SUPER POWER
IN POWER LEVEL
THE THING’S ROCK-LIKE SKIN CAN WITHSTAND IMMENSE PRESSURES
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During the Silver Age, the Fantastic Four first appeared. In Fantastic Four (1961) #1, we learn of the superhero team’s origin story. During the Cold War, a team of astronauts are involved in the Space Race. In order to beat the Communists, Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm sneak aboard a rocket. Previously, Ben had warned the team about the need to shield against cosmic rays. Unfortunately, the rocket is bombarded by cosmic rays in space.
In the issue, they acquire super powers and become… the Fantastic Four. Notably, scientist Reed Richards develops the ability to stretch his skin. For her part, Invisible Girl is able to generate force fields and turn invisible. Johnny Storm becomes the Human Torch. And Ben Grimm develops a tough rock-like skin that grants him super strength.
In fact, The Thing’s rock-like skin is highly durable and can withstand injury, impact, pressures and extreme heat. In Fantastic Four (1981) #235, The Thing carries a bomb from the surface of Ego the living planet to its brain, enduring immense heat and pressure. Moreover, Thing is most known for his tremendous super strength.
Let’s list five feats that show Thing may have Planetary-Level of Super Strength.
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WHY THING CAN BUST A PLANET
5. STOPPING AN ALIEN CRAFT FROM TAKING OFF FROM EARTH
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Critically, the Fantastic Four are the premiere Marvel superhero team. At CBR.com, Evan Hopkins lists At The Four-Front: 15 Fantastic Four Teams Way Better Than The Original. In some sense, what makes them work is their blend of advanced science and adventure.
In 4 (2004) #7, the FF showcase why they have the perfect team-work. To begin, Mister Fantastic and a team of filmmakers are aboard an alien ship. When the aliens prepare for departure, Mister Fantastic begins to predict his team’s next moves.
In fact, he knows Ben will use his great strength to prevent the ship from taking off. However, he also knows the limits of Thing’s super power. In fact, Ben will fail. Next, the second teammate is Sue Storm who will help Ben succeed. Indeed, Reed’s predictions turn out correct.
And considering the amount of thrust for the alien ship to take-off, Thing’s feat is potentially Planetary-Level. According to NASA, rockets require a thrust of 5.3 million pounds to reach escape velocity. Since this is an alien ship, the energy demands are likely higher.
4. GOING TOE TO TOE WITH NAMOR
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Really, Thing deserves more respect in the Marvel Universe. In Uncanny X-Men (2012) #2, Namor and Thing brawled. To this end, the Avengers and X-Men were in search of Hope Summers at Tabula Rasa. Accidentally, the two teams bumped onto each other on the island. After dispatching Luke Cage, King Namor went toe to toe with Thing.
Really, Thing has faced quality opponents. In the past, Namor has fought Hercules who has fought Hulk who has fought… Thing. Indeed, get the idea? And considering the competition, we are talking about at least Planetary-Level.
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3. THING HAS BOXED AGAINST CHAMPION CRACKING HIS RIBS
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Amazingly, Thing starred in a classic fate of the world story. In Marvel-Two-In-One Annual (1982) #7, Champion makes his first appearance in Marvel continuity. Indeed, Champion has come to Earth for destruction. As an Elder of the Universe, he hosts a boxing competition for the fate of the world.
At CBR.com, Brian Cronin lists the rules of the competition in A Cosmic Being Slowly Realizes That He’ll Never Truly Defeat the Thing. As a result, multiple heroes are disqualified. Only Sasquatch, Colossus, Wonder Man and Thing represent Earth.
Among them, only Thing manages to make a stand. In fact, he lasts against Champion till the third round. During the match, Thing breaks Champion’s ribs. At the end, Champion is victorious in the third round. However, impressed by Thing’s spirit, he decides not to destroy Earth.
And considering Champion once destroyed a planet by jumping several feet in the air and stomping it. Definitely, a feat of Planetary-Level Super Strength.
2. THING TRANSPORTED A BOMB ALONG EGO THE LIVING PLANET TO ITS BRAIN
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Perhaps, one of Thing’s most popular feat. In fact, both a feat of super strength and durability. In Fantastic Four (1981) #235, The Thing carries a bomb from the surface of Ego the living planet to its brain. So doing, Thing endures immense heat and pressure.
And considering Ego is a cosmic being who has tangled with Galactus and Silver Surfer. Since Thing had to climb the planet’s anatomy, this is definitely a Planetary-Level feat.
1. THING WITHSTOOD, PUSHED BACK AND CRUSHED THE HYDRAULO-PRESS.
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Definitely, Thing’s number one feat. In Fantastic Four (1969) #92, the Skrulls used the Hydraulo-Press against Thing. Powerfully, the weapon could bench press a planet. Dangerously, the Skrulls pressed the weapon down on Thing. Incredibly, Ben withstood, pushed back and crushed it.
And considering the force involved, Thing had to bench press a planet. Definitely, a feat requiring more than 5.972 × 1024 kg, the mass of the Earth.
The Thing is one of the Greatest characters in Comics and at times is portrayed as the super powerhouse that He is, but all too often He is portrayed badly and gets a down graded treatment in the Battles He is in. Some of the super baddies He has taken out however are Sub Mariner, Hulk, Executioner, Dr Doom, Super Adaptoid, Annihilus, Miracle Man, Kree Sentries, Wrecker and many more.
Good evening Richard,
Welcome to Database Comics. I appreciate your stopping by and taking a time to comment. I agree with you that Thing is Marvel history and to this day, he still gets no respect. Really, the Fantastic Four are Marvel’s original team. Early on, in order to get some respect, you had to be featured in a Fantastic Four comic. Maybe part of the problem has to do with the Hulk rivalry.
In early stories, Thing and Hulk were often portrayed as rivals. However, with Hulk’s increasing popularity, the Green Behemoth became the dominant fighter in their match-ups. Up till ‘Marvel Super Heroes Secret Wars I’ (1984), Thing was still getting some respect. These days, Thing has been downgraded to a Namor The Sub-Mariner or She-Hulk contender. There definitely needs to be more respect for this character at Marvel.
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Cheers,
Pat
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