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Tuesday, April 26, 2022

"It's Clobberin' Time!": The (Ever-lovin' Blue Eyed) Thing #1

It’s been said that when Stan Lee and Jack Kirby created The Fantastic Four that Jack Kirby’s favorite character was The Thing.

Many believe that Jack loved the character so much because The Thing reflected his own personality and upbringing.  The Thing even had a New York accent like Jack's.

In 1983 Marvel Comics published a The Thing comic book series written by John Byrne and drawn by Ron Wilson.

The first issue delves into Ben Grimm’s past starting with his life on Yancy Street and his gang affiliation.

It’s a great character study and an insightful look into the life of one of the most tragic figures in the Marvel Universe.

The Thing has always been my favorite Fantastic Four character.  While he presents a wise guy Bronx kind of persona The Thing is actually very tender, emotional and cares a great deal about his friends and family.

He is much smarter than he lets on.  After all he was the top of his class in college, a lettered athlete, a pilot and military man.

This series really delves into Ben Grimm the man and how he deals with becoming The Thing.

Imagine being an ordinary guy suddenly transformed into a powerful freak, battling super beings, traveling to other worlds, times and dimensions and trying to live a ‘normal life’

The first issue’s story finds The Thing visiting his old stomping grounds on a mission to talk to a friend's son who belongs to The Yancy Street Gang.

Ben recounts his time with the gang, the death of his parents, the love of his uncle and aunt and his slow rise out of the gutter and on to bigger and better things. 

Ben hopes his story will straighten the young man out who is going down the same dangerous path he once went down and managed to escape.

Watch out for this issue.  If The Fantastic Four movie Disney is planning on releasing does well look for key FF issues to start rising in value-especially those that delve into the origins and early lives of the FF members.

Isaiah 41: 10
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

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