Thanks to Doctor Doom, Ben Grimm is no longer the Thing and his kids don't even recognize him in Fantastic Four #30

Fantastic Four #30
(Image credit: Marvel Comics)

For almost 65 years, Ben Grimm has been the ever-lovin'-blue-eyed Thing, with his human form trapped inside a hard, rocky exterior and no chance of ever turning back. At least, no chance of turning back without the magic of Marvel's current Sorcerer Supreme, Doctor Doom, who used his power to turn Ben Grimm into a normal man again. Now, in Fantastic Four #30, we'll see the consequences of Ben's magical transformation, and we've got a preview of what's inside.

In the issue, by writer Ryan North, penciler Cory Smith, inker Oren Junior, colorist Jesus Aburtov, and letterer Joe Caramagna, Ben and his wife Alicia Masters take a trip to New York City in the wake of Ben's big change. Check it out:

"FANTASTIC THREE! After Ben Grimm has suffered a terrible (and very public) defeat at the hands of Doom, he's left lost, adrift - and more vulnerable than he has been in years," reads Marvel's official description of Fantastic Four #30. "And when a trip to New York goes wrong and his fate suddenly turns from bad to worse, Ben has never been more vulnerable - and soon takes a shocking shortcut he won't be able to undo! This is one Thing and Alicia story you won't soon forget!"

We know that Doom isn't done with the FF either, as subsequent issues will involve him taking the powers from other members of his arch-enemies. It's all part of the 'One World Under Doom' status quo in which Doom, using his power as the current Sorcerer Supreme of the Marvel Universe, has conquered Earth. So far, Doom has been one step ahead of the heroes, but the situation is rapidly escalating across numerous Marvel titles.

Fantastic Four #30 goes on sale March 26.

Check out the best Fantastic Four stories of all time.

George Marston

I've been Newsarama's resident Marvel Comics expert and general comic book historian since 2011. I've also been the on-site reporter at most major comic conventions such as Comic-Con International: San Diego, New York Comic Con, and C2E2. Outside of comic journalism, I am the artist of many weird pictures, and the guitarist of many heavy riffs. (They/Them)

You must confirm your public display name before commenting

Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.

Read more
Fantastic Four #31 cover
The Fantastic Four becomes the Fantastic Two this April as Doctor Doom steals another member's powers
Ebon Moss-Bachrach in Fantastic Four
Fantastic Four star says motion-capture legend Andy Serkis helped with his performance and yes, he said that iconic Marvel catchphrase
Ben Grimm/The Thing in the first teaser trailer for Fantastic Four: First Steps
Marvel fans are divided over our first look at The Thing in the Fantastic Four: First Steps trailer
One World Under Doom #1
Doctor Doom officially rules the Earth in One World Under Doom #1, and he's kind of doing a suspiciously good job at it
Red Hulk smashing a Doombot over his shoulders
Red Hulk #4 pits Thaddeus 'Thunderbolt' Ross and his allies against an army of Doombots
The students of the Future Foundation with Dragon Man
How the Fantastic Four added Spider-Man, Doctor Doom, and more to become the Future Foundation
Latest in Marvel Comics
Fantastic Four #30
Thanks to Doctor Doom, Ben Grimm is no longer the Thing and his kids don't even recognize him in Fantastic Four #30
Spider-Man swings into action alongside the Fantastic Four and Ms. Marvel.
Spider-Man and the Fantastic Four team up in a new story from Jay and Silent Bob creator Kevin Smith
Ghost Rider facing down Galactus
Ghost Rider takes on Galactus in the Marvel Universe's most one-sided fist fight this summer
Angela Del Toro as White Tiger in Marvel Comics
Who is Angela in Daredevil: Born Again?
Phoenix #12
Jean Grey's "miraculous return" will solve an X-Men mystery that's been lingering for over 30 years
Marvel Knights: The World to Come #1
Christopher Priest returns to Black Panther after 22 years alongside Marvel Knights architect Joe Quesada for a story that foretells the future of the Marvel Universe
Latest in News
Fantastic Four #30
Thanks to Doctor Doom, Ben Grimm is no longer the Thing and his kids don't even recognize him in Fantastic Four #30
The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2
First trailer for The Walking Dead: Dead City season 2 sees Maggie fight a bear, Hershel plot revenge, and Negan give Lucille a terrifying upgrade
Assassin's Creed Shadows screenshot showing Yasuke kneeling and praying while wearing a traditional purple robe
Assassin's Creed Shadows channels the MCU with an intro that celebrates Ezio, Altair, and other heroes from the series' 17-year history
"Valve would never ship another game": Former exec forced Half-Life publisher's hand by saying Gabe Newell and the team would pivot away from game dev
Witcher comics Geralt
"Something for true collectors": CD Projekt CEO shares his nostalgia for the "super retro" Witcher comics that are coming out in English for the first time
Godzilla emerging from an exploding volcano.
Win a Blu-ray of Godzilla vs Biollante