The following article contains references to suicide and self-harm.

The Thing is a standout in the iconic Fantastic Four line-up due to his lovable demeanor and awesome catchphrase, but beneath his rocky surface, he's much more tragic than he lets on. Transforming from an ordinary man into the rock-like Thing has taken a huge toll on Ben Grimm, and that anguish finally reaches a breaking point in a devastating scene that unearths this Fantastic Four hero's inner darkness.

In Ultimate Fantastic Four #27 by Mark Millar, Greg Land, Matt Ryan, Justin Ponsor, and Randy Gentile, Ben Grimm sheds tears as he realizes that he's permanently stuck as the Thing. He goes as far as itting that he contemplates suicide, though no form of self-harm seems to work on his new body.

Ben then says to Reed Richards, "You think Reed could help me end it, Johnny? You think he could find a way to kill me since he's given up on curing me?" This heartbreaking moment unveils the depth of Ben Grimm's pain, as he'd rather die than continue on living as the Thing.

The Fantastic Four's Thing Grapples With Depression As A Result of His Transformation

Ben Grimm's Suicidal Thoughts Reveal A Bleak Side to the Hero

Early on in their time as the Fantastic Four, Reed Richards swears that he will undo Human Torch, explaining that Johnny's popularity with women has increased since unlocking his powers, whereas he's doomed to loneliness.

Although this particular scene does take place within an alternate continuity - which no longer exists, and has instead been replaced with the new Ultimate Universe - it still holds true for any version of the Thing. Ben Grimm's transformation is a source of misery for him across timelines, from the comics to the team's various film adaptations. In fact, the Thing's depression regarding his new form can be traced back to the team's debut in Fantastic Four #1 by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, when Sue refers to Ben as "a thing" and he accepts the name out of self-loathing.

Although Ben Grimm Still Isn't Cured, The Thing Has Accepted His New Form

The Thing Is Happier Than Ever, Even If Reed Richards Hasn't Fixed Him

The Thing chose his superhero alias as a result of his perception as a "thing" rather than the person he once was, but over the years, he's come to accept his new life to the best of his ability. In fact, Ben Grimm is happier now than he ever was before he became the Thing. He's currently married to blind sculptor Alicia Masters-Grimm, his longtime love interest and the Fantastic Four's honorary fifth member, and they have adopted two alien children. The Thing may never be cured, but that may not matter as much anymore, because he's overcome his sorrow and embraced his role as Fantastic Four hero.