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June 01, 2026 · Summer

The Thing #1 breaks onto the streets — Ben Grimm’s gritty hunt for a missing kid

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Ben Grimm is back in his own solo adventure, chasing a lost child through New York’s underbelly. Expect street‑level brawls, a mystery from his past, and the raw power that made the Thing a legend.

Marvel’s newest solo launch puts the blue‑eyed powerhouse front and center. In this first issue, the Thing steps out of the Fantastic Four’s shadow and into the chaos of the city that raised him, promising a fresh, hard‑knocking tone for the character.

The story kicks off when a figure from Ben’s early days appears with a desperate plea: a child has vanished, and the only lead points to dangerous corners of New York. Reluctantly, Ben dons his iconic rock‑skin and dives into a hunt that pits him against a parade of super‑powered crooks and relentless bounty hunters, all while he’s suddenly a wanted man.

Writer Tony Fleecs (known for the grounded grit of Stray Dogs) teams up with artist Justin Mason, whose dynamic line work captures both the brute force of the Thing and the gritty urban backdrop. Cover artist Nick Bradshaw gives the issue a striking, blocky portrait that hints at the raw energy inside. Their collaboration promises a story that feels both classic and entirely new.

If the city‑wide chase intrigues you, you might also enjoy the older compilation series “The Adventures of the Thing,” which revisits classic Fantastic Four tales and showcases the character’s enduring heart. Both titles underline why Ben Grimm remains the beating core of the Marvel world.

Drop by the shop, flip through the first splash page, and see how the Thing’s raw power meets a personal mystery. It’s a solid reason to add this debut to your collection.

Series: THE THING · Publisher: Marvel · Release: May 21, 2025 · Writer: Tony Fleecs · Artist: Justin Mason · Cover: Nick Bradshaw
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