Even with decades of saving the world and exploring the universe under their belts, the Fantastic Four never run out of things to do. Their powers are constantly changing and growing, as they discover unique ways to combine and utilize them. There's always more to say about their unique abilities, but one Marvel tale put a life-altering elemental spin on Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben's gifts.

In Timeslip Collection #1, classic Marvel characters are reimagined by industry giants. For the Fantastic Four, that meant being handed off to master artist Dan Jurgens, who turned their cosmic ray origin story into something more elemental. While Jurgens' take shares some characteristics with the F4's standard origin story, there are a few epic tweaks.

Instead of merely being bombarded by cosmic rays, the Fantastic Four develop their abilities through a combination of the rays and "earth elements." Each character's powers correspond to one of the four elements, with their designs reflecting this connection perfectly.

Timeslip #1 was originally published in 1998 as a two-page spread of multiple heroes and villains reimagined by various artists.

Timeslip’s Fantastic Four Have Powers Aligning With the Elements

Reimagining the Fantastic Four: Elemental Origins and Aesthetic Redesign

Over the years, the exact nature of the Fantastic Four's powers have been examined and re-examined. Most recently, it seems as if Reed Richards himself had a hand in shaping which abilities the cosmic rays granted his teammates, leaving them impossible to recreate. Timeslip #1 isn't beholden to any of the established rules, however, and Jurgen leaned into something that feels rather natural for the F4. Reed's ever-shifting and stretching abilities represent water, the Invisible Woman's disappearing act allies her with air, Human Torch is the living embodiment of fire, and The Thing's rocky skin appropriately pairs him with earth.

Jurgen's story came with an aesthetic redesign that drives the 'elemental' idea home, particularly for Ben Grimm. The Thing looks practically volcanic with smoldering yellow eyes set into a dark face and a boulder-like body that doesn't have its usual orange hue. Johnny Storm is, of course, fully in his fiery "Flame On" look, while Reed is stretching with all the mobility of the water he represents, and Invisible Woman looks ready to command the air itself. It's a solid look for the whole team, leaving them both recognizable but refreshed and in line with their new origin.

Timeslip Gave The Fantastic Four One of Their Best Origins

The Fantastic Four’s Elemental Rebirth

While the elements are initially introduced as a means to combat Mole Man’s attempt to destroy the world, they ultimately feel like a perfect fit for the Fantastic Four. Each hero’s connection to their respective element is so natural that it’s almost surprising this wasn’t part of their original origin story. At the very least, it offers an intriguing new perspective on their powers. The team still works seamlessly together, yet each member stands strong individually. Marvel's reimagining of The Fantastic Four as embodiments of the elements is a fitting and inspired tribute.

Timeslip #1 is available now from Marvel Comics.