I’ve been covering the Marvel Cinematic Universe long enough to know that when a new superhero suit drops, the internet turns into a sewing circle. So when a fresh piece of fan art appeared showing Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm in a Marvel Rivals-inspired costume, I wasn’t surprised to see timelines light up. The artwork, shared by arifinity, imagines Kirby’s Invisible Woman in the armored, modernized look that has made Sue Storm a favorite in Marvel’s popular video game. And honestly? It works.
Kirby was confirmed as part of The Fantastic Four: First Steps’ main cast back in February 2024. Since then, I’ve watched fans speculate about everything from her accent to her invisibility effects. She takes over the role from Rebecca Staab, Jessica Alba, and Kate Mara, each of whom brought something different to the table. But very little has been revealed about Kirby’s version of the iconic Marvel superhero—at least in terms of her full power set and costume evolution.
Let’s be real: the Fantastic Four’s suits have always been a big deal. Marvel’s First Family has worn many different costumes in the comics, and previous live-action adaptations have given us everything from bright blue spandex to dark, grounded armor. Before The Fantastic Four: First Steps arrived, we saw Johnny Storm’s blue-and-white costume, which teased a retro-inspired direction. The new art, however, imagines something sleeker for Sue.
What the New Art Shows
The image places Kirby’s Sue Storm in a suit that echoes the Invisible Woman’s recent Marvel Rivals appearance. It’s got that armored, slightly futuristic feel—less “lab coat” and more “ready for a multiversal war.” The design uses translucent blue and white panels, which is a clever nod to her invisibility powers. I mean, come on, if you’re going to make an invisible woman visible, you might as well make her look like she’s bending light.
The artwork raises a question that’s been floating around since First Steps was still in production: will the MCU’s Fantastic Four stick with their retro-futuristic suits, or will they upgrade once they enter the main timeline? The film is set primarily on an alternate Earth across the MCU’s multiverse, where society is perennially stuck in the 1960s. That setting is practically a character itself—bright, optimistic, and full of chrome. It means the team’s first MCU costumes may be closer in style to their original Marvel Comics designs.
Why the Costume Debate Matters
The MCU’s multiverse is a restless beast, always hungry for new timelines and new looks. After The Fantastic Four: First Steps released on July 25, 2025, the team is expected to somehow make their way into the present day of the MCU’s main timeline. That means Kirby’s Sue Storm, along with Pedro Pascal’s Reed Richards, Joseph Quinn’s Johnny Storm, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach’s Ben Grimm, will likely get updated costumes ahead of their returns in Avengers: Doomsday and Avengers: Secret Wars.
Here’s a quick look at the live-action Sue Storms we’ve had so far:
| Actress | Project | Suit Style |
|---|---|---|
| Rebecca Staab | 1994’s The Fantastic Four | Low-budget, comic-inspired |
| Jessica Alba | 2005’s Fantastic Four / 2007’s Rise of the Silver Surfer | Blue uniform, slightly textured |
| Kate Mara | 2015’s Fantastic Four | Dark, grounded, controversial |
| Vanessa Kirby | The Fantastic Four: First Steps | Retro-futuristic, blue-and-white |
Those earlier costumes all had their flaws. The 2005 and 2007 films went for a clean but sometimes bland look. The 2015 reboot tried to be gritty and ended up losing the family’s charm. Marvel Studios has recently put much more emphasis on comic-accurate costumes, which raises my hopes that the Fantastic Four’s suits will finally hit the spot.
My Take on Kirby’s Updated Sue Storm
It would be great to see Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm suit up in a version of the character’s Marvel Rivals costume, especially if the rest of the team follows suit. That kind of synergy would look incredible on screen—like a family that fights together and color-coordinates together. However, I think it’s more likely, and maybe better for Kirby’s individuality, that she and the Fantastic Four wear unique MCU costumes. The Invisible Woman has always been the heart of the team, and her suit should reflect that quiet strength.
If Marvel Studios can blend the retro charm of First Steps with the modern edge of Marvel Rivals, fans could get the best of both worlds. The Fantastic Four are not just heroes—they’re explorers, scientists, and a family. Their costumes should feel like uniforms for a new frontier. And with Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars on the horizon in 2026 and beyond, I’m ready to see how Sue Storm’s look evolves.
Honestly? I’m here for it. Whether she’s invisible or armored up, Vanessa Kirby’s Sue Storm has the potential to be one of the MCU’s most compelling heroes. The only question left is: will the suit do her justice? I’ll be watching. 🦸♀️💙🤍