THINGS REED RICHARDS FEELS GUILTY ABOUT
As a super hero and one of the smartest people in the Marvel Universe, Reed Richards must make tough decisions to protect his family and the world—but he doesn't always make the right call. From the accident that gave the Fantastic Four their powers to his role in CIVIL WAR and beyond, here are some of the events that haunt him and inspire him to make amends as Mister Fantastic.
Mr. Not-So-Fantastic
In Fantastic Four (1998) #60
After encouraging Ben Grimm and siblings Sue and Johnny Storm to take the unscheduled trip to space that exposed them to cosmic radiation, Reed feels responsible for their subsequent transformation into the Fantastic Four. This issue explores the steps he takes to ensure his family won't become outcasts and can lead as normal a life as possible.
In Fantastic Four (1998) #605
Reed feels particularly guilty about his best friend Ben, whose rocky form has caused him much pain and suffering as the Thing over the years. As a result, Reed often looks for ways to restore Ben's human form, even consulting the young geniuses of the Future Foundation for help. In this issue, he uses time-travel to make sure Ben lives a long, happy life.
In Thing (1983) #23
After Reed hides some information about Thing's powers, Ben lashes out and quits the Fantastic Four, leaving Mister Fantastic wracked with guilt and regret.
In Fantastic Four (1961) #141
After an encounter with Annihilus leads a young Franklin to prematurely develop his incredible powers, Reed uses an experimental device that that neutralizes his abilities and leaves him comatose, devastating him and nearly costing him his marriage to Sue.
In Fantastic Four (1998) #508
To exact revenge on his longtime nemesis, Doctor Doom possesses the Thing and forces Reed to kill his best friend, with resounding consequences for both Mister Fantastic and the team at large.
In NEW AVENGERS: ILLUMINATI ONE-SHOT 1 (2006) #1
As part of the Illuminati, Reed helps banish Hulk to space after one of his particularly destructive rampages. Reed's guilt leads him to leave Bruce Banner a video message, but this doesn't stop Hulk from seeking revenge on them all later on in WORLD WAR HULK (2007).
In Civil War (2006) #3
Between his pro-Superhuman Registration Act stance and his role in building Prison 42, a Negative Zone jail for unregistered heroes, Reed has much to feel guilty about in the wake of CIVIL WAR. However, his worst offense may be the creation of a Thor clone, who kills Goliath. He suffers the consequences from his team and his wife throughout this event.
In New Avengers: Illuminati (2006) #1
Reed and the other Illuminati leaders accidentally play a critical role in shaping the Skrulls' plans to invade Earth when the Skrulls capture them and study their powers, using their analysis to equip an army of Super-Skrull agents with numerous abilities. Reed quickly realizes how they used him and attempts to help his fellow heroes retake Earth.
In New Avengers (2013) #1
When Reed and the Illuminati discover Incursions between alternate universes, they are forced to destroy other worlds to protect their own. Nevertheless, this doesn't prevent the deaths of the Fantastic Four and Future Foundation, devasting Reed in SECRET WARS (2015) #1.
In Fantastic Four (2022) #4
When a threat from the Negative Zone emerges, Reed makes a split-second decision to teleport the Baxter Building one year into the future—with Franklin, Valeria, and Ben's recently adopted children inside. This incident turns the tide of public opinion and splits the team up, plaguing Reed with guilt as they wait to welcome their children back.