Silver Surfer. His character doesn't add much to the story outside of sheer muscle and comic relief, and his relationship with Alicia Masters (Kerry Washington) could've been explored more. The comedy is light years ahead in First Steps Rise of the Silver Surfer is a product of its time, when comic book films were far more campy and corny. However, unlike Sam Raimi's Spider-Man films, the humor in Rise of the Silver Surfer induces more groans than laughs, especially when most of them are delivered with subpar acting. The film at least gets the comedic dynamic between Johnny and Ben right. On the other hand, First Steps features smarter, more natural comedy performances with much more believable acting that viewers of all ages can enjoy. Everyone can laugh at hearing the Fantastic Four's witty banter, which makes them sound more like a real family. Parents can also relate to the heroes' struggle to run a baby-friendly household with scenes that seem straight out of a classic sitcom. First Steps features better drama Rise of the Silver Surfer shows Reed and Sue struggling to live normal lives as worldwide celebrities who are constantly under the media's scrutiny. They also have to deal with world-threatening crises that force them to postpone their wedding several times. Though their desires make them consider retiring from the Fantastic Four, it doesn't have that much of an impact on their main conflict with Galactus. In First Steps, the heroes instead try to prepare for their new lives by raising Sue and Reed's baby, Franklin. The film effectively links its family drama to the battle against Galactus by having the World Devourer demand that the heroes surrender Franklin, whose latent powers can satisfy his endless hunger, in exchange for Earth's survival. This ultimatum makes the heroes' conflict much more personal, as it forces them to question their morals as they decide who they must save. Julia Garner's Silver Surfer shines brighter Both First Steps and Rise of the Silver Surfer give plenty of screen time to Galactus's herald, who's voiced by Laurence Fishburne and portrayed by Doug Jones in the latter film. While their character arcs are mostly the same, the development of Garner's character is clearer and much more engaging. Jones and Fishburne did a great job bringing the Silver Surfer/Norrin Radd to life, and the film builds plenty of suspense before revealing his mysterious character. However, as the movie reveals more about him, his character only appears more questionable. It's difficult to understand why Norrin Radd saw his wife in Sue Storm, and his decision to protect Earth doesn't seem natural. If the Surfer had the power to kill Galactus the whole time and protect all those worlds, why didn't he do so a long time ago? Meanwhile, First Steps gives Julia Garner's Silver Surfer, Shalla-Bal, a much more intriguing relationship with Johnny Storm, who also sees the good in her. However, Johnny forces her to confront her guilt over the deaths of so many worlds at the hands of Galactus. In doing so, the film makes the Surfer's decision to help the heroes stop Galactus by forcing him into a portal much more understandable. The CGI is also much better for Garner's Surfer, as it better displays the expressions and emotions of her conflicted character. It does Galactus justice as a blockbuster villain Rise of the Silver Surfer disappointed many fans by depicting Galactus as a planet-devouring cloud instead of the giant, humanoid deity seen in the comics. 2007's version of Galactus is a mysterious, cosmic horror that could've worked in another film. This just wasn't what made the character an iconic comic book villain. On top of that, Galactus had very little screen time. The film focused on making Doctor Doom (Julian McMahon) the main antagonist as he tried to steal the Silver Surfer's power. Over 20 years later, The Fantastic Four: First Steps featured actor Ralph Ineson as the World Devourer, wearing a comic-accurate costume and towering over cities as he faced the Fantastic Four head-on. Even when he's not on-screen, his frightening shadow can be felt hanging over the characters as his world-destroying ship makes its way toward Earth, causing everyone to panic and turn on the Fantastic Four. First Steps succeeds in making Galactus a legitimate character. Though Galactus presents himself as a force of nature driven only by hunger, he expresses a desire to be free from it and find peace by taking Franklin. This rationale makes him a more unique and compelling villain than the voiceless, faceless entity seen in Rise of the Silver Surfer. All in all, Rise of the Silver Surfer still doesn't work in today's world of superhero cinema. It features a lackluster story with characters who are flat, hammy, and forgettable. First Steps stands as the best Fantastic Four movie, thanks to its gripping conflict, more developed characters, and faithfulness to the source material. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is now in theaters. Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer is now on Disney+.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Independent
Rare Hulk stretch toy sells for thousands of pounds at auction
A stretch toy of Marvel's The Hulk, which has been described as one of the 'rarest stretch toys in existence', has sold for thousands of pounds, according to Excalibur Auctions. The figure, which appears to be one of only 30 known examples of the original Hulk stretch figure from 1979 known to still exist, was sold to a private collector on Saturday at the Excalibur Auctions Vintage Toys, Diecast Models & Model Railways auction for £3,900. Originally estimated between £3,000 and £5,000, the final sale set a new record in the UK for 'a figure of its kind', according to the auction house. Jonathan Torode, from Excalibur Auctions, said: 'We were excited to offer this rare piece of nostalgia today, which set a UK auction record for a figure of its kind. 'We saw competitive bidding on the phones and internet, with it finally winning out to a UK private collector, where we hope it will be as cherished by its new owner as much as it has been by its previous one.' The character the toy is based on was created by the American comic book writer and producer Stan Lee and comic artist Jack Kirby, appearing in comic form for the first time in May 1962 under the Marvel name. He was later portrayed across TV, film, cartoon and video games as The Incredible Hulk – the alter ego of the physicist Dr Bruce Banner, who transformed into the superhero when he was angry or under extreme stress. A range of actors have since portrayed the character over the years, including Eric Bana in The Hulk (2003), Edward Norton in The Incredible Hulk (2008) and Mark Ruffalo in The Avengers (2012). The toy was described as being in 'mint' condition after being kept out of the light, upright, and in its original packaging over the years. The Hulk figure also came with its original instructions and has never been offered for sale since it was bought in 1979, according to the auction house. Produced by renowned toymaker Denys Fisher (1918-2002), the figure came directly from its original owner who had begged his mother for one as a child. It was originally part of Kenner's 'Stretch Armstrong' line and was later licensed under Denys Fisher in the UK. Fisher, who developed the Spirograph, grew up in the Leeds area and later lived in Dumfries and Cumbria. The Hulk stretch figure was filled with corn syrup to enable it to stretch and was made using the same latex and gel moulds as those used for the Stretch Armstrong figure. However, its green skin colouring, the Hulk head and the Marvel branding set it apart from the Stretch Armstrong toy. Manufactured in Thorp Arch, Wetherby, the toy was sold in limited quantities only in the UK, through select mail order catalogues and a handful of shops.
