SAN DIEGO, July 25 (Reuters) - Comic fans are embracing the latest showdown between Marvel and DC as their superhero films "Fantastic Four" and "Superman" compete for box office dominance, reigniting a rivalry spanning over eight decades.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps has finally arrived, and it ushers in a new era for the MCU: Marvel Phase 6. Marvel movies are known to be loaded with cameos and Easter eggs, and the Fantastic Four digs up some lesser-known adversaries from the comics that you may or may not have heard of.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has grown into what is undeniably the biggest franchise in modern cinema. Adapting the stories and characters of Marvel Comics into live-action has proven a hugely lucrative undertaking,

First Steps” is the third Marvel movie to hit theaters this year, but it packs way more hidden references and nods than “Captain America: Brave New World” or “Thunderbolts.” It’s not on the same level of Easter eggs as last year’s “Deadpool and Wolverine,

Superhero fatigue isn’t inevitable, if a filmmaker is willing to show relatable characters fighting personal battles.

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

Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures/Everett Collection SATURDAY AM: The Fantastic Four: First Steps at $120M-$125M is one of the sixth best openings for a Marvel Cinematic Universe title post Covid and that’s a great thing.

This latest Marvel Comics movie finally opens this weekend and marks the third attempt in the past 20 years to launch Marvel’s foundational comic-book hero team on the big screen.