I Finally Figured Out Who the Fantastic Four’s Secret Fifth Member Is

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It’s recently come to my attention that the Fantastic Four has a secret fifth superhero in its ranks. Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and the Thing have frequently operated alongside Spider-Man, even referring to him as part of their family on occasion, and I would argue that he’s an honorary member of the team. Spider-Man’s strong connection and history with the Fantastic Four proves that he is their fifth teammate.

The Fantastic Four are regarded as Marvel’s First Family for good reason, due to their status as a family first and a team second. With that structure in mind, their roster is more exclusive than most, yet Spider-Man has operated with them enough times to warrant membership.

Roy Thomas and Jim Craig first portrayed Spider-Man as a Fantastic Four hero in 1976’s What If? #1, as pictured above, and that hypothetical idea has since become a reality in more ways than one. Spider-Man’s friendship with the Fantastic Four’s heroes makes him the fifth addition to their team, and it’s about time he was recognized for that fact.

I’m Convinced Spider-Man Is The Fantastic Four’s Unofficial Fifth Member

Peter Parker’s Bond with the Fantastic Four Cements His Honorary Membership

The Fantastic Four’s history with Marvel’s fan-favorite Web-Slinger spans decades of comics following their first encounter in 1962. In fact, Spider-Man’s original solo series begins with him seeking membership in the Fantastic Four. The Amazing Spider-Man #1 by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko features Peter infiltrating the Baxter Building in hopes of meeting the Fantastic Four and getting hired by them, only to change his mind when he learns they won’t pay him. Their dynamic has improved after years of teamwork, and Spider-Man has developed unique relationships with each member – though one in particular stands out to me as his greatest friendship in the team.

Spider-Man’s growing connection with the Fantastic Four is due in large part to his bond with the Human Torch. The Spider-Man/Human Torch miniseries by Dan Slott and Ty Templeton explores this rivalry, as Peter Parker butts heads with Johnny Storm on various missions. In the end, Spider-Man and Human Torch discover that their jealousy of each other makes them more similar than they appear, and they agree to set their differences aside and become friends. At the end of this story, Spider-Man is treated like a genuine member of the Fantastic Four’s family, as Reed and Sue invite him to dinner and welcome him with open arms.

The Fantastic Four Have Welcomed Spider-Man Into Their Ranks Before

During the Future Foundation Era, Spider-Man Joined the Fantastic Four

Peter Parker’s inclusion in the Fantastic Four’s roster is not strictly unofficial. In fact, he’s been a full-fledged member in the past. Spider-Man makes his proper Fantastic Four debut in 2011’s FF, written by Jonathan Hickman with art by Steve Epting, when the Fantastic Four forms the Future Foundation after Johnny Storm’s untimely death. Reed Richards founds this organization in hopes of molding young minds to better the future, and Spider-Man agrees to take part in honor of the Human Torch. The white Future Foundation costume he sports is a far cry from his usual red and blue, marking his newfound Fantastic Four allegiance.

In addition to joining the classic team’s roster, Spider-Man has also founded his own separate Fantastic Four line-up. Spider-Man’s New Fantastic Four consists of himself, Ghost Rider, Wolverine, and Hulk, an unlikely group that has worked together in place of the original when the situation calls for it. This ragtag team has even allied with the core Fantastic Four, once again highlighting Spider-Man’s ties to them. Though he tends to be associated more closely with the Avengers – and he has indeed fought alongside them in countless battles over the years – Spider-Man’s connection to the Fantastic Four runs far deeper.

Spider-Man Is Part of The Fantastic Four, Even When He Isn’t An Actual Member

The Fantastic Four Will Always Treat Spider-Man Like One of Their Own

Spider-Man is no longer part of the Fantastic Four in an official sense, whether it’s the main roster or a spin-off. Regardless, I still consider him the team’s fifth member. Whenever the Fantastic Four is in need of assistance, Spider-Man will always swing in to provide help in any way he can, and the same goes vice versa. Through thick and thin, whether he’s sporting their logo on his costume or not, Spider-Man remains part of their family. As a longtime fan of both Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four, I sincerely hope that Marvel continues to bring them together as a complete family of heroes.

“}]] The Fantastic Four’s heroes have a fifth teammate.  Read More