History of Franklin Richards (character) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 24, 2025

Franklin Richards is a powerful fictional character in Marvel Comics, primarily associated with the Fantastic Four. As the son of Reed and Sue Richards, he's an immensely powerful mutant with reality-warping abilities, often considered one of the most powerful beings in the Marvel Universe. Though a child, his powers have manifested in various ways, sometimes uncontrollably, requiring intervention from his parents and others. He's been depicted both as a normal child and a novice superhero, grappling with the implications and control of his vast potential. His existence often poses significant threats and opportunities, making him a key figure in numerous storylines.

November 1968: First Appearance

In November 1968, Franklin Richards first appeared in Fantastic Four Annual #6. He was created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

1981: Days of Future Past

In 1981, the X-Men storyline Days of Future Past revealed a possible future where Franklin Richards, known as 'Scrapper,' was the lover of Rachel Summers and met his death at the hands of Omega Sentinels.

December 1985: Joins Power Pack

In December 1985, Franklin Richards became a member of the pre-teen superhero team Power Pack, starting with issue #17 of the title.

April 1987: Power Pack #36

In April 1987, Franklin Richards and his friends battled Master Mold in Power Pack #36. Master Mold identified Franklin as a mutant of "ultimate" potential, visualizing possible future incarnations.

1990: Days of Future Present Crossover

In 1990, during the Days of Future Present crossover, the dream-self of the deceased adult Franklin Richards from Earth-811 tapped into the powers of his younger Earth-616 counterpart and Rachel Summers, enhancing his abilities with the Phoenix Force's energy.

February 1991: Power Pack Cancellation

In February 1991, Power Pack was cancelled with issue #62, ending Franklin Richards's time as a member of the team.

November 1994: Appearance in Fantastic Force

From November 1994, an older version of Franklin Richards appeared in Marvel's Fantastic Force comic.

April 1996: End of Fantastic Force

In April 1996, publication of Marvel's Fantastic Force ceased, concluding the appearance of the older version of Franklin Richards in that title.

1998: Appearance in Fantastic Four: Annual 1998

In 1998, a version of Franklin Richards appeared in Fantastic Four: Annual 1998, aged in real-time from his first appearance. He is married to Zawadi, has a daughter named N'Yami, is a member of the Fantastic Four named Zero Man, and can access the Negative Zone.

2005: Marvel Zombies: Dead Days One-Shot

In 2005, in the Marvel Zombies: Dead Days one-shot, Franklin Richards and his sister Valeria were eaten by zombie She-Hulk.

2006: Marvel Zombies: Dead Days One-Shot

In 2006, in the Marvel Zombies: Dead Days one-shot, Franklin Richards and his sister Valeria were eaten by zombie She-Hulk.

July 2007: Alternate Version in Marvel Adventures Power Pack

From July 2007, an alternate version of Franklin Richards appeared as a cast member in the Marvel Adventures all-ages Power Pack series.

February 2009: Cancellation of Marvel Adventures Power Pack

In February 2009, the Marvel Adventures all-ages Power Pack series was cancelled, ending the appearance of the alternate version of Franklin Richards in that title.

July 2010: Tails of the Pet Avengers: Dogs of Summer

In July 2010, a version of Franklin Richards and H.E.R.B.I.E. appeared with Lockjaw and the Pet Avengers in Tails of the Pet Avengers: Dogs of Summer.