10 Best 'What If?' Marvel Stories You Must Read
7. What If... The FF Had Not Gained Their Superpowers?
What If...? Vol. 1 #36 (1982)
The Fantastic Four got their powers thanks to Reed Richards' refusal to follow the rules. In the debut issue of the famous family, Reed and the gang hopped onto their rocket prior to the installation of its proper shielding and wound up getting bathed in cosmic rays.
What would have happened had Reed followed the rules and waited? That question was answered when Reed did precisely that! The group waited, they launched their rocket, which soared into the sky with complete success. The test helps to establish the American Space industry, and the group is labeled heroes... but they didn't get any superpowers.
Just as it played out in the original issue, Mole Man attacks with an army of his molemen. Even though the U.S. Army was tasked to investigate, Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben all head into the tunnel beneath their compound to take on the subterranean menace.
Without any superpowers at all, they managed to win the day! With their victory against the menace of the Mole Man behind them, they go on to become pulp adventurers who don't need any superpowers to fight against the forces of evil!