As the second half ofMarvel Rivals’ first season begins, players have finally been blessed with the eagerly awaited, non-romantic half of the Fantastic Four. Not only has Johnny Storm flown into the hit first-person shooter, but Ben Grimm, better known as the Thing, has also clobbered his way into the game. Of course, alongside both character additions, comes new skins for both characters. Due to its background,Marvel Rivalshas the unique opportunity to create not only original designs, but skins based on comic book looks worn by its character roster.
The Thing is no exception, with two comic book-based skins for him at his launch. In fact,all members of the Fantastic Fourdebuted with two comic book-based skins. The first is a standard uniform based on their supersuits inFantastic Four Vol. 1#3 (1961) that all members ofMarvel Rivals’ version of the first family can wear. Each member also has their own individual skin, not based on the super group’s supersuits, but one-off designs or character reworks.
The Trench Coat Skin is one of the Thing’s Earliest Designs
While other members of theFantastic Four may have received flashier costumesfor their individual skins, the Thing’s first solo costume inMarvel Rivalsis one of his most iconic designs. This new costume for the Thing is called “Trench Coat” because it’s simply the rock monster superhero wearing the titular piece of clothing. But the significance and importance of the Trench Coat costume is rooted in Ben Grimm’s very first appearance.
All members of the Fantastic Four initially received their superhuman abilities during an experimental space flight gone awry. The cosmic rays the soon-to-be superteam encountered changed their biology,giving Reed Richards his flexibility, Susan Storm her invisibility, Johnny Storm his flame powers, and transforming Ben Grimm into a gigantic rock monster.
Though the powers each member gains ultimately change their lives, Ben Grimm’s transformation is the most physical. In an attempt to disguise himself, the newly nicknamed Thing dons a fedora and massive trench coat in the very first issue ofFantastic Four. Realistically, a trench coat and fedora wouldn’t fullydisguise the massive rocky body of the Thing. Yet, this disguise has remained a staple of not only manyFantastic Fourruns, but theatrical adaptations of the superteam.
The Thing’s Disguise Has Appeared Across Fantastic Four Adaptations
One of the most fun aspects of comic-based costumes inMarvel Rivalsis not only the skins themselves, but their associated quote. Each comic-based costume has a quote either by the character donning the design or associated with the character. A note explaining when the costume first appears in the comics is also listed next to the quote. In the case of the Trench Coat Thing costume, the quote is:
I’m sorry Mister, I just don’t carry anything big enough to fit a man your size!
As mentioned previously, Ben Grimm first wore his iconic trench coat and fedorainFantastic Four Vol. 1#1 (1961), but twoFantastic Fourfilm adaptations portray the Thing in the trench coat and fedora as well.Fantastic Four(2005) has Michael Chiklis’ version of the Thing wearing the trench coat and fedora when showing his new appearance to his fiancé. This is, once again, similar to the costume’s initial appearance inFantastic Four Vol. 1#1, where he takes the name “Thing” after his girlfriend, Dr. Linda McGill, gives him the moniker.
The MCU’s upcoming adaptation of the superteam,Fantastic Four: First Steps, will seeEbon Moss-Bachrach’s version of the Thingwearing the iconic disguise as well. Ben Grimm is shown in the outfit in the upcoming film’s initial trailer, and considering thatFantastic Four: First Stepsis not intended to be an origin story for the super team, it seems that this version of the Thing simply likes wearing the disguise.
With how often thetrench coat disguise has appeared inFantastic Fourmedia, it’s no surprise it was ultimately chosen to be the Thing’s first comic book-based costume. Players interested in the new Trench Coat skin can purchase it for 1400 units.
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Marvel Rivals is a Super Hero Team-Based PVP Shooter!Assemble an all-star Marvel squad, devise countless strategies by combining powers to form unique Team-Up skills and fight in destructible, ever-changing battlefields across the continually evolving Marvel universe!A Deep and Varied Marvel RosterChoose from a vast array of fan-favorite and cult-classic Marvel Super Heroes and Super Villains from across the Avengers, Guardians of the Galaxy, X-Men, and many more from across the Marvel Multiverse.Fast and Fun 6v6 Action with Ever-Changing Game DynamicsWith intricate environments, fast-paced gameplay, and ever-changing battlefields, there’s never a dull moment in Marvel Rivals! Battle as Super Heroes and Super Villains with incredible abilities and combine your powers to bring unexpected fun to the battlefield in a matter of seconds.Dynamic Hero SynergyCoordinate unique combinations between characters to ignite surprising Team-Up Skills! Unleash the synergy of combined superpowers and invent new tactics that can turn the tide of combat. Ride on Groot’s back as Rocket Raccoon to take on your enemies as a dangerous duo, unleash Gamma energy as Hulk to charge Iron Man’s armor for massive damage, and so much more!Creative Environment DestructionTear your way through iconic Marvel worlds across destructible environments! From Asgard to the Tokyo of 2099, use superpowers to alter these environments, reshape the terrain, and craft a strategic advantage on the battlefield! Take cover to dodge attacks or use makeshift weapons to strike down enemies. Players will find countless ways to utilize the environment to claim victory!Continually Evolving Universe and Robust Post-Launch UpdatesThe Marvel Multiverse brings infinite possibilities! Each seasonal drop will introduce new Super Heroes to the battlefield along with challenging and diverse maps! Unlock new content to implement across various gameplay strategies while experiencing thrilling action and endless possibilities in these adventurous team battles!
