The Fantastic Four: First Steps has surpassed Superman in fan reviews, with the new film being hailed as a masterpiece.

Marvel's fresh take on the beloved comic book characters marks their first appearance on screen since Disney regained the rights.

Despite being part of the MCU, it is being promoted as the studio's inaugural standalone film.

Set in a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, the film presents a new incarnation of Marvel's First Family, including Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach).

They are faced with their most formidable challenge yet. Struggling to balance their heroic duties with the power of their familial bond, they must protect Earth from a voracious space god named Galactus and his mysterious Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner).

And if Galactus' scheme to consume the entire planet and all its inhabitants wasn't dire enough, things suddenly become very personal, reports the Mirror.

Critics have already weighed in on the film, awarding it an impressive 88% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Now, as the title becomes available to the wider public, fans are posting their own reviews online.

Fans are evidently thrilled with the film, as it has managed to match the recent release Superman from DC Studios in terms of its fan rating popcorn meter. It may even surpass it.

James Gunn's Superman currently holds a 92% fan rating, whilst Fantastic Four began the morning with identical scores but has since climbed to 93% as additional user reviews pour in.

Fan response has been overwhelmingly enthusiastic for the new film, with viewers sharing their thoughts across social media platforms.

One viewer declared: "This what marvel is missing all these years. Fantastic four is worked really well in all a departments while keeping the audience engaged at same time."

Another enthused: "There's not one boring moment in this movie. Stunning visuals, very ambitious. Vanessa Kirby is the standout, she incorporates everything you want Sue to be. Will watch again!".

A third proclaimed: "What can I say? ...its freaking fantastic from the very beginning till the end credit scene. Family bonding between the characters, absolutely perfect. Pedro as Reed, Vennessa as Sue, Joseph as Johnny are freaking more than perfect. Highly recommend to watch in cinema only."

Meanwhile, one viewer went as far as to declare: "Holy MOLY FANTASTIC! I went into this with low expectations concerning the last couple years of marvel but I did not expect a masterpiece. There I said it... a masterpiece. And it's been quite a while since I said that word. It's that kind of movie that makes you FEEL like you're in it. Can't wait for the future!"

Even those who harboured doubts about the film prior to its release appeared to be won over. As one viewer confessed: "Coming into film I wasn't a fan of the cast and I thought by a woman being sliver surfer and not the original it would lose aura...man was u wrong. Best Sliver Surfer By Far Best Fantastic Four Cast By Far Outstanding acting performance."

They added: "Galactus was So comic book accurate it was dream seeing him on the Imax screen. I really left this cinema with nothing bad to say, I hear people wanted more action but Fantastic Four is more about science and space, so for its first instalment into the MCU it doesn't miss a spot."

Given the film's simultaneous release alongside DC's Superman, inevitable comparisons have emerged.

Whilst some remain divided over which proves superior, many are simply delighted that both franchises are delivering equally enjoyable content.

One enthusiast proclaimed: "Marvel is back and DC is coming along and my heart might burst into a thousand galaxies. I'm excited for both Marvel and DC right now."

The Fantastic Four: First Steps is in cinemas now.