Fantastic Four matches Superman as fan reviews say new film is 'absolutely perfect'

The Fantastic Four: First Steps has matched Superman as fan reviews claim the new film is 'absolutely perfect'.

Marvel's new iteration on the popular comic book characters is the first time they have been seen on screen since the rights reverted back to Disney. Despite being a part of the MCU, it is being billed as the studio's first standalone movie.

Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, the film introduces a new version of Marvel's First Family including Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach).

READ MORE: Netflix is still streaming all of The Hunting Wives star’s ‘musical masterpieces’

READ MORE: Fantastic Four: First Steps - does it have a post-credits scene

They face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus' plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren't bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.

Critics have already had their say on the film with it earning an impressive 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Now fans are sharing their own reviews online as the title becomes available to the general public.

Fans are clearly delighted with the film as it has managed to match recent release Superman from DC Studios with its fan rating popcorn meter. It may yet even beat

James Gunn directed Superman sits with a 92% fan rating. Fantastic Four started the morning with the same but at the time of writing it periodically ticks over to 93% as more user ratings are added.

Fan reaction is overwhelmingly positive for the new film as many share their opinions online. One claimed: "This what marvel is missing all these years. Fantastic four is worked really well in all a departments while keeping the audience engaged at same time."

Another added: "There‘s not one boring moment in this movie. Stunning visuals, very ambitious. Vanessa Kirby is the standout, she incorporates everything you want Sue to be. Will watch again!"

A third said: "What can I say?…its freaking fantastic from the very beginning till the end credit scene. Family bonding between the characters, absolutely perfect. Pedro as Reed, Vennessa as Sue, Joseph as Johnny are freaking more than perfect. Highly recommend to watch in cinema only."

Meanwhile, one person went so far as to say: "Holy MOLY FANTASTIC!!! I went into this with low expectations concerning the last couple years of marvel but I did not expect a masterpiece. There I said it… a masterpiece. And it’s been quite a while since I said that word. It’s that kind of movie that makes you FEEL like you’re in it. Can’t wait for the future!"

Even those that were sceptical about the movie before it was released seemed convinced. As one person admitted: "Coming into film I wasn’t a fan of the cast and I thought by a woman being sliver surfer and not the original it would lose aura…man was u wrong. Best Sliver Surfer By Far Best Fantastic Four Cast By Far Outstanding acting performance."

They continued: "Galactus was So comic book accurate it was dream seeing him on the Imax screen. I really left this cinema with nothing bad to say, I hear people wanted more action but Fantastic Four is more about science and space, so for its first instalment into the MCU it doesn’t miss a spot."

With the film's close proximity in release dates to DC's Superman, it has drawn comparisons. There are some who are locked in debate over which are superior but many are happy that there is currently a movie from each side they can enjoy just as much.

One fan declared: "Marvel is back and DC is coming along and my heart might burst into a thousand galaxies. I'm excited for both Marvel and DC right now."

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in cinemas now.