This iteration of the Fantastic Four has a standalone adventure without all the burden of the MCU's history and cast of characters.

This week, Marvel Studios is releasing the highly anticipated The Fantastic Four: First Steps on July 25th. The upcoming Marvel movie marks the long-awaited induction of the first superhero family into the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the third cinematic iteration of the iconic comic book characters overall… or, is it?

“Fantastic Four” has a “distinct retro-futuristic aesthetic and family-focused themes,” according to Rotten Tomatoes. With a “certified fresh” critics score of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, reactions to “Fantastic Four” seem largely positive — even if they sometimes come with qualifications.

Yes, The Fantastic Four: First Steps stars Pedro Pascal — but it also transports the Marvel Cinematic Universe into a whole new phase.

First Steps" brings a new supergroup into the MCU while a post-credits scene gives a taste of an iconic supervillain. Spoilers!

However, The Fantastic Four: First Steps has taken it a step further with its marketing, more than any other Marvel film that I can think of. For the press, the releases are often typed up in a vintage 1960s typewriter format, which is impressive. But for the public? Gosh, it’s been so fun.

Fantastic Four: First Steps is helping Marvel to "get its mojo back", according to most early reviews of the new superhero reboot. The 37th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is "Marvel's best film in a decade", the Telegraph said, while the Guardian declared the studio had "regained its buoyancy".

Sue Storm actor Vanessa Kirby says Robert Downey, Jr. is doing "amazing work" as Doctor Doom and as the behind-the-scenes leader of the cast