As “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” takes flight in cinemas, there’s been a surge of interest in this legendary superhero squad, and rightfully so. Over the years, they’ve earned the title of Marvel’s original family because they were the first superhero team for Marvel, a group that made history with their close-knit crew of relatable heroes joining forces to protect the world from various perils. However, while most people associate the Fantastic Four with its core four members – Reed, Sue, Johnny, and Ben – it’s important to note that numerous other heroes have been part of the team throughout the years.
Instead of just filling in for the regular members, several individuals have joined the Fantastic Four as temporary or surprising teammates. Let me introduce four of these less-remembered official members who were actually part of the team at one point.
1) She-Hulk (Jennifer Walters)
In essence, when Ben Grimm (The Thing) decided to stay on Battleworld after Secret Wars (1984), Jennifer Walters (She-Hulk) stepped in as a replacement for the Fantastic Four. She became an integral part of the team from issues #265-300 and continued to be associated with them for many years, but her tenure is often overlooked by fans due to her later stint on the Avengers, which started in 1982. Despite this, she’s more recognized by fans for her solo series, particularly The Sensational She-Hulk that spanned 60 issues and was notably influenced by John Byrne, who has since become synonymous with the character.
2) Ant-Man (Scott Lang)
In the early 2000s, Ant-Man (Scott Lang) temporarily joined the Fantastic Four during a time when Reed Richards was believed to be dead. While with the team, Scott provided valuable technical assistance and mentorship for the children, Franklin and Valeria. However, due to his temporary status, many Marvel fans don’t consider him as one of the true members of the team. Rather, he served as a substitute for a brief period. Later on, Scott took charge of a new iteration of the team, known as the FF.
3) Crystal (Inhumans)
Crystal, an integral part of the Inhuman royal family and race, was initially featured in the Fantastic Four comics and even developed a romantic bond with Johnny Storm (Human Torch). While she frequently appeared alongside the team, Crystal wasn’t officially included as a member until Sue Richards took a temporary leave. During that period, Crystal filled in for her and remained on the team even after Sue’s return. However, Crystal’s role in the Fantastic Four diminished in issue #105, sending her back to Attilan. Her relative obscurity as a regular team member can be attributed to her close ties with the Inhumans and the Avengers rather than any lack of significance.
4) Luke Cage
It’s worth noting that at one point, Luke Cage was indeed a member of the Fantastic Four for a limited period. This was during his Power Man phase and is depicted in Fantastic Four #168 from 1976. Hired as a temporary replacement for The Thing, Luke’s tenure with the team was relatively short-lived and often overlooked. However, it left an enduring mark on Luke’s character. After his stint with the Fantastic Four, Luke resumed his solo series, which later evolved into Power Man and Iron Fist in 1978 when Danny Rand/Iron Fist joined him. This partnership has since become one of the most beloved team-ups among comic book fans.
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2025-07-23 20:11