Marvel Confirms Iconic Fantastic Four Heroes Are Brothers

Published Oct 27, 2026, 6:50 PM EDT Jared is a writer, editor, and Communications Studies graduate who loves popular nerd culture (almost anything to do with Marvel, DC, Star Wars, or The Lord of the Rings) and the interactive storytelling medium. Jared's first console was the PS1, wherein he fell for Spider-Man, Spyro the Dragon, and Crash Bandicoot. The Fantastic Four is a family first and foremost, and it’s their bonds and relationships that help steer the ship and make their stories sing. That’s why, with the Fantastic Four losing their memory recently (not only of who they are or what their powers are, but also of who each other is), it’s fascinating to see these relationships stripped away from Reed Richards’ Mister Fantastic, Sue Storm’s Invisible Woman, Johnny Storm’s Human Torch, and Ben Grimm’s Thing. Ryan North’s Fantastic Four run has been more or less an anthology in terms of how any subsequent issue may be the beginning of a brand-new story, and it’s been exceptional thus far concerning its pacing and storytelling. Now, Fantastic Four #18 will be the back half of its two-part DNX crossover event tie-in, and it’s proving that there’s virtually nothing that can tear Human Torch and Thing apart. Preview pages for Fantastic Four #18 have revealed that Johnny and Ben are star-crossed and meant to be close pals in any reality when they can immediately sense that they’re friends in the real world. Ben takes it a bit further, confirming what fans have always known about their relationship in Marvel Comics’ First Family: Ya can’t fake a rapport like ours. In fact, heck… I’d even go as far as ta say we’re brothers.” Johnny then doubles down on this heartwarming sentiment without any jest, saying, “Oh my gosh, I didn’t wanna say it in case you didn’t feel it too, but -- we’re definitely brothers, right??” Ben agrees, based on nothing but how well they get along and how spiritually they vibe with one another: “Yeah we are. Raised together, friends fer life, ride or die.” Sealing their bromance, Johnny says, “Ride or die, Brother.” It’s ironic that the family dynamic of the mainline Earth-616 universe’s Fantastic Four is being challenged right now because, as one family embraces their kinship, another is a house of strangers. Indeed, aside from Sue and Johnny seemingly being biological siblings, as is the norm, Marvel’s brand-new horror universe introduces Reed as someone that Midnight Fantastic Four’s Storm Systems is using as a means to an end. As for Johnny and Ben’s relationship in this ongoing series, we haven’t even seen them interact with one another. Thus, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether they consider themselves to be brothers in Midnight Fantastic Four, as well. Either way, the solicitation for Fantastic Four #18 reads as follows: The Fantastic Four are lost, with no memory of who they are or why they’re there — but now they know they need to find out, fast — because Magneto’s life hangs in the balance. But without identities — or a clear understanding of their powers — the FF are as much a danger to themselves as they are their opponents. The FF fight foes they’ve never fought before. Plus, in this issue, Ben gets dunked in acid! It hurts a ton. All this, plus: romance, kissing, the Beast AND Johnny and Ben getting some real talk in about their relationship. It’s the conclusion to our DNX tie-in that you won't want to miss! Fantastic Four #18 is scheduled to be released on October 28, 2026.