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Off My Mind: Will Spider-Man Join the Fantastic Four?

With the 'death' of a member of the FF, will Spider-Man step in?

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A few years ago, the idea of Spider-Man actually joining the Fantastic Four was something you'd only see in imaginary or What If? stories. Sure, Spider-Man was a member along with Wolverine, Hulk and Ghost Rider in Fantastic Four #'s 348 and 349 but those don't really count. 
 
Big changes are on the horizon for the Fantastic Four. By now you should have heard that in issue 587, someone will perish and issue 588 will be the final issue. If this is the final issue, why bring up Spider-Man joining the team? Marvel has also teased FF #1 coming in March. 
 
Spider-Man used to be a loner and there are other characters that have been a part of the team so why would he step in now? Since Brand New Day, Spider-Man has evolved and had developed a closer relationship with the team. After his identity became a secret once again, the Fantastic Four were among the first he decided he could trust with it. It would be weird seeing Spider-Man as an official part of team but I also never thought I'd see him become a full-time member of the Avengers either. Besides the image above (from last summer), there are other reasons why he would become part of the team. 
 == TEASER == 
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It was actually in Amazing Spider-Man #1 that a teenage Spider-Man wanted to join the team. He managed to enter the Baxter Building and pretty much demanded that they make him part of the team. When he discovered that they didn't get paid to be on the team, he left. After this encounter, Spider-Man developed a friendship/rivalry with the Human Torch. Despite playing practical jokes on each other over the years, it was clear that they both valued their relationship. 
 
There has been a lot of speculation over which team member will perish. I've given my opinion before. The Thing is now part of the New Avengers and is on the Fear Itself promo (the next big EVENT beginning in April). There hasn't been a lot done with the Human Torch so his death is unlikely. The Invisible Woman should be safe since we've just seen the Death of the Invisible Woman during Mark Millar's run. Jonathan Hickman has spent a lot of time focusing on Mister Fantastic which would give the most emotional impact among readers who have become invested in recent issues. 
 
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If Reed is the one to die (yes, he seemingly died before way back in issue #381), the team will need some brains. We've seen in BIG TIME that Peter Parker is living up to his potential of being a scientist and could try to fill Reed's boots. Peter Parker might not be Reed Richards-smart but he's showing more of what he's capable of and is already close to the team.  
 
There's also the solicit information for Amazing Spider-Man #657 that states Spider-Man will visit the FF for a "very private wake--just for family." 
 
Spider-Man may have his hands full with his new job, new girlfriend plus the fact that he's already on the New Avengers but if the Thing can be on the Fantastic Four and the New Avengers, why can't Spidey? 
 
Whoever happens to die on the Fantastic Four, we know the chances of them remaining dead forever is very slim. I could see Spider-Man joining the team for a brief period and I would be fine with that. Let's see the continuation of his relationship with the team that is more of a family. Spider-Man wanted to join the team back in 1963 so it's about time that finally happens.