Warning! Spoilers for Fantastic Four #27 below!
On the heels of losing his powers and mutant connection, the direction Marvel took Franklin Richards next was pretty unclear. The shocking depowering meant Marvel Comics' most powerful hero would need to figure out an entirely new way to be an effective hero. In the latest issue of Fantastic Four, a temporary solution was found as Franklin got his own Iron Man suit.
In Fantastic Four #26 by Dan Slott, R.B. Silva, and Jesus Aburtov, the controversial decision was made to reveal Franklin wasn't able to access the X-Men's paradise Krakoa as Professor X revealed that he was no longer a mutant following the loss of his powers. The explanation for the change? Franklin, whose powers are practically limitless making him Marvel's most powerful hero (and future Galactus) supposedly used his powers to warp his own DNA and give himself the X-Gene. The decision to strip Franklin of his mutant-race was met with criticism as readers were upset with how the change effectively was a bad metaphor for race and identity. Slott encouraged readers to stick with the arc before passing judgment.
Fantastic Four #27 deals with the aftermath of Franklin finding his own voice among the group after losing his powers and mutant connection. As the superteam is tasked with guarding the Forever Gate - a doorway that connects to every point of space and time - a slew of aliens charge through the gate, running from a villain name the Griever at the End of All Things. As Franklin has self-doubt about his place on the team without powers, Reed gives him a gift - the Iron Man suit that he wore as a part of the Empyre event.
The suit seems to boost the dejected Franklin's spirits, as he immediately swings into action with the blue Iron Man armor. He fights Griever, before abandoning the suit in an attempt to trick the villain. After Reed traps her and deletes the dimension she was in, Franklin appears happy for taking down Griever without powers. However, the celebrations are short-lived when Griever unfolds the dimension and reappears as the issue closes.
Franklin obviously needed the confidence boost following the controversial last issue and giving him his own temporary Iron Man suit was a great move by Reed to show his son that powers aren't always everything. However, with the suit seemingly being sacrificed to stop Griever, Franklin will need to find more ways to show he can help the team without his immense, Omega-Level powers. How Slott and co. handle Franklin Richards' next step in being a hero will be closely monitored.