Marvel Releases the Cover for 'Fantastic Four' 588, the Final Issue

Here we are. One month before a member of Marvel’s First Family is laid to rest, and two before the 50-year old comic book comes to an end. Today Marvel released the heart-breaking cover of next February’s Fantastic Four #588 (above), the final issue of the series.

There has been plenty of speculation and polls around the web as to which character might not make it to the end of issue #587, the final chapter of Jonathan Hickman and Steve Epting’s buzz-worthy “3” storyline. Last week Marvel released a teaser (below) for March’s launch of—it’s hard to say—a book that probably focuses on the remaining members. Titled “FF”, this looks to be a book that will present the next chapter for the famous heroes.

Considering the book is being morphed into something new, this appears to be a creative change that will last for the long haul. Of course comic book fans are used to their deceased characters eventual returns, but in the case of the Fantastic Four, this seems like a plot device that may need to occur out of necessity rather than to kickoff an event. Fantastic Four is one of those little-read classic titles, like Wonder Woman, that regularly receives a new creative team responsible for bringing a bold fresh take on the book. I get the impression that the death and the name change is only the beginning of what Hickman has planned for the title.

So who will the team lose? I guessed at first that it would be Sue Storm, but now I’m leaning towards the Human Torch for a couple of reasons. The cover of Amazing Spider-Man #657 (which is likely a red herring, left) has Spider-Man hanging out on a water tower with Torch’s famous “4” logo in the sky. Also, I seem to remember reading that Spidey was going to be going to the Baxter building to visit with Franklin and Valeria to discuss their loss.

Though, for the Fantastic Four to be really turned on its head, the death of Reed Richards would have the greatest impact on their status quo. Without Reed, you take away the team’s leadership and all of the galaxy/reality spanning adventures that the characters so often find themselves.

So here we are. I have guessed three of the four main characters. Consider this a reminder why I should not accompany you to Vegas. I am simply confident that the ever-lovin’ blue-eyed Thing is going to make it to the end of the series and has plenty more times to clobber in the annals of Marvel Comics.