9. The Ever Blue Eyed Lovin’ Thing
“Idol ‘o millions, thousands even!”
The Thing has been a comic staple for me since I was a wee little tyke watching the Fantastic Four cartoon on television, and coloring the coloring books. He’s almost always been there in one form or another and, in fact, that’s one of the most honorable traits of the character — when you need him, good ‘ol Ben Grimm is always there to clobber the bad guy, or lend a helping hand. Behavior that obviously belies his monstrous appearance, betraying the human inside.
It’s difficult to imagine just how hard it must be for Ben Grimm to bear his appearance, particularly so being that he’s the only one of the Four that doesn’t appear normal, but his “never say die” perspective can be seen in full force in the way he now handles it. Not that it was always easy as pie, his anger at “Stretcho” for being unable (and at times unwilling) to help has led to several problems in the past, but deep down I think Grimm likes being the Thing to one degree or another, which we get a hints of when he enthusiastically proclaims: “It’s Clobberin’ Time!” And given that he’s in a strength class that few can surpass, it’s never been good to be at the receiving end of those determined fists.
Additionally, following what will be a theme in my “Top-Ten,” the Thing was created by Jack “The King” Kirby, and is probably the character closest to him by my reckoning. From all accounts I’ve read, Jack put more of himself into this character than any other and in enjoying the adventures of Ben Grimm, I like to think that we get a little insight into the man that created him. As close friend Mark Evanier once wrote:
The Thing is how Jack thought people saw him. Jack was short but physically very strong and powerful. His incredible energy and output had a lot to do with his physical strength as a human being.
As long as his friends are in need, and there’s a bad guy to stop dead in his tracks, the Thing will likely forever remain standing by his family in defending the defenseless, and exploring the reaches of the universe in search of new discovery, and new frontiers. It’s that drive that got him where he is in the first place, and no doubt it’s only gotten stronger since his fateful transformation. For this, and for the fact that I just plain like the big guy, the Thing makes my “Marvel Top-Ten” list.
Aunt Petunia would be proud!
Here In Duckburg 