Nathaniel Richards is a character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is the father of superhero Mister Fantastic of the Fantastic Four and is the namesake of his descendant, the futuristic villain known as Kang the Conqueror. Unlike his descendant, the original Nathaniel is more of an adventurer who has a genuine love for his son.
Publication history Nathaniel Richards first appeared in The Fantastic Four #272 (November 1984) and was created by writer-artist John Byrne.
Fictional character biography Dr. Nathaniel Richards is a successful scientist who specializes in multiple fields. He was married to Evelyn and together had a son named Reed Richards who possessed an intellectual mind like his father. When Evelyn died, Nathaniel continued to raise his son by supporting his scientific endeavors.Fantastic Four #570 (October 2009) Later, Nathaniel is approached by the Brotherhood of the Shield and joins their group. Along with Howard Stark, Nathaniel helps resolve a dispute between Leonardo da Vinci and Isaac Newton. These events resulted in Nathaniel gaining the ability to travel through time.S.H.I.E.L.D. #1–6 (June 2010 - April 2011)S.H.I.E.L.D. (vol. 2) #1–4 (August 2011 - February 2012)
Nathaniel ends up in another dimension where Earth became a desolate wasteland after the Moon was destroyed. He marries a woman named Cassandra, who exploits his technology to rule the remaining humans. The Fantastic Four and Wyatt Wingfoot arrive in this dimension, defeat Cassandra, and free Nathaniel.Fantastic Four #272–273 (November - December 1984)
Nathaniel arrives in the present to kidnap Franklin Richards.Fantastic Four #376 (May 1993) Nathaniel ages Franklin to a teenager in an effort to prevent the birth of the villain Hyperstorm, Franklin's future son.Fantastic Four #414 (July 1996)
Nathaniel returns to help Reed jump-start the Future Foundation, using the technology he gathered over the years.Fantastic Four #588 (April 2011)
Powers and abilities Nathaniel Richards has no superpowers, but he is a scientific genius and skilled inventor in advanced technology. He invented a device called the Time Platform, which allows him to travel through time. The armor that he built on his own granted him increased strength, physical resistance, and access to various gadgets, as well as energy weapons for defense.Official Handbook of the Marvel Universe A to Z #9 (July 2009)
Other versions The Beast A version of Nathaniel Richards pulled into the far future with the other Nathaniels by Immortus, called the Beast, was a homicidal maniac who took the opportunity to slaughter all of his counterparts.Fantastic Four #581-582 (September - October 2010)
Ultimate Marvel In the Ultimate Marvel reality, Reed Richards's father is named Gary Richards and he does not have a scientific background.Ultimate Fantastic Four #1 (February 2004) Gary, along with his wife Mary and two daughters, are killed in an explosion engineered by Reed after he becomes the Maker.Ultimate Enemy #1 (March 2010)
What If? Nathaniel Richards appears in two What If stories:
In "What if the Fantastic Four were Cosmonauts?", Nathaniel was interned in a Siberian camp after the United States lost faith in the USSR.What If: Fantastic Four one-shot (February 2006) In another reality based on Camelot, Nathaniel Richards is a counterpart of Merlin.What If? #97 (May 1997)
In other media A variation of Nathaniel Richards known as Mr. Richards appears in Fantastic Four (2015), portrayed by Tim Heidecker. This version is Reed's stepfather.
See also Kang the Conqueror Immortus Iron Lad
References
External links Nathaniel Richards at Marvel.com