The latest Marvel Cinematic Universe film, "The Fantastic Four: First Steps," is not only a fresh reinterpretation of the iconic superhero team but also contains a deeply emotional easter egg. This subtle and intricate tribute pays profound homage to two comic legends, Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, and many viewers might not even notice it on their first watch.
"First Steps" is set in a retro-futuristic alternate universe, Earth-828, heavily influenced by 1960s aesthetics. The "828" in its designation is a direct nod to Jack Kirby's birthday, August 28. In this universe, the Fantastic Four are global superstars, appearing on the cover of "Time" magazine and endorsing breakfast cereals. They even have their own animated series and official comic books, authorized by the Future Foundation.
One of the most significant tribute moments occurs during the Silver Surfer's arrival in New York's Times Square, coinciding with Galactus's impending attack. 
The Surfer descends outside the headquarters of "Timely Comics," a name that not only refers to Marvel Comics' predecessor but also symbolizes the genesis of the modern Marvel Universe, co-created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.
The scene features two characters, "Timely Employee 1," played by Martin Dickinson and Greg Haiste, respectively. Their appearances are a clear homage to Jack Kirby and Stan Lee in the early 1960s, with Stan Lee's portrayal even omitting his signature mustache, reflecting his look from that era.
Even more surprisingly, the office is filled with classic comic book easter eggs. These include sketches on Jack Kirby's drawing board, seemingly from "Strange Tales" #79, published in 1960. This issue featured a monster story drawn by Don Heck with a cover designed by Jack Kirby, and its main monster was also named "The Thing." On the walls hang original artwork from "Tales of Suspense" #27, "Oog Lives Again!", a 1961 collaboration between Jack Kirby and Stan Lee. Also displayed is a fully colored original page from "Fantastic Four" #13 (1963), featuring the first appearance of Uatu the Watcher.
▼"Fantastic Four" #1 cover, with pencils by Jack Kirby, colors by Stan Goldberg, and inks by George Klein.
▼"Strange Tales" #79, published in 1960.
▼Left: Jack Kirby's original art from "Tales of Suspense" #27. Right: Uatu the Watcher's first appearance in "Fantastic Four" #13.
In fact, Jack Kirby and Stan Lee collaborated on over a hundred issues of "Fantastic Four" between 1961 and 1971. They frequently broke the fourth wall with cameo appearances in the comics. Memorable instances include Doctor Doom visiting the Marvel Comics office in 1962, and their iconic 1965 scene where they were turned away from a character's wedding—moments that fans still fondly recall. 
Director Matt Shakman told Marvel.com that "without Jack Kirby, there would be no Marvel Studios today. He and Stan Lee created this universe together, and his style and imagination profoundly defined the entire Marvel world."
President of Production Kevin Feige further added that "we didn't just want to nod to him; we wanted to inject Jack Kirby's creative spirit directly into this film. He should be remembered just as much as Stan Lee."
▼"Fantastic Four" comic poster, a collaboration between Jack Kirby and Joe Sinnott.
The film concludes with a quote from Jack Kirby, serving as the deepest tribute to the legendary creator: "If you look at my characters, you will find me. Whatever characters you create, you always leave your mark." Just as the universe shaped by Jack Kirby's hands has now leaped onto the big screen, continuing to inspire the next generation's heroic dreams.
via： Comicbook.com