Susan Richards

the Invisible Woman

Art by Alan Davis

Susan and Ben

Ben has always been Reed's best friend since college. Naturally, when Sue began dating Reed, she met Ben. Though the chronology is far from clear, Ben may have been working on another college degree or coaching sports at the time. Whatever the case, he has been depicted as being in Reed's company at the time he is dating Sue. It is certain that this is when Reed is teaching and not soon after he and Ben met, since that would place Susan in her early teens.

The important thing here is that Ben and Sue became fast friends instantly. In fact, it has been hinted in the past that Ben developed a rather large crush on Sue. In at least one alternate reality, he marries her (on Earth-A in FF #111, Elder Readers--Memory Mick). Indeed, Ben first met Alicia Masters when the Puppet Master attempted to disguise her as Sue. The status quo has developed into the two of them having a healthy respect for each other's convictions and courage. Ben would give his life for Susan without pause if necessary.

Ben serves as Franklin's godfather. Franklin Benjamin Richards was given his second name after his most tenacious guardian.