I have always been a fan of the Fantastic Four and am surprised that they have not yet been produced for Crisis Protocol (something to do with Disney I think).

Reed Richards, Ben Grimm, Susan Storm, and her brother, Johnny Storm, were forever changed during an experimental space flight that exposed them to cosmic rays, which gave them super human powers and abilities. In the aftermath of their incredible journey, the four pledged to stay together as a team. They quickly became media sensations, and their celebrity status only grew as they explored the uncharted regions of the universe and confronted evil wherever they found it. But the Fantastic Four are more than just Super Heroes—they’re the first family of the Marvel Universe.

All four friends survived the experience, but Reed found his body had taken on elastic properties that allowed him to change his size and length. Susan gained the ability to turn invisible while Johnny attained control over fire. Tragically, Ben’s enhanced strength and durability gave his skin and body a rock-like appearance that robbed him of the ability to pass as human. Despite the sudden turn of events, the quartet realized the potential of their powers and chose to become a team. Information from the Marvel website

I picked up the Heroclix figures before Disney pressured them to stop making Marvel models. As I am working through some of the Crisis Protocol Hydra figures “I dug out” the F4 figures and decided I would paint them up as well.

Today I have decided to paint Ben Grimm AKA “The Thing”.

In the original synopsis that writer-editor Stan Lee gave artist Jack Kirby, Lee proposed making the Thing into ‘the heavy.’ Deformed, underprivileged and argumentative,

Ben actually became the most lovable group member: honest, direct and free of pretension. He brought humour and pathos to the stories, while his emotional responses and frequent tantrums suggested that he might really be the baby of the household.

Tomorrow another one of the Fantastic Four.