The Thing [2025] #1 - Marvel Comics

THE THING No. 1, July 2025

Described by “Marvel Worldwide” as being “perfect for newcomers and True Believers alike”, Issue One of “The Thing” certainly starts out rather well – thanks largely to Tony Fleec’s script almost immediately transporting the reader to the Negative Zone so they can witness the Fantastic Four battle a gigantic, multi-tentacled space squid. In fact, the only slightly disconcerting element to so sense-shattering a shenanigan is the “critically acclaimed” comic book creator’s decision to suggest that Ben Grimm isn’t really giving the punch-up his very best effort on account of suffering with some serious self-doubts.

Happily however, the titular character’s rather puzzling lack of confidence in his formidable super-strength doesn’t last terribly long, and once the former Yancy Street gang member has showered/slept the American author wastes absolutely no time in getting him neck-deep into this mini-series’ central storyline; “I wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for -- It’s my sister Shelly’s kid… We can’t find her.” Such succinctness really does help maintain this twenty-five page periodical’s impressive pace, and also adds an extra element of determination to Benjy’s investigation as he wastes absolutely no time in visiting Josie’s drinking bar for a lead.

Also well worthy of mentioning has to be the multiple Eisner Award-nominee’s ability to surprise his audience with the presence of Melvin Potter’s villainous alter-ego. Initially penned as being unconscious with drink, this classic Daredevil foe doesn’t at first appear to be any sort of threat to one of the world’s biggest hitters. However, despite the Gladiator not even wearing his trademark “wrist-blade thingies”, he’s still sure to make many a bibliophile sit up in shock when the Thing unwisely wakes him from the man's drunken stupor.

Infuriatingly though, what does rather let this publication down is some of Justin Mason’s pencilling. Now there should be little doubt that the Kentucky-born illustrator’s drawing style contains all the ‘raw energy’ which Stan Lee would apparently always look for in his artists. Indeed, many an onlooker will undoubtedly wince whenever a combatant throws a punch in this book. However, some of the panels debatably seem to have been rather rushed, with figures’ faces and expressions appearing awkwardly angular, and Potter in particular appearing far less defined than Grimm’s highly-detailed countenance.

Writer: Tony Fleecs. Artist: Justin Mason & Color Artist: Alex Sinclair