While attending college, Ben met Reed Richards, a brilliant scientific prodigy whose intellect was matched only by his ambition. The two became lifelong friends despite their vastly different personalities. Reed's scientific genius and Ben's practical, down-to-earth nature complemented one another, creating a friendship that would shape the course of both their lives.

Following graduation, Ben served in the United States Marine Corps and later became one of the world's finest test pilots. His courage, skill, and willingness to take risks earned him an exceptional reputation within the aerospace community. When Reed Richards eventually developed an experimental spacecraft intended to reach space ahead of rival powers, he turned to Ben to pilot the mission.

The crew consisted of Reed Richards, Susan Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm. Against Ben's warnings that Reed had not completed all necessary safety testing, the group launched the spacecraft. During the flight, they were bombarded by intense cosmic radiation. Although Reed managed to bring the ship safely back to Earth, the exposure permanently altered all four passengers.

Reed gained the ability to stretch his body, Susan became invisible and later developed force-field powers, Johnny gained the ability to ignite into living flame, and Ben underwent the most dramatic transformation of all. His body became covered in an orange, rock-like hide that granted him immense strength and durability while robbing him of his former appearance.

The transformation devastated Ben emotionally. Unlike the others, whose powers could often be concealed, Ben's condition was impossible to hide. He blamed Reed for the accident and repeatedly struggled with resentment, depression, and self-image issues. Nevertheless, his loyalty to his friends and his innate heroism kept him at their side. Together they became the Fantastic Four, Earth's first family of superheroes.

Over the years Ben became one of the team's most dependable members. He battled Doctor Doom, Galactus, the Mole Man, Annihilus, Kang the Conqueror, the Skrulls, and countless other threats. His courage and determination repeatedly saved not only his teammates but the entire planet. Although he often joked about his appearance and grumbled about Reed's failed attempts to restore him permanently, Ben's strength of character became every bit as important as his physical power.

One of the most important people in Ben's life was Alicia Masters, the blind sculptor who saw beyond his appearance and loved him for the man he truly was. Their relationship endured decades of adventures, separations, misunderstandings, and cosmic upheavals. Alicia became one of the emotional anchors of Ben's life and helped him accept himself in ways he never thought possible.

During the original Secret Wars, Ben discovered that Battleworld possessed the ability to restore his human form. For a time he remained behind while She-Hulk joined the Fantastic Four in his place. Ultimately, however, Ben realized that his destiny remained with his teammates and returned to Earth. His experiences reinforced an important lesson: being human was about more than physical appearance.

Throughout his career Ben frequently operated outside the Fantastic Four as well. He starred in numerous adventures alongside Marvel's heroes, served with the New Fantastic Four, fought beside the Avengers, and even spent time as a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy. Regardless of where he traveled, Ben remained one of the most respected heroes in the Marvel Universe.

The Thing's life has also been marked by several temporary cures and transformations. On numerous occasions Reed Richards, Doctor Doom, cosmic entities, or other forces restored Ben to human form. Each cure ultimately proved temporary, and Ben always returned to his rocky state. Over time he came to understand that being the Thing was not a curse alone—it was also part of who he had become.

In later years Ben and Alicia finally married after decades of shared history. Their wedding became one of the most celebrated events in the Marvel Universe. The couple later adopted two alien children, Jo-Venn and N'Kalla, expanding the Fantastic Four family and giving Ben the opportunity to become a father.

Ben has continued to serve alongside Reed Richards, Susan Storm-Richards, and Johnny Storm through countless challenges. Whether facing cosmic gods, multiversal threats, scientific disasters, or personal struggles, he remains the heart and soul of the Fantastic Four. While others may possess greater powers or intellect, few heroes can match Ben Grimm's courage, loyalty, and determination.

Today, the Thing stands as one of Marvel's greatest heroes. Though he still occasionally longs for the life he lost, he has accepted the man he has become. Beneath the rocky exterior remains the same kid from Yancy Street who refuses to back down from a fight when innocent lives are at stake.

• She-Hulk joins Fantastic Four in Ben's place (Fantastic Four #265, 1984)
• Returns to the Fantastic Four (Fantastic Four #277, 1985)
• Joins New Fantastic Four (Fantastic Four #347–349, 1990)
• Heroes Reborn era (Fantastic Four Vol. 2 #1–12, 1996–1997)
• Fantastic Four relaunch (Fantastic Four Vol. 3 #1, 1998)
• Civil War conflict (Civil War #1–7, 2006–2007)
• Death of Human Torch and Future Foundation era (Fantastic Four #587–588, 2011)
• Joins Guardians of the Galaxy (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 #4, 2013)
• Secret Wars multiversal collapse (Secret Wars #1–9, 2015)
• Marriage to Alicia Masters (Fantastic Four Vol. 6 #5, 2018)
• Adopts Jo-Venn and N'Kalla (Fantastic Four Vol. 6 #25, 2020)
• Current Fantastic Four adventures (Fantastic Four Vol. 7, 2022–Present)