ADVANCED REVIEW: ‘The Thing,’ Issue #2

The Thing #2 is written by Walter Mosley, illustrated by Tom Reilly, colored by Jordie Bellaire, and lettered by VC’s Joe Sabino. It is published by Marvel Comics. Picking up after the end of the first issue, Ben Grimm is attacked by the muscular behemoth known as Brusque, who absconds with his date Amaryllis Dejure. Making matters worse, Brusque has been empowered by Mot — the same malevolent creature that has been plaguing Ben’s life. To save Amaryllis, Ben descends underground and discovers an underground city, where he has a rematch with Brusque.

The Thing is one of the strongest beings in the Marvel Universe, and this issue puts that to the test. Reilly draws the hell out of the fight scenes between Brusque and the Thing, with both combatants dealing out earth-shaking punches. It also breaks the convention of the typical comic book layout, as both Brusque and Ben are sent flying through panels and into the empty white space of the pages. I have to say that Reilly’s art even rivals Ryan Ottley’s work on Hulk and Invincible in terms of pure comic book adrenaline. Brusque also sports a simple yet striking design: his outfit consists of a black ski mask and matching tank top, with thick tires wrapped around his arms to increase his punching power. His eyes and mouth also clue you into his expressions; when facing the Thing, they’re twisted in rage, and they soften when he sees Amaryllis.

What also helps the art stand out is the coloring from Bellaire. A string of panels featuring Thing and Brusque is colored in the same dusty orange hue as Ben’s skin. When Ben travels to the underground city, shadows give way to towering structures of stone and steel. And a punch delivers a flash of light that spreads out throughout an entire panel, giving off the illusion of blinding light. Even the sound effects stand out thanks to Bellaire and Sabino: a loud “KRAK!” when Ben uppercuts Brusque echoes throughout the panel and is the same dusty orange as the Thing’s skin.

Mosley continues to show his grasp on mystery writing as well as superhero action, as Brusque’s origin and his obsession with Amaryllis are slowly revealed. There’s also the question of Mot: he empowered Brusque to take on the Thing, but why Ben Grimm of all people? Mosley’s script also introduces a new character in the form of Bobby Spector, a young Black boy who accompanies Ben on his underground journey and helps him turn the tide against Brusque. There’s clearly more to Bobby than the story is currently letting on, but I genuinely enjoy his rapport with Ben; it proves that child characters aren’t as tricky to write for as folks may think.

The Thing #2 features an earth-shattering battle between Ben Grimm and a new enemy while introducing a new friend and love interest for the Fantastic Four’s powerhouse. I’m looking forward to the next issue, as I’m sure Mot isn’t done tormenting Ben just yet. Set your clocks — it’s clobberin’ time.

The Thing #2 will be available wherever comics are sold on December 15, 2021.