It is just a little over a month until the H.E.R.B.I.E., the team’s robot sidekick, who will make his live-action debut in the film.
In an interview with Marvel, author Nathan Stockman discussed working on H.E.R.B.I.E: Infinity Comic #1, an online exclusive which he wrote and illustrated, as well as providing the covers for.
According to Stockman, the joy of working on the H.E.R.B.I.E. comic, ahead of his MCU arrival, is “carving a little corner” of the Marvel Universe “for H.E.R.B.I.E. to fit into.” Already a beloved fixture of Fantastic Four lore, this comic, plus his movie role, could be what firmly elevates the robotic character to fan-favorite status.
Ahead Of His MCU Debut, Fantastic Four's H.E.R.B.I.E Is Getting A Long-Awaited Solo Series
H.E.R.B.I.E: Infinity Comic #1; Written And Illustrated By Nathan Stockman; Color By Matt Milla; Lettering By Ariana Maher
Notably, H.E.R.B.I.E.'s on-screen appearance in Fantastic Four: First Steps will actually be a return to the character's roots; his long tenure in Marvel lore actually began with the 1978 animated series The New Fantastic Four, in which H.E.R.B.I.E. replaced the Human Torch, whom the creators of the show were unable to use due to a rights issue. The show only lasted one season, but its legacy continues to this day in the form of H.E.R.B.I.E., who was integrated into Marvel Comics canon shortly afterward.
Iron Man May Have JARVIS, But The Fantastic Four's HERBIE Should Be Your Marvel Fave
With the release of Fantastic Four: First Step's debut trailer, the world has been introduced to H.E.R.B.I.E., the FF's iconic personal robot helper.
H.E.R.B.I.E. has been a reliable ing character for the Fantastic Four ever since, but he has rarely taken center stage in his own story. H.E.R.B.I.E: Infinity Comic changes that, with what Marvel promises is a "lighthearted," family-friendly series starring the character. Here's how author Nathan Stockman described his protagonist:
H.E.R.B.I.E. is much more than a babysitter. He’s an assistant, a friend, and a confidant to the Fantastic Four and more. While Reed may have primarily built him to help, I like to think he programmed him to compliment the family dynamic. H.E.R.B.I.E brings an eager (sometimes overeager) positivity to the group.
Without treading into spoiler territory, Stockman also teased that "our robot pal makes new friends, new enemies, and new connections" during the course of the series, making it a perfect entry-point for fans eager to encounter the character in live-action.
H.E.R.B.I.E. Could Be The Next Cute Character To Capture Movie Audiences' Imaginations This Summer
A Potential Break-Out Moment For The Fantastic Four's Robot
Fans have already glimpsed the MCU's H.E.R.B.I.E. in Marvel Comics version of the character. Though H.E.R.B.I.E. will likely be restricted to a ing role in the film, his solo Infinity Comic is here to prove that he can lead a series on his own, especially one intended for younger fans, which could be the first steps toward a Disney+ animated series, or something along those lines, should the character be a hit.
H.E.R.B.I.E. is perfectly toyetic, and could certainly capture the imaginations of the wider pop culture zeitgeist.
H.E.R.B.I.E. has a dedicated fanbase among Marvel loyalists, but for mainstream audiences, he remains largely unknown. First Steps will change that, and the potential is there for the character to be the next Groot, or Grogu, to borrow an example from the Star Wars franchise; H.E.R.B.I.E. is perfectly toyetic, and could certainly capture the imaginations of the wider pop culture zeitgeist, something Marvel can capitalize on by continuing to feature the Fantastic Four staple in his own solo adventures.
Source: Nathan Stockman interview (Marvel.com)
H.E.R.B.I.E: Infinity Comic #1 is available now from Marvel Comics.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps
- Release Date
- July 25, 2025
- Runtime
- 130 Minutes
- Director
- Matt Shakman
- Writers
- Jeff Kaplan, Josh Friedman, Ian Springer, Eric Pearson, Stan Lee
- Producers
- Jamie Christopher, Kevin Feige, Louis D'Esposito, Tim Lewis
Cast
Reed Richards / Mr. Fantastic
Vanessa KirbySue Storm / The Invisible Woman
Johnny Storm / Human Torch
Ebon Moss-BachrachBen Grimm / The Thing
- Franchise(s)
- Marvel Cinematic Universe
