Ben Grimm is a former test pilot who became the Thing after cosmic radiation transformed his body. He serves as the powerhouse of the Fantastic Four and remains devoted to the family he found within the team. (More Marvel Characters in Profile)
Benjamin Jacob Grimm grew up on Yancy Street in New York City. He joined the Yancy Street Gang during his youth before his aunt and uncle helped place him on a different path. Ben became a successful football player and attended State University. There he met Reed Richards and became his roommate. Ben later served as a military pilot and test pilot. Reed eventually asked him to pilot an experimental spacecraft that he had designed.
Ben joined Reed Richards and Susan Storm and Johnny Storm aboard the unauthorized flight. Cosmic rays penetrated the spacecraft and altered everyone aboard. Ben developed immense strength as his body transformed into a heavy orange form covered by rocklike plates. He adopted the name Thing and joined the others as the Fantastic Four. Their early missions brought them into conflict with Mole Man and Doctor Doom and the Skrulls. The team later faced threats from Galactus and Annihilus and many other enemies across Earth and space.
Ben repeatedly searched for a way to regain his human form while continuing to serve with the Fantastic Four. He formed a lasting relationship with sculptor Alicia Masters after the team encountered her stepfather Puppet Master. Ben later married Alicia. He also became part of the Future Foundation and helped protect its students while Reed directed the organization toward scientific problems affecting Earth and the wider universe.
Appearance:
Ben Grimm has a massive, hulking physique entirely covered in a thick, rock-like hide of craggy orange plates. His rocky exterior resembles interlocking chunks of stone, with deep crevices and uneven surface textures running across his body. His face, though distorted by mutation, retains vaguely human features—most notably his piercing blue eyes, which stand out starkly against his stony skin and are the only clear reminder of his former humanity. He typically only wears blue shorts or trunks, with a notable "4" on the buckle.
Personality:
Ben Grimm is gruff and outspoken but his rough manner hides deep compassion. He carries lasting pain over his transformation and sometimes reacts with anger when he feels rejected or treated like a monster. His humor helps him endure that insecurity. Ben remains fiercely loyal and will place himself in danger without hesitation when another person needs protection. He regards the Fantastic Four as his true family and often serves as their emotional center during difficult periods.
Reed Richards is Ben’s oldest friend. Their bond survives Ben’s resentment over the space flight that transformed him and Reed’s continuing guilt over what happened. Susan Storm understands the man beneath his rocky appearance and treats him with steady affection. Johnny Storm shares a brotherly relationship with Ben that appears through constant pranks and arguments yet neither would abandon the other in danger. Alicia Masters is Ben’s wife and the love of his life. Her ability to accept him without fear helped Ben see that his appearance did not determine his worth.
The Thing possesses immense superhuman strength that allows him to lift enormous weight and fight physically powerful opponents. His rocklike body is nearly indestructible. Gunfire usually fails to pierce his hide. Explosions and crushing impacts can injure him without easily stopping him. His exceptional stamina allows him to remain active through prolonged battles.
Ben is an experienced close range fighter who combines raw force with years of battlefield judgment. He knows how to grapple larger enemies and place his strikes where they will cause the greatest effect. His body remains capable of feeling pain and sufficiently powerful attacks can overwhelm him despite his durability.
Before his transformation Ben was one of the finest pilots in the United States Air Force. He retains expert control of advanced aircraft and spacecraft under dangerous conditions. This experience often makes him the Fantastic Four’s primary pilot during missions beyond Earth.
