The introduction of HERBIE, the humanoid robot companion, into the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) through "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" marks a significant moment in the franchise's adaptation history. This unique character has a rich backstory that spans decades, from animated series to comic books and now to the big screen. In this film, HERBIE is briefly seen assisting the Thing in the Baxter Building, but his presence has been part of the project from its inception.

HERBIE first emerged in 1978 as part of an animated series titled "The New Fantastic Four," developed by DePatie–Freleng Enterprises for NBC. Due to licensing issues, Johnny Storm could not be included in the show, leading Stan Lee to propose a robotic replacement. Initially designed by Jack Kirby, HERBIE was intended to fill the void left by Johnny. Despite limited involvement in the series, HERBIE quickly became a memorable addition, providing tech support and occasional commentary. The character’s design and role were influenced by the constraints of broadcast standards at the time, which limited his participation in action sequences.

In 1979, HERBIE made his comic book debut in "Fantastic Four #209," where he was introduced as a hastily constructed robot by Reed Richards using Xandarian technology. This version of HERBIE retained his origins from the animated series, adding a layer of meta-commentary to the storyline. His role expanded beyond mere tech support when it was revealed that he had been secretly controlled by Dr. Sun, leading to a dramatic confrontation within the Baxter Building. After freeing himself from Dr. Sun’s control, HERBIE sacrificed himself to save the team, showcasing his heroic nature.

HERBIE’s legacy continued in various forms over the years. Reed rebuilt him to assist with raising Franklin Richards, only for Franklin’s fluctuating powers to destroy the robot once more. Later iterations saw HERBIE evolve into a third-generation maintenance crew and eventually into a primary caretaker for the Richards family. His story culminated in joining the AI Army, advocating for robot rights. Beyond comics, HERBIE has appeared in multiple Marvel animated series and even found a place in video games like Marvel Rivals.

HERBIE’s journey from a makeshift solution in an animated series to a beloved character in the MCU reflects the evolving nature of superhero adaptations. It highlights the importance of innovation and inclusivity in storytelling, showing how characters can transcend their original mediums to become integral parts of larger narratives. As we welcome HERBIE into the MCU, we celebrate the creativity and resilience that have defined his existence, embodying the spirit of progress and adaptation that continues to drive the Marvel universe forward.