In a 1982 arc by John Byrne, Franklin gets frustrated trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube and uses his powers to age himself into an adult body, though he couldn’t actually gain more emotional maturity. He winds up going back to being a kid, placing restrictions on his own abilities to allow him to have something of a normal childhood.

Franklin’s powers allowed him to create the universe, dimensions, avoid mind control, and every other cool power you can think of. Franklin Richards is considered a Beyond Omega Level mutant, and he is the only one in that category, making him the most powerful mutant on Earth.

Franklin Richards' reality-warping vs Galactus's Power Cosmic: Here is who we think is the strongest in the MCU after The Fantastic Four.

First Steps,' Galactus is presented much like he is in the comics. He could also be the key to understanding the next phase of the Marvel multiverse.

Galactus proves to be one of the most formidable villains to appear in the MCU to date, but this character has been seen in a previous Marvel movie.

Of all the things in the universe, what does the cosmic being Galactus want with a little baby in "Fantastic Four: First Steps"? Our video explains it all.

As Fantastic Four: First Steps heads towards its final act, the group is torn between two impossible choices: sacrifice all of Earth to Galactus, or Reed and Sue must give up their child Franklin, who contains the Power Cosmic and enough energy to satiate Galactus' hunger.

In newly-released footage from a TV spot ahead of the premiere of The Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25, 2025, the Fantastic Four reveal Galactus’ demands for Earth’s protection during a press conference (via Reddit).