[[{“value”:”
WARNING! This article contains spoilers for The Thing #2.
Ben Grimmis often defined by the way he looks. However, a more personal struggle has always existed under the surface of Ben’s psyche: the shadow of his deceased older brother, Daniel. As the MCU gears up to introduce The Fantastic Four in the upcoming The Fantastic Four: First Steps, this often-overlooked aspect of Ben’s life is resurfacing with deep implications.
The recent The Thing #2, written by Tony Fleecs and with art by Justin Mason, delves into the very vulnerabilities that resulted from Daniel Grimm’s death.
The issue expertly weaves Ben’s past into his present challenges, hinting that his rock-skinned form might be more than just a cosmic accident. Instead, it suggests a subconscious need to embody an unbreakable strength, mirroring the image of his older brother.
Ben Carries The Weight Of A Lost Legacy Continues Ted By The Thing
The Thing #2, Written By Tony Fleecs With Art By Justin Mason
The Thing #2 flashes back to Ben’s youth, showing a street fight where a young Ben (called “Benjy”) is teased by his childhood bully. He brings up Ben’s older brother, Daniel, as a way to make Ben’s torment worse. This taunt immediately triggers a violent reaction from Ben, hinting at the raw wound that still exists after Daniel’s death.
Related
“Nobody Needs a Hero”: Fantastic Four Strips The Thing of Their Power, Marking a Dark Turn Ahead of His MCU Debut
The Thing has wanted one thing (no pun intended) since joining the Fantastic Four, and now that he finally has it, his reaction is shocking.
Ben’s fury runs deep, with the mere mention of Daniel sending him spiraling. Ben’s aggression, fueled by the insult to his brother’s memory, reveals more than just a young boy in mourning. Instead, Daniel himself shaped Ben’s view of himself. Even as an adult, confronting his bully brings back deep-seated insecurities and the pressure to uphold a certain image.
It’s a poignant reminder that while Ben’s physical form is stone, his emotional core remains deeply human and vulnerable to old wounds.
The Thing’s Tough Exterior Is A Reflection of His Inner Struggle
The Ghost Of His Brother Lingers
The Thing #2 subtly suggests that Ben’s transformation into The Thing might be a manifestation of his desire to fill his brother’s shoes. When bombarded by cosmic rays, his body didn’t just become strong; it became an unyielding, rock-like defense. His body became a literal embodiment of an “emotional rock” due to his childhood trauma.
Young Ben wanted to be tough like his deceased brother. It is not a coincidence that adult Ben became literally tough. This connection adds a tragic layer to Ben’s origin story, turning the source of his powers from a mere accident into a twisted fulfillment of a childhood desire. His physical strength also becomes a permanent symbol of his unresolved grief and the relentless pressure he places upon himself.
The ongoing struggle within Ben, to reconcile his true self with the hardened exterior, is an interesting theme to explore. The return of Marty Flynn, his childhood bully and a relic from his past, forces Ben to confront his buried emotions directly. This confrontation is not just about physical strength, but also about the emotional fortitude needed to move beyond past traumas.
He is constantly reminded of his past, both by his own memories and by someone who knew him before he became The Thing.
As the story continues, Ben’s interactions with Marty continue to point to this internal conflict. He is constantly reminded of his past, both by his own memories and by someone who knew him before he became The Thing. This psychological depth adds a rich layer to his character, making him relatable despite his extraordinary powers.
This exploration of Ben Grimm’s deepest insecurities and his late brother’s influence opens new chapters for The Thing. As The Fantastic Four prepares for their MCU debut, understanding Ben’s emotional bedrock is important to understanding The Thing, turning him from a simple rock “monster” into a complex figure grappling with his past.
The Thing #2 is available now.
Ben Grimm / The Thing
“}]] Ben Grimm’s is linked to his brother. Read More