50 Things You Didn’t Know About Marvel's The Thing

1. Creation: The Thing, also known as Benjamin "Ben" Grimm, was created by writer Stan Lee and artist Jack Kirby, making his first appearance in "The Fantastic Four #1" in 1961.

2. Origin Story: Ben Grimm was transformed into the Thing after being exposed to cosmic rays during a space mission with Reed Richards, Sue Storm, and Johnny Storm.

3. Nickname: His iconic phrase, "It's clobberin' time!", was inspired by professional wrestling, reflecting his rough-and-tumble persona.

4. Appearance: The Thing's rocky, orange appearance is due to his transformation, which turned his skin into a durable, rock-like substance.

5. Strength: He possesses superhuman strength, durability, and endurance, making him one of the most formidable characters in the Marvel Universe.

6. Humanity: Despite his monstrous appearance, Ben Grimm retains his human emotions and personality, often struggling with his new form.

7. Friendship with Reed Richards: Ben's friendship with Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic) dates back to their college days, where Ben was a football star.

8. Jewish Heritage: Ben Grimm is one of the few Jewish superheroes in mainstream comics, which has been acknowledged and explored in various storylines.

9. Yancy Street Gang: He grew up on Yancy Street in New York City, where he was a member of the Yancy Street Gang, a group of tough kids.

10. Pilot Skills: Before becoming the Thing, Ben was an accomplished fighter pilot, showcasing his bravery and skills in aerial combat.

11. Lover: Ben has had several love interests, most notably Alicia Masters, a blind sculptor who sees past his rocky exterior to the man inside.

12. Clobberin' Time: His catchphrase, "It's clobberin' time!" has become iconic and is often used before he enters battle.

13. Transformations: Over the years, there have been storylines where Ben temporarily reverts to his human form, only to change back into the Thing.

14. Member of Other Teams: Besides the Fantastic Four, the Thing has been a member of other superhero teams, including the Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy.

15. Fantasticar: As a member of the Fantastic Four, Ben has piloted the Fantasticar, the team's unique flying vehicle.

16. Rivalry with Hulk: The Thing has a longstanding rivalry with the Hulk, leading to numerous epic battles between the two powerhouses.

17. Alternative Realities: In various alternate realities and timelines, Ben's story takes different paths, such as becoming the Blackbeard the Pirate in one storyline.

18. Costumes: Although the Thing is usually depicted wearing only his signature blue trunks, he has donned various costumes, including battle armor and futuristic suits.

19. Sense of Humor: Despite his rough exterior, Ben is known for his sense of humor and wisecracks, often lightening the mood during tense situations.

20. Ben's Family: His older brother, Daniel Grimm, was tragically killed in a street gang fight, an event that deeply affected Ben.

21. Unstable Molecules: His costumes, like those of his Fantastic Four teammates, are made of unstable molecules, allowing them to adapt to his changing form.

22. Voice Actors: The Thing has been voiced by several actors in animated series, including Michael Chiklis and Fred Tatasciore.

23. Video Games: Ben Grimm has appeared in numerous video games, such as the "Marvel: Ultimate Alliance" series and "Lego Marvel Super Heroes."

24. Animated Appearances: The Thing has appeared in various animated TV shows, including "The Fantastic Four" and "Spider-Man and His Amazing Friends."

25. Comic Series: The Thing has had several solo comic book series, exploring his adventures outside the Fantastic Four.

26. Wrestling Career: In the comics, Ben once had a stint as a professional wrestler under the alias "The Thing," battling other superpowered opponents.

27. Power Reduction: There have been periods where the Thing's powers were reduced or altered, forcing him to rely more on his wits and fighting skills.

28. Famous Battles: Besides the Hulk, the Thing has fought other powerful foes like Doctor Doom, Namor the Sub-Mariner, and the Silver Surfer.

29. Team Leader: On several occasions, Ben has taken on the role of team leader for the Fantastic Four, showcasing his leadership abilities.

30. Statues and Collectibles: The Thing is a popular subject for statues and action figures, with many highly detailed collectibles available.

31. Humor in Adversity: Ben often uses humor to cope with his appearance and the challenges he faces, endearing him to fans.

32. Public Perception: Within the Marvel Universe, Ben is often seen as a hero by the public, despite his monstrous appearance.

33. Famous Quotes: His dialogue often includes memorable quotes, blending tough-guy talk with humor and heart.

34. Rocky Evolution: The Thing's rocky form has evolved in appearance over the years, becoming more defined and detailed with advances in comic art.

35. Reed's Guilt: Reed Richards often feels guilty about Ben's transformation, adding a layer of complexity to their friendship.

36. Ultimate Universe: In the Ultimate Marvel Universe, Ben's transformation is caused by an experiment gone wrong rather than cosmic rays.

37. Hero for Hire: Ben has worked as a hero for hire, using his abilities to help those in need while earning a living.

38. Heart of Gold: Despite his gruff exterior, Ben Grimm is known for his kind heart and loyalty to his friends and family.

39. Celebrity Status: Within the Marvel Universe, the Thing is a well-known celebrity, often recognized and respected by civilians.

40. Training: Ben's combat training includes boxing and street fighting, skills he often employs in battles.

41. Fantastic Four Foundation: He is a key member of the Future Foundation, a think-tank formed by Reed Richards to solve the world's problems.

42. Live-Action Films: The Thing has been portrayed by actors like Michael Chiklis in the 2005 and 2007 "Fantastic Four" films and Jamie Bell in the 2015 reboot.

43. Special Issues: The Thing has been featured in special comic issues, such as holiday specials and crossover events with other Marvel heroes.

44. Character Growth: Over the years, Ben has grown as a character, dealing with themes of acceptance, identity, and heroism.

45. Longevity: The Thing remains one of the most enduring and beloved characters in the Marvel Universe, appearing consistently since his creation.

46. Animated Films: Ben has also appeared in animated feature films, including "Hulk Vs." and "The Super Hero Squad Show."

47. Voice Roles: In addition to animated series, Ben's voice has been featured in radio dramas and audiobooks, bringing his adventures to life in different media.

48. Rocky Romance: His relationship with Alicia Masters is one of the most enduring romances in Marvel Comics, showcasing his softer side.

49. Mentorship: Ben has served as a mentor to younger heroes, offering guidance and support to the next generation of Marvel characters.

50. Legacy: The Thing's legacy continues to inspire new stories and adaptations, cementing his place as a cornerstone of the Marvel Universe.

These 50 facts highlight the depth and complexity of Ben Grimm, also known as the Thing, one of Marvel's most iconic and beloved superheroes. From his rocky exterior to his heart of gold, the Thing's journey is a testament to resilience, friendship, and heroism.