In the last issue, The Thing quit the Fantastic Four. In this issue, we get a follow-up on that as his former teammates grow concerned about him—only for him to fall into the hands (and under the control) of The Frightful Four. These villainous counterparts, who previously defeated the Fantastic Four, set off the epic that has carried us through the last few stories.

Here, The Wizard—through an invention, and possibly hypnosis—alters The Thing’s identity, keeping him under control. He preys on Ben’s already exhausted and emotionally weakened state, a result of being forced to transform back into The Thing in order to defeat Doctor Doom in the prior issue.

The Fantastic Four, unaware of Ben’s apparent turn, are only focused on his departure. When they confront the Frightful Four, they are taken out of action—partly by the villainous foursome, but largely by the new fifth Frightful member: The Thing himself.

Originality & Continuity

This story has continuity in spades. It builds on so much from the past—particularly The Thing’s trauma over his condition, which was heavily explored early on but still lingers beneath the surface in newer installments. It also ties directly into The Frightful Four’s prior victory over the Fantastic Four and the epic that unfolded with Doctor Doom. This issue threads the needle between being the first part of a three-part story, continuing an ongoing arc, and possibly even reaching the pinnacle of early Fantastic Four storytelling.

The Frightful Four may not be as historic as other rival teams, being composed of three B-list villains and one original character created just for the group. But they serve as strong foils for our heroes, rounding out a story that, at its core, gets to the heart of Marvel’s First Family.

Characters & Development

At the heart of it all is Ben Grimm and his struggle with being The Thing. This issue can be read in two ways: as a relapse into earlier story elements about his ongoing battle with his condition, or as a deeper look at the trauma he’s endured. He had finally accepted his fate, but when given the chance to reclaim his old life—only to lose it again to save his friends—it breaks him. The Thing’s skin may be rock, but his heart is all too human.

The Frightful Four continue to evolve—not just in terms of leadership but also, in subtle ways, in the shifting dynamics between the team members, particularly with Medusa. We see them bicker over everything, from leadership to what to call each other. Their internal squabbles serve as an interesting contrast to the more familiar clashes between Johnny and Ben.

Story & Artwork

This issue delivers an exciting first chapter in a larger story, blending strong character drama with high-stakes action. The pacing is tight, with each scene carrying weight. Visually, the artwork enhances the weight of the story, especially in how it conveys Ben’s transformation under The Wizard’s influence (such as the cigar). The climactic battle is a standout moment, with The Thing’s turn against his teammates hitting hard, both emotionally and visually. The Fantastic Four have faced overwhelming odds before, but seeing one of their own become the enemy raises the stakes in a way that feels personal.

By the end of the issue, everything is in place for an explosive conclusion. The writing keeps the emotional core intact, while the artwork ensures that every moment lands with real impact.