The Mighty Strength of the Thing: A Comprehensive Look into Fantastic Four Character Powers and Weaknesses

The Thing from Marvel Comics is often seen as just another brawny character like The Hulk, but there are important distinctions that add depth to his abilities. Among the members of the Fantastic Four, The Thing stands out as the most unforgettable. His status as Marvel's most beloved and tragic character speaks volumes about his enduring appeal.

Benjamin Grimm is transformed into a colossal, orange rock creature known as The Thing after being exposed to cosmic rays during a space flight. His character is entrenched in a tragic storyline within Marvel's tales. His creation as a monster character was a calculated move to appeal to a wider audience during a time when superhero comics were a riskier endeavor. Despite this, The Thing has evolved into a beloved and well-adjusted character today, embodying the legacy of his original purpose as a backup plan in the industry's history.

The Thing’s strengths in Marvel Comics

Marvel ComicsThe Thing’s rocky skin is tough, but it’s not unbreakable.

Rock skin

Ben Grimm's most significant transformation was the development of a dense, orange skin reminiscent of rocks. This skin provides him with remarkable durability, enabling him to engage in combat with formidable opponents like The Hulk and endure impacts that would ordinarily be catastrophic.

The Thing is not invulnerable and has experienced serious damage in the past, like when Wolverine slashed his face leading to a lasting injury that required a helmet to cover. The damage was ultimately healed by Hyperstorm using their Supreme Power. The Thing's body has undergone various transformations over the years, including shifts between human and rock forms, as well as a mutation that gave him a more spiky and less human appearance.

Marvel ComicsThe Thing has proven to be strong enough to take on The Hulk, though his victories usually have an asterisk next to them.

Enhanced strength & stamina 

The Thing possesses remarkable strength and stamina, making him comparable to The Incredible Hulk. Despite their numerous clashes, The Thing has managed to secure several victories, often with extenuating circumstances that hindered the Hulk's full power, such as being manipulated by Puppet Master. While he is considered one of Marvel's most powerful heroes, this can vary depending on the storyline, akin to Reed Richards' intelligence. However, The Thing's distinctiveness is not solely reliant on his raw power. His endurance is also heightened, enabling him to endure extended periods without rest and hold his breath for prolonged durations.

The Thing, featured in Marvel Comics, is a skilled fighter with background in military and astronaut training. He has demonstrated exceptional resourcefulness and endurance in combat situations, making him a formidable opponent. Additionally, the Thing is functionally immortal, only aging during the annual week when he becomes human.

Immortality

The Thing, in his rock form, is functionally immortal. There’s nothing about this form that ages, though his mind still progresses as normal. 

Luckily, Ben does not have to live forever in his rock form. Thanks to a serum created by the Future Foundation, he can transform back into his human form once a year. According to Fantastic Four #605, this is the only time his body ages. With the help of the serum, Ben eventually passes away in the year 6012. Without the serum, he may have lived indefinitely.

The Thing’s weaknesses in Marvel Comics

Marvel ComicsThe Thing’s earlier stories focused on the horror of his transformation and the mental strain it took on him.

Just being The Thing

Sure, Ben Grimm got a lot of gifts when he became The Thing. But his powers also have a lot of drawbacks. 

His mere presence is nightmarish, with his rocky form striking fear into many and his immense size hindering his ability to interact with ordinary objects. His struggles extend beyond physical limitations, as Ben has long grappled with depression and distress over his permanent transformation into a mutated, rocky being. Though he is more at peace now, the reality of being trapped in this form for the remainder of his life has been a prolonged struggle.

Marvel ComicsThe powers of the Fantastic Four are tied to their proximity.

Cosmic power synergy

Following Secret Wars, Reed and Sue departed to reconstruct the universe, while Ben and Johnny returned to Earth without knowledge of their family's fate.

As time passed, Johnny observed that his flames were dwindling, and Ben realized that his strength was diminishing. It was soon revealed that the powers of the Fantastic Four were interlinked cosmically, and being separated by the universe was sapping their abilities.

Reed and Sue were fortunate to make it back in time, restoring the Four's powers to their full strength. However, this only makes their separation more challenging. Stay tuned to Dexerto for ongoing coverage of the Fantastic Four and Marvel Comics.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about The Thing from Fantastic Four. On the one hand, I admire his strength and durability. He is a powerful ally who can take on some of the strongest villains in the Marvel Universe. On the other hand, I feel sorry for him because of his tragic backstory and the challenges he faces as a result of his transformation.

I think The Thing is a complex and well-developed character. He is not just a one-dimensional brawler. He is a man who has struggled with his identity and his place in the world. He has also had to deal with the physical and emotional pain of his transformation. Despite all of this, he has remained a loyal and dedicated member of the Fantastic Four.