It's a one of the most burning, yet sensitive questions Fantastic Four fans have about the Thing: does he have a penis? The comical query has existed nearly as long as Ben Grimm has, with both fans and creators speculating on the existence of the man's rocky nethers. An answer arrives in The Thing's self-titled series, hopefully putting the private issue to bed once and for all.
Since being belted by cosmic rays and transformed into First Family of Marvel's chief muscle, Grimm's unique physiology has provoked endless discussion on whether or not the Thing has a "thing". Not limited to fans, movies and television shows like Family Guy and Mallrats have included gags that contemplate the Thing's possible stone-like endowment. Even the film Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer acknowledged the mystery, with Johnny Storm straight up asking Ben for details, with the Thing resolutely informing him "That's none of your business!"
Unfortunately, it seems like the existence of the Thing's rod and tackle are now everyone's business. The Thing #3 by Walter Mosley, Tom Reilly, Jordie Bellaire, and Joe Sabino features a particularly candid moment for Ben Grimm. The Thing and his latest paramour, Amaryllis Dejure, share an intimate scene as Ben informs her "You don't want a guy like me for this. I mean, look at my skin.". His lover simply responds with "I like it rough.", before transitioning to a panel of the two in bed with the Thing looking extremely satisfied. Professor Anna Peppard, who literally wrote the book on superhero sexuality, humorously noted the page on Twitter.
Pretty much says it all for any fan wondering what lies beneath Ben Grimm's classic blue trunks. And while it's nice to have a canon answer on whether or not the Thing is anatomically correct, the moment of vulnerability speaks volumes about the character. While his friends and family were all blessed with powers that have enhanced, or at the very least, not inconvenienced their lives, Thing wasn't as lucky. Grimm has tried to eke out as normal a life as possible, but his rock-like form has caused the man to lose touch with various aspects of his former life.
Seeing the Thing able to enjoy such a primal moment with someone else is nice, but even then, Grimm suffers knowing that his body isn't exactly built for tender touching. Opening up to Amaryllis about his doubts shows that even if he is equipped for the job, the Thing still sees himself as an "other" that isn't meant for even the most basic human pleasures. Though the debate over the Thing's privates is rooted in comedy, his time with Dejure is a serious moment of self-reflection. Sure, the idea of the Fantastic Four member's member may inspire giggles, but the Thing sees it as another reminder of the internal struggle he faces to remain connected to his humanity.
Source: Twitter