The start of this season is going to be fantastic
This month’s Marvel Snap season pass is bringing Reed Richards to the game! But, wait! Isn't Mr. Fantastic already in the game? The 3/1 that adds power to adjacent lanes? Well, like in the comics, Reed Richards is not a finite resource! Mr. Fantastic: First Steps is a new card that gives discounts or buffs at the end of each turn!
Several different actors have played Reed Richards on screen already. This card is specifically modeled on Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards from the upcoming Fantastic Four: First Steps movie. We were briefly introduced to the idea of interdimensional Reeds in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness with John Krasinski’s portrayal of Mr. Fantastic.
In the comics, writer Jonathan Hickman introduced the Interdimensional Council of Reeds. There have been some theories that the First Steps movie Reed Richards is from a different universe and could be the first step towards bringing the Council of Reeds to the MCU.
The New Reed in Snap
Upside
Powerful 2-Cost cards tend to be well-positioned for success. We've had a few cards with somewhat similar effects to First Steps Reed. He seems like a strict upgrade over poor, forgotten Phastos who can only grant these boosts once via On Reveal and costs more. Surge has a similar effect but needs to be chained to continue granting her boosts and can be countered with Cosmo, unlike our new Reed. They target differently, with Surge hitting the deck and Reed hitting your hand. Reed can hit the same card multiple times, which can be quite beneficial in certain circumstances. Surge, of course, has the benefit of always applying both types of buffs, and there are a few cards Surge works better with than Reed, for example Kitty Pryde, but Surge is generally more restrictive. I see the two being included in several decks together.
Limitations
Mister Fantastic: First Steps does lose potency the later he is drawn. This downside is real, but it's one that never kept Zabu or Surge from seeing a ton of play. The other downside of this card is the random nature of the hits. You won't always hit the card you need or get the effect you want. Gwenpool was similarly criticized before release and she's worked out quite well. That the information is hidden from your opponent will add Snap equity. Mirror matches where both players have this card are going to feel quite frustrating.
Synergies
Cards that benefit extra from power buffs
There are quite a few cards that get something extra from any power buffs. There are already hand buff decks that have been doing quite well recently, especially with the addition of Clea, and Mister Fantastic: First Steps should further boost the archetype. My personal favorite hand buff target is Mysterio, so I'll definitely be trying out that combo right away.
Cards that sit in your hand
Unlike similar cards, Mr. Fantastic can hit the same target multiple times over multiple turns, so cards that sit in your hand until the end of the game have added synergy with our new Reed.
Scosco’s Day One Mister Fantastic: First Steps Decks
Richards' Angels
Rate Cards Reed
Radd Reed
Reed Control
Blood Hunt
The Trial of Reed Richards
Variant Gallery
Given that this is a repeat character and supposedly just the version from an upcoming movie, there are a surprising amount of variants scheduled. I'm curious how the likeness rights for Pedro Pascal and the other First Steps actors works given precise likenesses for previous MCU actors aren't allowed.
Final Thoughts
Mister Fantastic: First Steps is another in a long line of “deck engine” style cards that can allow us to play bigger cards for less energy. the concerns about drawing him early enough to have an impact and the random nature of his effects are valid, but the bust potential for this card is very low. -1 Energy is extremely powerful and +2 is enough that you're not going to be upset when that gets applied.
It's easy enough to build a deck around both hits being good and he'll be able to slide into a variety of decks and have a strong impact. As always, the Season Pass is good value regardless of the card, but this one happens to be solid. Simply put, I think this card is… fantastic.
