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The Thing Classic #1
The Thing Classic, Volume 1
It's Ben Grimm - the ever-lovin', blue-eyed Thing- on his own for the first time, and he clobbers everyone! The Inhumans! Wonder Man! She-Hulk! Spider-Man! The Fantastic Four! The Yancy Street Gang! The Puppet Master! And the uncanny Goody Two-Shoes! Plus: The Thing proposes marriage... and it's not to Alicia Masters!
Collecting:
Thing (1983) #1-10
Collecting:
Thing (1983) #1-10
231 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
4 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
John Byrne
2,957 books360 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
John Lindley Byrne is a British-born Canadian-American author and artist of comic books. Since the mid-1970s, Byrne has worked on nearly every major American superhero.
Byrne's better-known work has been on Marvel Comics' X-Men and Fantastic Four and the 1986 relaunch of DC Comics’ Superman franchise. Coming into the comics profession exclusively as a penciler, Byrne began co-plotting the X-Men comics during his tenure on them, and launched his writing career in earnest with Fantastic Four (where he also started inking his own pencils). During the 1990s he produced a number of creator-owned works, including Next Men and Danger Unlimited. He also wrote the first issues of Mike Mignola's Hellboy series and produced a number of Star Trek comics for IDW Publishing.
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
John Lindley Byrne is a British-born Canadian-American author and artist of comic books. Since the mid-1970s, Byrne has worked on nearly every major American superhero.
Byrne's better-known work has been on Marvel Comics' X-Men and Fantastic Four and the 1986 relaunch of DC Comics’ Superman franchise. Coming into the comics profession exclusively as a penciler, Byrne began co-plotting the X-Men comics during his tenure on them, and launched his writing career in earnest with Fantastic Four (where he also started inking his own pencils). During the 1990s he produced a number of creator-owned works, including Next Men and Danger Unlimited. He also wrote the first issues of Mike Mignola's Hellboy series and produced a number of Star Trek comics for IDW Publishing.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 20, 2024
This was just okay.
I have to give it to Byrne to try to break out of the standard punch-em-up every issue. He's working to give Ben Grimm so gravitas, some depth, and while I applaud that, it does come across as more of a failed experiment.
The art by Ron Wilson is of the standard, run-of-the-mill artist output of Marvel in the late 70s/early 80s. It gets the job done, but it's rarely memorable.
And that's the bottom line here. Byrne's trying to reinvent Ben Grimm, much like Walt Simonson reinvented Thor, but it's just only okay.
I have to give it to Byrne to try to break out of the standard punch-em-up every issue. He's working to give Ben Grimm so gravitas, some depth, and while I applaud that, it does come across as more of a failed experiment.
The art by Ron Wilson is of the standard, run-of-the-mill artist output of Marvel in the late 70s/early 80s. It gets the job done, but it's rarely memorable.
And that's the bottom line here. Byrne's trying to reinvent Ben Grimm, much like Walt Simonson reinvented Thor, but it's just only okay.
June 25, 2019
Taking place right after Marvel Two-in-One ended, the Thing got a Comic where he wasn't required to have a guest character. The book was written by John Byrne and went in a very introspective perspective with Ben Grimm, which was always a huge part of the character.
On one hand, the book has some interesting explorations such as when Ben's about to meet an old flame who's not seen him since he got hit by cosmic rays, but also the book can be a bit of a bummer. However, there are some highlights, including the Thing crossing over with the Inhumans to prevent Quicksilver from exposing their baby to harmful energies. The book also has the hilarious Assistant Editor's month issue. All this is helped by the fact that Byrne doesn't draw book. Ron Wilson does a fantastic job and captures Ben how Kirby drew him.
Overall, a solid if somewhat melancholy volume.
On one hand, the book has some interesting explorations such as when Ben's about to meet an old flame who's not seen him since he got hit by cosmic rays, but also the book can be a bit of a bummer. However, there are some highlights, including the Thing crossing over with the Inhumans to prevent Quicksilver from exposing their baby to harmful energies. The book also has the hilarious Assistant Editor's month issue. All this is helped by the fact that Byrne doesn't draw book. Ron Wilson does a fantastic job and captures Ben how Kirby drew him.
Overall, a solid if somewhat melancholy volume.
December 14, 2018
Ah, it's an ok book. The stories aren't bad, just not very memorable. The Thing seems to really shine best when he is up against a toucher opponent, but we don't get that here. I appreciate Byrne trying to do different types of stories that just punch-em ups, but I wish he would have done a combination of both.
June 20, 2023
It's been a while since I've read so older comics, and this volume here was a nice introspective look at the ever-lovin' blue-eyed Thing. Some of the stories were a little ridiculous (particularly that weird Thing-possessed-by-an-ancient-Egyptian thing), but for the most part, these were just solid comic book stories with both the action and the heart you'd expect from the Thing.
August 1, 2022
The Thing has always been one of my favorite Marvel characters so it's always great to read his solo stories. No one has ever written the Fantastic Four as well as John Byrne in my opinion and that mastery translates will into this. He may even make an appearance himself which is a highlight of the book.
March 13, 2020
Enjoyable if slight. Filled in a gap of my knowledge of a couple of Marvel universe key events.
February 25, 2022
Was sad to see the end of Marvel two in one, but this solo series for the Thing made good use of Fantastic Four history.
A nice mix of stories that blended both small moments and big hero action.
A nice mix of stories that blended both small moments and big hero action.
March 6, 2018
Reprints The Thing (1) #1-10 (July 1983-April 1984). Ben Grimm is at a crossroads. A trip to Yancy Street has him questioning his place as someone in the community and the constant attacks on the Fantastic Four has put people he loves like Alicia in danger. When Reed and Sue question stepping back from the Fantastic Four, Thing wonders if it is time for him to strike out on his own…but the arrival of a strange structure in Central Park could change the life of the Thing and other heroes forever!
Written by John Byrne, The Thing Classic—Volume 1 collects the first ten issues of the Thing’s solo comic from the ’80s. The series replaced Marvel Two-In-One and the collection leads into the twelve issue Secret Wars limited series. The comic features art by Ron Wilson.
I really enjoyed Marvel Two-In-One. It was a fun series where tons of weird and random characters (especially in the last part of the of the series) teamed-up with Thing. I thought it was more fun than Marvel Team-Up and was disappointed to see it end. The Thing solo book isn’t quite what I wanted, but it still is fun.
The series primarily are one-offs or two issue storylines. Thing just plays the “morose” character through most of the ten issues and comes off as a bit of a sad sack with no one (like the FF or guest stars) to balance him out. There are a few guests in She-Hulk, Spider-Man, and Wonder Man (in his classic red coat outfit…my favorite) and of course the FF shows up on occasion, but the series as a whole doesn’t seem to have much direction.
thing #5 cover ron wilson art wonder man she-hulk spider-man
The Thing #5
What really stands out in this volume is the final issue. Thing and the other heroes of New York go to Central Park to find out what has materialized there…and promptly disappear. Secret Wars was a big event when I was first starting to read comic and I love this period of time. It is always fun to read how the event started (the series next issues just generally started after the events of Secret Wars). Thing really finds its direction with the next storyline…for better or worse.
The art for the comic is rather classic ’80s comic art. Ron Wilson draws a traditional Thing (though I kind of like the modified possessed Thing from issues #8-9). Wilson’s art isn’t edgy or experimental, but sometimes that is ok.
I loved Byrne’s run on Fantastic Four, but The Thing always seemed like a bit of a side thought. It is nice to go back and fill in some of the holes for issues I never read, but the issues themselves aren’t that great. I’d still take a series like this over a current Thing series and wish writers could pinpoint what makes some of these stories connect great to the readers. For me, it is continuity and consistency…something that is lacking the current comic book world.
Written by John Byrne, The Thing Classic—Volume 1 collects the first ten issues of the Thing’s solo comic from the ’80s. The series replaced Marvel Two-In-One and the collection leads into the twelve issue Secret Wars limited series. The comic features art by Ron Wilson.
I really enjoyed Marvel Two-In-One. It was a fun series where tons of weird and random characters (especially in the last part of the of the series) teamed-up with Thing. I thought it was more fun than Marvel Team-Up and was disappointed to see it end. The Thing solo book isn’t quite what I wanted, but it still is fun.
The series primarily are one-offs or two issue storylines. Thing just plays the “morose” character through most of the ten issues and comes off as a bit of a sad sack with no one (like the FF or guest stars) to balance him out. There are a few guests in She-Hulk, Spider-Man, and Wonder Man (in his classic red coat outfit…my favorite) and of course the FF shows up on occasion, but the series as a whole doesn’t seem to have much direction.
thing #5 cover ron wilson art wonder man she-hulk spider-man
The Thing #5
What really stands out in this volume is the final issue. Thing and the other heroes of New York go to Central Park to find out what has materialized there…and promptly disappear. Secret Wars was a big event when I was first starting to read comic and I love this period of time. It is always fun to read how the event started (the series next issues just generally started after the events of Secret Wars). Thing really finds its direction with the next storyline…for better or worse.
The art for the comic is rather classic ’80s comic art. Ron Wilson draws a traditional Thing (though I kind of like the modified possessed Thing from issues #8-9). Wilson’s art isn’t edgy or experimental, but sometimes that is ok.
I loved Byrne’s run on Fantastic Four, but The Thing always seemed like a bit of a side thought. It is nice to go back and fill in some of the holes for issues I never read, but the issues themselves aren’t that great. I’d still take a series like this over a current Thing series and wish writers could pinpoint what makes some of these stories connect great to the readers. For me, it is continuity and consistency…something that is lacking the current comic book world.
December 31, 2023
I've always considered the Thing to be something of a bit player, part of an ensemble cast rather than the star of the show. He co-headlined Marvel Two-In-One, and as enjoyable as that is, it seldom shifted out of third gear; it was always good but seldom great, or even very good. I picked up several issues of his solo title off of the stands back in the day, but none of the 10 issues collected in this book. Like the old NBC re-run ad campaign, since I haven't seen (read) it, it's new to me.
Byrne could have easily gone for a Hulk-tinged slugfest theme for this series. The Thing easily lends himself to such all-out action. What we have here is a precursor to modern comic book style storytelling, with the emphasis being on the man instead of the monster. The series starts out with a whimper, filling in a lot of backstory and recaps in the first issue. I wouldn't think that this was the ideal way to launch a new series of a superhero title. Issue 2 is another quiet, character driven tale.
Issues 3 and 4 are the infamous Lockjaw-is-not-a-dog Byrne Inhumans ret-con. This is much derided by fandom at large. There is some action in these issues, and the title begins to take on more of a superhero comic feel without sacrificing the character development seen with Ben Grimm's personal life. Issues 5 and 6 feature the Puppet Master, who uses his radioactive clay to manipulate various heroes into fighting the Thing. The whole superhero fights a superhero, wait, it's a misunderstanding that everyone badmouths but I love anyhow.
Issue 7 was one of those offbeat Assistant Editor's Month issues, where every Marvel title did an offbeat story. I can't think of a single one of these that I enjoyed. The villain in this is Goody Two-Shoes, who is quite possibly the worst villain ever to grace the pages of a comic book. I of course realize that he was supposed to be a caricature, but the sheer suckitude of those AEM issues probably lost countless readers. First time readers would surely be put off by this lame issue. Issue 10 ends with The Thing, Mister Fantastic, and the Human Torch entering the Beyonder's construct in Central Park that led into the Marvel Superheroes Secret Wars maxi-series.
Part of the problem with these first ten issues is that the Fantastic Four are featured throughout the series, albeit in cameo or bit parts. It feels like the Thing is sometimes just filling up screen time until his teammates return. While this was an enjoyable read, the shift from an atypical, personal series to a more tried and true superhero title seems a little disjointed. Don't let that dissuade you from buying this book, though. There are enough great character moments, light-hearted humor, and out and out action to please all palates.
Byrne could have easily gone for a Hulk-tinged slugfest theme for this series. The Thing easily lends himself to such all-out action. What we have here is a precursor to modern comic book style storytelling, with the emphasis being on the man instead of the monster. The series starts out with a whimper, filling in a lot of backstory and recaps in the first issue. I wouldn't think that this was the ideal way to launch a new series of a superhero title. Issue 2 is another quiet, character driven tale.
Issues 3 and 4 are the infamous Lockjaw-is-not-a-dog Byrne Inhumans ret-con. This is much derided by fandom at large. There is some action in these issues, and the title begins to take on more of a superhero comic feel without sacrificing the character development seen with Ben Grimm's personal life. Issues 5 and 6 feature the Puppet Master, who uses his radioactive clay to manipulate various heroes into fighting the Thing. The whole superhero fights a superhero, wait, it's a misunderstanding that everyone badmouths but I love anyhow.
Issue 7 was one of those offbeat Assistant Editor's Month issues, where every Marvel title did an offbeat story. I can't think of a single one of these that I enjoyed. The villain in this is Goody Two-Shoes, who is quite possibly the worst villain ever to grace the pages of a comic book. I of course realize that he was supposed to be a caricature, but the sheer suckitude of those AEM issues probably lost countless readers. First time readers would surely be put off by this lame issue. Issue 10 ends with The Thing, Mister Fantastic, and the Human Torch entering the Beyonder's construct in Central Park that led into the Marvel Superheroes Secret Wars maxi-series.
Part of the problem with these first ten issues is that the Fantastic Four are featured throughout the series, albeit in cameo or bit parts. It feels like the Thing is sometimes just filling up screen time until his teammates return. While this was an enjoyable read, the shift from an atypical, personal series to a more tried and true superhero title seems a little disjointed. Don't let that dissuade you from buying this book, though. There are enough great character moments, light-hearted humor, and out and out action to please all palates.
February 25, 2024
I picked this book up at the Half-priced bookstore for only 3 bucks. I run a small antique shop and I like to have vintage comics and books in my store. While pricing it I saw the writer for the book was none other than John Byrne. I normally only read DC, not sure if it's out of habit or taste, but when I started reading comics, I read Green Lantern. Then I picked up the reboot of Superman by John Byrne, again at the half-priced bookstore. I stopped reading Green Lantern and read Superman instead. I love the Byrne years of Superman, so I decided to give the Thing a chance. I knew he was part of the Fantastic Four but other than that I was clueless, so it was nice to get an introduction like this one for a character. I had no idea what to expect, and I must say I thought the character was just a big brute but with John's words I now see him as a multi-dimensional character. One that struggles with his new appearance and misses thinking of himself as a man. Most of the stories in this volume were good and keeping my attention and I had trouble putting it down at times. I was super happy to see one "book" Byrne took up his drawing pencil. I am not used to buying Marvel Volumes, so I was not pleased that the book ended on a cliffhanger. That was like a sucker punch, so heads up there if you are new to it like I am. Not sure I will buy another one since I am not a real fan of the Thing but I have a new understanding of the character now.
March 20, 2018
2.5 stars. This volume is mostly single-issue stories emphasizing the Thing's identity as a tough guy with a brooding and sensitive side. None of the stories are terribly memorable. The Thing visits Alicia Masters (recovering from the fallout of a previous FF adventure) at Mercy General Hospital several times from issues 2-9. He repeatedly finds himself embroiled in battles there... and repeatedly trashes the area around the hospital.
Byrne's scripts here have nice moments but are a far cry from being among his best. Issue 4 has a nice ending, but the impetus for the Thing's involvement in the story is pretty flimsy. Issue 5 has him battling 3 of his peers while they are under mind control, but there is never any relational/collegial aftermath or debriefing between the 4 of them ("Gee, you just beat the crap out of me and rolled me up in a concrete sandwich!").
Ron Wilson's art is good enough, if sometimes uneven (the double-page spread near the end of issue 6, bird's eye view, is gorgeous).
Byrne's scripts here have nice moments but are a far cry from being among his best. Issue 4 has a nice ending, but the impetus for the Thing's involvement in the story is pretty flimsy. Issue 5 has him battling 3 of his peers while they are under mind control, but there is never any relational/collegial aftermath or debriefing between the 4 of them ("Gee, you just beat the crap out of me and rolled me up in a concrete sandwich!").
Ron Wilson's art is good enough, if sometimes uneven (the double-page spread near the end of issue 6, bird's eye view, is gorgeous).
May 19, 2025
3.5 rounding up. The Thing has always been an interesting lynchpin for the Fantastic Four and his blue collar, gruff persona always grounded the series for me. Having the Thing on his own was fun even if some of the stories go extra deep into the character's background and origin while two of the ten issues revolve around the Thing losing body autonomy. It's not Byrne at his best but it's still a solid comic.
April 12, 2020
There are some very good issues in this collection, but also some forgettable ones. Overall, a nice compliment to John Byrne’s Fantastic Four run.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews