The Thing (Ben Grimm) is a fictional superhero appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. The character is a founding member of the Fantastic Four. Below are 10 facts about Thing
Fact 1
Ben Grimm debuted as the Thing in Fantastic Four #1 in 1961.
Fact 2
Ben has been a friend of Reed Richards since they were kids. Ben was a football player that used to protect Reed from being bullied. He is Reed’s only friend.
Fact 3
Ben’s catchphrase is, “It’s clobberin’ time.” He also regularly says, “What a revolting development.”
Fact 4
After he was exposed to cosmic rays, Ben’s skin took on a rocky exterior. This makes him strong enough to go toe-to-toe with the Hulk.
Fact 5
When Ben played football, he was known as The Grimm Reaper.
Fact 6
Thing went back in time and became Blackbeard the pirate. And yes, he had a black beard over his rocky face. Weirdly, this happened in the same issue that debuted Doctor Doom.
Fantastic Four #5 (1962)
Fact 7
He defeated Wolverine with one punch.
Fantastic Four vs X-Men #4 (1987)
Fact 8
Ben is Jewish. This wasn’t clear for decades because Marvel wanted to avoid religious themes. However, an observant reader can tell he’s Jewish from the slang he uses.
Fact 9
Ben suffers from depression since he feels trapped within his own rocky skin and he is upset that he can’t have a proper relationship with a woman.
Fact 10
The Fantastic Four’s nemesis, Doctor Doom, killed Ben in battle. The rest of the Fantastic Four went to Heaven to get Ben back. They even met God. Nice guy.
Fantastic Four #508 (2004)