The Thing rocky exterior and gruff demeanor hide a heart of gold, making him one of the most beloved members of the Fantastic Four. But have you ever wondered just how long the Thing could live? Thanks to a fascinating comic book story, we get to explore the Thing’s life over an astounding 4000 years. Buckle up as we embark on this timeless journey!
The Beginning of the Timeless Journey
Our story begins with a remarkable development: Mr. Fantastic’s two brilliant children create a serum that allows the Thing to revert to his human form, Ben Grimm, for one week every year. While in his rocky form, the Thing cannot age. However, during that precious week as Ben Grimm, he experiences the passage of time.
Curiosity gets the best of Mr. Fantastic (Reed Richards), who, along with his father, develops a time machine to see just how long the Thing can live. Their adventure through the timestream begins, with the first stop set for the year 3012.
The Year 3012: A Futuristic New York
Arriving in the year 3012, Reed and his father find themselves in a brand new, futuristic New York City. The Baxter Building, the iconic headquarters of the Fantastic Four, still stands tall. But the city is under attack by Skrulls, alien shapeshifters who have infiltrated the building. As chaos ensues, the new Fantastic Four springs into action, led by Franklin Richards and, of course, the Thing.
Despite the thousand-year jump, the Thing remains as formidable as ever. He clobbers the Skrulls with his signature battle cry, “It’s clobberin’ time!” Franklin Richards, now an adult, smiles at his uncle’s unchanging spirit. The Thing jokes about his age, remarking on his sciatica, showing that even after a millennium, he hasn’t lost his sense of humor.
The Year 4012: Wisdom of the Ages
Reed’s curiosity pushes them further into the future, landing in the year 4012. Here, they witness a graduation ceremony of the Future Foundation, a school founded by the Fantastic Four. The Thing, now sporting a rock beard, delivers an inspiring speech to the graduates. He emphasizes the importance of not only striving to achieve the impossible but also cherishing every moment of life. His wisdom, accumulated over centuries, resonates deeply with the young graduates.
In this era, the Thing’s reverence for Reed and Franklin Richards is palpable. He credits them for making his long life possible and encourages the graduates to live their lives to the fullest, warning against becoming so focused on saving the world that they miss out on living it.
The Year 5012: A Changing World
The journey continues to the year 5012, where the world has changed in ways unimaginable. The Thing, now an ancient figure, sits on a park bench reminiscing about the past. People around him find his stories of cheeseburgers and bygone eras strange, as their diet now consists of processed jelly. Despite the drastic changes, the Thing remains grateful for his memories with the Fantastic Four, particularly his nephew Franklin.
This scene highlights the Thing’s enduring spirit and adaptability. Even as the world evolves beyond recognition, he holds onto the values and memories that have shaped his long life.
The Year 6012: The Final Farewell
Finally, Reed and his father reach the year 6012, where they witness the Thing’s peaceful passing. Franklin, still alive thanks to his unique abilities, bids a heartfelt farewell to his uncle. Reed and his father watch from a distance, deeply moved by the sight. The journey through time has shown them not just the Thing’s longevity, but the enduring bond of family and friendship.
Returning to the present, Reed is profoundly affected by the journey. He chooses to spend time with his loved ones, particularly the Thing and Franklin, realizing that the moments spent with family are just as important as his scientific endeavors. This decision underscores a central theme of the story: the importance of cherishing the present and the people we love.
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