The Thing Cancelled?

[GrimmPimp]

I read that Thing the ongoing series is going to be canceled?

[Agentum]

As it seems, most likely, but it's possible they do like they did with She-hulk, start a new volume every year or so.

[dingo]

It hasn't been officially cancelled yet. What has happenend is that no issue has been solicited for July.

The TPB for the first 8 issues has been uncharacteristically solicited for a few weeks after the last issue goes onsale.
This could mean one of three things.

If the TPB sales are good then they will solicit an issue 9.

If the TPB sales are good then they may start again with another issue 1.

If the TPB sales are bad (and sales of the regular issues haven't picked up by then) then that's the end for the Thing :(

[The Shadow]

PULL SLOTT's THING!

NOW!

The book is just too good to let go away!!!

EVERY single one of the people in the "I'm sick of crossovers" thread should be reading The Thing, She-Hulk and Jonah Hex (from DC) as they are all only 2 or 3 issue stories (in the case of Hex they are all done in one!) and have NO CROSSOVERS!

[The Sentry]

I hope not !

The Thing is an entertaining read every month.

Thing #6 actually sold out in my LCS. That's the first time it's happened for that title in my LCS ! Hopefully, more people keep jumping on board.

[Agentum]

Buy the TPB, i will, so they may start a new volume.

[Trusty Mutsi]

Well, I went to my LCS for the first time in many, many months, to pick up Thing #6, the first comics I've had pulled in years, and they didn't have it. They said they were shorted, and should have more next week.

So I guess pulling Dan Slott's Thing at my comic shop is a good thing, cause Marvel will get requests for more copies of it.

[killerbass]

My LCS had one copy left when I got there. I bought it, gave it to the clerk and told him to give it to a regular customer with an appreciation for old school comics who didn't already pull The Thing.

I also told him to order more copies! He said he would.

(On the flip side, I was out of town at a workshop, and I stopped in one of the comic book stores in the area. I didn't see Thing #6, and asked if they had any. The reply was, "We used to get The Thing, but we stopped ordering it...")

--Tom

[ChildOfTheDarkholde]

As it seems, most likely, but it's possible they do like they did with She-hulk, start a new volume every year or so.


LOL!

They've oly done it once...not every year or so...

[Agentum]

But it seems to be a good thing for those comics that don't sell so well.
They did it with Runaways too i think.

They don't need to have the book out every month of a year and can just get it going with a new nr1 when they want.

[dingo]

But it seems to be a good thing for those comics that don't sell so well.
They did it with Runaways too i think.

They don't need to have the book out every month of a year and can just get it going with a new nr1 when they want.

I think they do it for a title that gets a lot of buzz in spite of not being pushed by marketing.

A new number one is a great jump on point for those who have heard good things about a book.

I think the problem with that idea is that if it get's abused then people will stop paying attention.

I say just keep going with a number 9.

[Elegance Liberty]

I'll probably end up getting the TPB, because my local comic store seems kinda flaky with new titles. Which actually kinda sucks, because I'm dying to read it now. =(

[Sundance62]

I never want to see anyone's favorite book get cancelled, but in truth I never thought Benjy warranted his own book anyway, even going back to 2-in1 days. For that matter, the FF is IMO the weakest of the superteams, and none of their members could carry a solo book.

[Shellhead]

I never want to see anyone's favorite book get cancelled, but in truth I never thought Benjy warranted his own book anyway, even going back to 2-in1 days. For that matter, the FF is IMO the weakest of the superteams, and none of their members could carry a solo book.

How many X-Men have had a successful solo book aside from Wolverine?

[Kevinroc]

How many X-Men have had a successful solo book aside from Wolverine?

Cable (he's only now joining the X-Men but he is an X-related character) had over 100 issues.

Deadpool (X-related character) had a solo series that lasted for 69 issues.

This is without counting the Soldier X and Agent X stuff that followed.

Other than that? My mind's drawing a blank on solo X-characters with long running titles.

[streator]

Cable (he's only now joining the X-Men but he is an X-related character) had over 100 issues.

Deadpool (X-related character) had a solo series that lasted for 69 issues.

This is without counting the Soldier X and Agent X stuff that followed.

Other than that? My mind's drawing a blank on solo X-characters with long running titles.
cable (107 issues)
x-man (75 issues)
dazzler (42 issues)
gambit (25 issues)
mystique (24 issues)
emma frost (18 issues)
bishop: the last x-man (16 issues)

[dingo]

I never want to see anyone's favorite book get cancelled, but in truth I never thought Benjy warranted his own book anyway, even going back to 2-in1 days. For that matter, the FF is IMO the weakest of the superteams, and none of their members could carry a solo book.

Why do you think that?

What is it about the FF that makes them a weak team to you?

Why do none of them have what it takes to carry a solo title in your eyes?

[dingo]

cable (107 issues)
x-man (75 issues)
dazzler (42 issues)
gambit (25 issues)
mystique (24 issues)
emma frost (18 issues)
bishop: the last x-man (16 issues)

Cable and X-man were not members of the X-men at the time were they?


Ben on his own has had

Marvel two-in-one 100
The Thing (at the time of battleworld) 36
The Thing (latest) 6/8 depending how you see it.

As ongoings plus numerous one shots and minis.

In any event,arguing FF related ongoings against X-related ongoings is like a one-legged man in an @$$ kicking comp. Four characters against hundreds.

[Simon Garth]

Why do you think that?

What is it about the FF that makes them a weak team to you?

Why do none of them have what it takes to carry a solo title in your eyes?

For me, it's because it's the interaction between the characters that is the team, and the members on their own have never had that extra bit to support a title.

I'm another one who's never been that interested in the F4 - first 60 or 70 issues, the pre-Negative Zone Byrne era, and that's it - other than that, a huge number of very very poor comics.

[dingo]

For me, it's because it's the interaction between the characters that is the team, and the members on their own have never had that extra bit to support a title.

I'm another one who's never been that interested in the F4 - first 60 or 70 issues, the pre-Negative Zone Byrne era, and that's it - other than that, a huge number of very very poor comics.

I have this theory about the FF and the people who like them.

You opinions are valid, but to test my theory, do you mind if I ask, what is the most important thing in your life?

(once you answer I will tell you my theory, even if it is wrong in your case)

[Trusty Mutsi]

My LCS had one copy left when I got there. I bought it, gave it to the clerk and told him to give it to a regular customer with an appreciation for old school comics who didn't already pull The Thing.

I also told him to order more copies! He said he would.

Good job!

If I had some more disposable income, I'd do the same.

[NathanielEssex]

I dunno, the X-Men just seems too much like a "high school" to me. And with the exception of the girls, I hated high school.

The FF are like a family to me. And while I don't have one of my own, I find that familial relationship muy interesante.

[The Shadow]

If I had some more disposable income, I'd do the same.
Bah... how hard is it to scrape $3.00 extra per month?

Don't have a Big Mac combo (or some other indulgance) once a month and you'll get The Thing!

[The Recluse]

I don't like to see anyone's favorite comic get cancelled but this book wasn't doing much for me. I realize what Slott is going for - a fun, all ages book - but the writing never seemed sharp enough to make it appealing to both kids AND adults (well, most adults, anyway). A writer has to be at the top of his game to deliver an all ages book with universal appeal (see: better issues of Ultimate Spiderman) and, IMHO, that hasn't been delivered.

[Annie get your Rum]

I don't like to see anyone's favorite comic get cancelled but this book wasn't doing much for me. I realize what Slott is going for - a fun, all ages book - but the writing never seemed sharp enough to make it appealing to both kids AND adults (well, most adults, anyway). A writer has to be at the top of his game to deliver an all ages book with universal appeal (see: better issues of Ultimate Spiderman) and, IMHO, that hasn't been delivered.


I agree.

Not an awful book, just nothing that really stands out as a must-have.

[Kirk G]

Bah... how hard is it to scrape $3.00 extra per month?

Don't have a Big Mac combo (or some other indulgance) once a month and you'll get The Thing!
Well, now that you mention it, it's enough to pay for one drive to work, or put another way, it's one and a half meals at school for my kid.:rolleyes:

[Agentum]

Cable having 107 issues hehe, gives a wiev what people buy, big gun characters without personality is selling best.
I have some of those, i like to forget them as soon as possible:D

[Agentum]

It's a bit retro in style so there are a lot of more comics out there that handle character developments on a higher level.

Maybe people don't like this style of writing today?

It's like when people gets angry when somebody jokes in a comomic with the heroes (like Giffen Defenders).

[Simon Garth]

I have this theory about the FF and the people who like them.

You opinions are valid, but to test my theory, do you mind if I ask, what is the most important thing in your life?

(once you answer I will tell you my theory, even if it is wrong in your case)

My family.

FWIW, I read Thing #1, wasn't interested, and didn't come back. Do like She-Hulk tho', so it's not a "don't like Slott's writing" thing

[Frank]

It's a bit retro in style so there are a lot of more comics out there that handle character developments on a higher level.

Maybe people don't like this style of writing today?

It's like when people gets angry when somebody jokes in a comomic with the heroes (like Giffen Defenders).

Let`s face it with all these talks of comics being too depressing, let`s face it drama is more attractive on the long run.

I think I would have done this Thing title differently. First to give the fans more for their bucks, It would have been a Marvel Comic Presents type of anthology with Thing being the lead and two other stories of various Marvel super-heroes. And then Thing adventures themselves would have been more dramatic with a less cartoonish artist. Not realistic a la Cassaday and Hitch, though. For instance just look at the recent Marvel Team-Up book: not only it was too over the place(less serious) but just the artwork itself(mainly by Kollins) made it even MORE cartoonish than that book was 25 years ago.

[dingo]

My family.

FWIW, I read Thing #1, wasn't interested, and didn't come back. Do like She-Hulk tho', so it's not a "don't like Slott's writing" thing

Theory is wrong, at least in your case ;)

[Agentum]

Let`s face it with all these talks of comics being too depressing, let`s face it drama is more attractive on the long run.

I think I would have done this Thing title differently. First to give the fans more for their bucks, It would have been a Marvel Comic Presents type of anthology with Thing being the lead and two other stories of various Marvel super-heroes. And then Thing adventures themselves would have been more dramatic with a less cartoonish artist. Not realistic a la Cassaday and Hitch, though. For instance just look at the recent Marvel Team-Up book: not only it was too over the place(less serious) but just the artwork itself(mainly by Kollins) made it even MORE cartoonish than that book was 25 years ago.
Yes, you are right about that.
But if you are buying a lot of other books with personal dramas in you may want som change sometimes.

Is there any of those tryout books still on the market?, i think those were good startingpoints to see if a character would sell.
The Thing is not a new character so maybe they didn't think he needed that kind of book and could sell on his own merits.

I really think some just buy the FF title to get the whole team instead of The Thing, they just buy the book with the most heroes in.

I as a lot of others have not read all Thing issues, i read the first to see what it was about, but decided to wait for the trade as i have done with She-Hulk also.
So i can't comment about how much dram it's in the book or not, but i can see a diffrent kind of writing in those Slott books and i like the change.

[ChildOfTheDarkholde]

I as a lot of others have not read all Thing issues, i read the first to see what it was about, but decided to wait for the trade as i have done with She-Hulk also.
So i can't comment about how much dram it's in the book or not, but i can see a diffrent kind of writing in those Slott books and i like the change.

I am sure this has been said before, but as far as THING goes, if you wait for the trade, that's cool and all, but by the time the trade comes out, the book might not exist anymore.
This book is currently at a crossroads and it faces the axe...single issues need to have solid sales, otherwise, the trade may be the last you read of Ben in a solo title as written by Slott

[Shellhead]

It's a bit retro in style so there are a lot of more comics out there that handle character developments on a higher level.


I strongly dispute this statement. Yes, Thing is written in a retro style. But the part about handling character development on a higher level? Wrong. Just wrong. Compared to the way Slott is writing the Thing, many of Marvel's more popular books are just skipping the character development completely. Since you said "a lot of comics", I challenge to make a big list here in this thread, of comics that are supposedly handling character development on a higher level.

[ednemo]

Aren't we supposed to comment on books anymore, Dan - even if we haven't read them?

Congratulations, this may well be the stupidest thing I have ever read. I'll alert CNN.

[ChildOfTheDarkholde]

I strongly dispute this statement. Yes, Thing is written in a retro style. But the part about handling character development on a higher level? Wrong. Just wrong. Compared to the way Slott is writing the Thing, many of Marvel's more popular books are just skipping the character development completely. Since you said "a lot of comics", I challenge to make a big list here in this thread, of comics that are supposedly handling character development on a higher level.


That's all a matter of opinion, dude.

I bet some people feel that Slott is the best writer at character development, I bet others think it's Bendis, and I am sure others think it's Simone or Johns.

All a matter of personal opinion.

[Agentum]

I strongly dispute this statement. Yes, Thing is written in a retro style. But the part about handling character development on a higher level? Wrong. Just wrong. Compared to the way Slott is writing the Thing, many of Marvel's more popular books are just skipping the character development completely. Since you said "a lot of comics", I challenge to make a big list here in this thread, of comics that are supposedly handling character development on a higher level.
Well i have only read the first issue, but it semed like a more lighthearted book than a lot of others.
There is alot of big events going on just now that is preventing any character developments in the books, but there have been a lot of deep serious books out there for many years.
So i should have written "i think there is":D

[Simon Garth]

Theory is wrong, at least in your case ;)

So what was the theory? If I'd answered "my comic book collection / car / collection of leather-wear", the answer was "because you're not interested in family?" :)

[Simon Garth]

I think I would have done this Thing title differently. First to give the fans more for their bucks, It would have been a Marvel Comic Presents type of anthology with Thing being the lead and two other stories of various Marvel super-heroes.

Funnily enough, that's how I got into She-Hulk - never had any great interest in the character, but read a couple of reprints in the UK Mighty World of Marvel comic (which currently has a really bizarre reprint mix of early Slott She-Hulk reprints, a FF/Spider-Man story featuring an evil alternate-Universe Tony Stark/Dr Doom, and old Gene Colon Daredevil) and really liked it, so bought the last two issues in my LCS (FWIW, liked the Two-Gun kid issue, not so keen on the Starfox issue - possibly because I loathe Starfox - but both were good reads).

OTOH - the Thing is already in books which showcase him amongst other heroes - the numerous FF books.

TBH, with a few rare exceptions I've never much liked Ben in his own series - some of the (I think) Mark Gruenwald Project Pegasus stories in 2-in-1 were the exception, but (eg) the Byrne Thing book that replaced 2-in-1 was unutterably awful.

And, as I said earlier, I'm not that interested in the FF (though, I loved the FF film - which ties back into feel of the Stan/Jack era of FF that I liked)

[dingo]

So what was the theory? If I'd answered "my comic book collection / car / collection of leather-wear", the answer was "because you're not interested in family?" :)

Pretty much.

The theory was that the people that list family as the most important thing in their life tend to enjoy the FF (not to the exclusion of anything else), because it is a book about a family.

[Simon Garth]

Pretty much.

The theory was that the people that list family as the most important thing in their life tend to enjoy the FF (not to the exclusion of anything else), because it is a book about a family.

I think that theory would stand up better if the FF had been a better book for a lot of its life - it's had long periods of being one of the worst-written / worst-drawn comics on the market (not referring to now, particularly, though the issue I picked up yesterday had terrible art, but more to 70s, for example, through to when Byrne took over - I've barely read an issue of it since he drove it into the ground)

[Shellhead]

Well i have only read the first issue, but it semed like a more lighthearted book than a lot of others.
There is alot of big events going on just now that is preventing any character developments in the books, but there have been a lot of deep serious books out there for many years.
So i should have written "i think there is":D

Fair enough. But you missed some good character development in the later issues.

In issue #2-3, he sabotages his own relationship with a super-model, possibly out of a feeling that he wasn't good enough for her. This happens during a dangerous situation involving both of them and a bunch of other innocent people. She does turn out to be a bit selfish when her life is in danger, but Ben overreacts like she is evil.

In issue #4, Ben learns a valuable lesson about money and the things that are more important than money... from young Franklin Richards.

In issue #5-6, Ben atones for his bad behavior as a young punk on Yancy Street, by going to work for a local shopkeeper that he stole from back then. Ben is again reminded that some things are more valuable than money.

As a backdrop to all of these issues, Ben seems to be realizing that he really misses Alicia, and he wants her back, but he doesn't want to mess up her current relationship with her boyfriend. Ben even has Spider-man check out Alicia's boyfriend with his spider-sense, hoping to discover that this guy is a villain he can beat up, but no such luck.

There are some other nice character touches throughout this series. Nighthawk trying to get Constrictor to give up his life of crime. Ben introducing Alicia to his deceased brother by inviting her to feel the contures of a statue/bust of him. Even Tony Stark was better written in this series than he has been since Kurt Busiek left Marvel.

[Giant Guy]

I really hope this is not cancelled. it is such a great read. Lots of stuff in every issue. I feel like I am actually getting my 2.99 + tax worth. Great to see Ben hang with others in the Marvel U outside of the FF. He really is a Blue Collar guy who is a lovable pile of rocks. I love Clobberin' Time.

[Shellhead]

Pretty much.

The theory was that the people that list family as the most important thing in their life tend to enjoy the FF (not to the exclusion of anything else), because it is a book about a family.

People tend to focus on "family" as the defining trait of the FF, and there is some truth to that. But the other major element that defined the Fantastic Four has been exploration. When there have been really creative writers on the FF, they have pushed the boundaries of the Marvel Universe in new and exciting directions, to places like Wakanda, Latveria, Attilan, the Microverse, the Negative Zone, the Blue Area of the Moon, New Salem and more. When a more static writer is on the book, we just get re-hashed stories about established themes, characters and locations.

[xakko]

I don't really get why this isn't a popular book.

It is exceedingly well written, the character moments are incredible, it's had a lot of wonderful action...

Could it simply be that there is something about Ben that your average reader can't empathize with? Perhaps his rocky exterior makes it hard for us to want to be him- most solo books nowadays seem to focus of "normal" looking heroes that we could picture being...

I could just be talking out my rear here, but if that was the case, I would be sad, because Ben's humanity is one of his strongest and most endearing traits.

(And I'm still hoping for a team up with Colossus...)

[The Shadow]

You really want to starve to death for paying $3 on one of the most boring comic books around?
:rolleyes: ... you're kidding right?

You did notice the word "indulgance" in there? I don't mean to say give up bread and water... but a combo at Mickie D's isn't gonna kill you. :rolleyes:

And boring? Brother I think you need some help.

[The Shadow]

He specifically used the word indulgence. He wasn't implying anyone should give up a neccesity, let alone starve to death
I should have just looked one post down to see someone got what I was getting at!

Thanks dingo!

[Lady Obie]

I don't really get why this isn't a popular book.

It is exceedingly well written, the character moments are incredible, it's had a lot of wonderful action...

Could it simply be that there is something about Ben that your average reader can't empathize with? Perhaps his rocky exterior makes it hard for us to want to be him- most solo books nowadays seem to focus of "normal" looking heroes that we could picture being...

I could just be talking out my rear here, but if that was the case, I would be sad, because Ben's humanity is one of his strongest and most endearing traits.

(And I'm still hoping for a team up with Colossus...)

Unfortunately quality does not always dictate sales :(.

Perhaps people are looking for darker more mature reads.

Or maybe this comic needs an X in the title...

How does X-THING sound :p?

[The Shadow]

Or maybe this comic needs an X in the title...

How does X-THING sound :p?
LOL

Whatever works!

[Shellhead]

Unfortunately quality does not always dictate sales :(.

Perhaps people are looking for darker more mature reads.

Or maybe this comic needs an X in the title...

How does X-THING sound :p?

I suspect that Giant-Size Thing #1 would sell really well.

[Kirk G]

I never want to see anyone's favorite book get cancelled, but in truth I never thought Benjy warranted his own book anyway, even going back to 2-in1 days. For that matter, the FF is IMO the weakest of the superteams, and none of their members could carry a solo book.
I had the same feeling when 2-in-1 first came out. I left comics within three months of that happening... for 8 years or more...
TRIVIA: Do you know what the actual name of the first issue of Marvel 2-in-1 was when it hit the stands? (No fair peaking!)
ANSWER: Marvel 2-ON-1 !!!!
It's true! Go look at the corner box on the first issue and see how it was labeled! Seems the staff didn't all get the reference when it was first created, and so some called it 2-in-1 and some 2-ON-1 !
I think that's also what turned me off from it and Marvel at the time....
That, and the stupid "frame" cross company cover design that looked just awful, and the Gil Kane artwork that was popping up on every cover for months!

Of course, it was my bad, cause I didn't stick around for the Original X-men appearance in their old costumes in issue #4, but, nobody cared about them at that time anyway, so who knew?????:rolleyes:

[Kirk G]

Why do you think that?

What is it about the FF that makes them a weak team to you?

Why do none of them have what it takes to carry a solo title in your eyes?
Hey, didn't the human torch have a solo title in Strange Tales for at least three years...guestaring the Thing and other FF members occassionally. The Thing gueststarred regularly for the last year or so... sort of a team-up book.
The Thing carried his own book for a number of years, though the quality of the stories seemed unusual..."Rocky Grimm: Space Wrestler!"
How many issues was that?

How about FF Unplugged? Did anyone order that? Did anyone READ it?:eek:

[Sean Walsh]

Thing cancelled?!

Not if you PULL IT!

[Kirk G]

I've been thinking about why I'm buying Dan Slott's The Thing, and realized a few things.
While I wasn't completely ennamored by the first issue, I recognised that he was developing a cast of supporting characters. So, I stayed with it.
But the real reason why I bought it was because of the Dan Slott name and the pleasure I had gotten from the She-Hulk that was on-sale recently!
I'm not nuts about the artwork in issue #6, but I liked the payoff on the Grimm center, and so, feel that I am enjoying the book. As my Comic Book Shop put it on my pull list from issue one, I feel some loyalty to give Dan some time to establish the book and characters and stories, but if I wasn't enjoying them, I'd have dropped the book.

The truth is, I like it.
I am a bit caught off guard by at least one thing.... and that was how Ben got to be a millionare. Did he hit the lottery or something? As I've learned this was covered over in the FF, which I was not buying, I'm a little in the dark, but the fact that he IS a millionare, seems to be a central theme to this book. I suspect Ben and the readers are going to learn some lessons of life (Money isn't everything.... Money can't buy happiness... You can't always judge a book by the cover...) as we go along.

So, I'm willing to ride this title out for a year or so... if only to keep things going.

[Doom Hammer]

Giant-Sized X-Thing is perhaps the most suggestive name for a comic - proposed, official, or otherwise - ever to be mentioned.

Seriously, I can't wait for the confusion and outrage of the "Pull my Giant-Sized X-Thing" campaign.:D

[Citizen V]

I read that Thing the ongoing series is going to be canceled?
Ive been hearing rumor also.Im not sure yet,but when i hear that..

The book is just too good to let go away!!!
I hear comments like this,so much that i am going to check out the comic personally.

[Expletive Deleted]

Tangent over, guys.

Talk about THE THING, not each other.

[drwho]

Face it if a good book like Marvel Knights 4 starring the whole team gets cancelled I suggest you buy it while you can. I really don't see why a Thing book would do better then a complete team book like we used to have. Not that the Thing isn't a good book, but you have to be realistic. By the way I suggest everyone try out Marvel Adventures Fantastic Four book. Its not just for little kids.

[dingo]

Face it if a good book like Marvel Knights 4 starring the whole team gets cancelled I suggest you buy it while you can. I really don't see why a Thing book would do better then a complete team book like we used to have. Not that the Thing isn't a good book, but you have to be realistic. By the way I suggest everyone try out Marvel Adventures Fantastic Four book. Its not just for little kids.

I disagree about the Marvel Knights 4 book.

Originally the outgoing EIC (I have had a brainfart on his name) had offered Aguirre-Sacasa the main FF book based on the "we have lost our money" premise you find in the first few issues. He wanted to take the FF into a place where more people could identify with them, and do "down to earth"(tm) stories with them.

In one of his best moves as EIC, Joe Q killed that idea as soon as he came in (the FF are best as wild sci-fi) and let Waid keep the book.

So I assume some sort of gentlemens agreement occured in the background, to be nice to Aguirre-Sacasa, and the FF got a second book. At the beginning the book had "down to earth"(tm) stories to differentiate the book from the main title, and sales were good. Then he introduced the Impossible Man. Granted it was the most serious Impossible Man story I have ever seen, but still.

So now Aguire-Sacasa has an FF book with no identity, that I am not sure any editor wanted to give him in the first place. He totally eared the length of time that he had on the book, with good and consistent sales, but of late it has been haemorraging readers.

Why? Because it is no different from the main FF title now.
The Thing does at least serve a purpose in terms of difference from the main title. So saying "a good book like Marvel Knights 4 starring the whole team..." doesn't mean much if it is the same book as the main title.

[Steppenwolf]

It drives me nuts that we're talking about the cancellation of this book. :mad:

Not only is it my favorite book right now, but the writer is working his arse off to save it. Can't Marvel toss us a bone and give the title a little push. It deserves it. Slott deserves it. We deserve it.

[drwho]

I don't think Marvel gave 4 the support it should have deserved. That impossile man story by the way was awesome. I also don't think Marvel is giving this title much push. If anything at least let it have a Civil War crossover or something just to try and attract readers. Plus what is wrong with having two good titles out about one team with similar premises. The more the merrier in my book.

[dingo]

I don't think Marvel gave 4 the support it should have deserved. That impossile man story by the way was awesome. I also don't think Marvel is giving this title much push. If anything at least let it have a Civil War crossover or something just to try and attract readers. Plus what is wrong with having two good titles out about one team with similar premises. The more the merrier in my book.

The Impossible man story was fine, but it lost its own identity around then.
(that was the point of my rambling incoherent post).

The likely reason they didn't push it is twofold.
First they were fullfilling promises made by an outgoing EIC (see the Impossible man arc for Aguirre-Sacasa's nod to that)
Secondly, the main FF book's sales need attention.

Now with regards to the Thing.
It does have it's own identity, on the most simple level because of it's protaganist. But more tone wise too. This is Ben dealing with more street level problems, and his own life.
The other benefit the Thing has over MK4, it is more likely to bring readers in to the main FF title than MK4.

[CURSD BLADE]

So, this thread went negative fast. Guess I'll throw in my (not really needed) two cents: I am 18 years old. I grew up on more "sophisticated", decompressed, character-driven, realistic, gritty superhero titles.

I got into comics when I was four, which is about 1991. I picked up X-Men #1 and was hooked there on in. I was raised on the excessive melodrama of the X-Universe in the 90's, so my first impressions of comics were that they consisted mainly of the dramatic nuances of the relationships between characters, with a battle thrown in each issue to fill the "fight" quota.

Then I started to mature around the time Marvel Knights debuted, which featured a more crime-noir take on Daredevil, an intellectually stimulating and political-based thrilled in Black Panther, ect. I ate them up and the stories felt "real" in their sophistication.

From there came the rise of writers such as Brian Bendis, J. Michael Straczynski, Mark Millar, and Judd Winick. There scribes wrote stories in mostly six parts, featuring extended room for fleshed out scenes rich with dialogue and characterization, and these writers had a more grounded, realistic way of writing superheroes that made them feel more true to me. The early teen in me loved the edgy take on heroes.

Fast forward to 2005, and I was still loving Bendis, who is admittedly my favorite comic writer, still loving Winick, still loving Rucka, Loeb, Millar, JMS, ect, and still loving a darker take on heroes. So when I saw the debut of The Thing, and knowing Dan Slott's penchant for writing more compressed, light-hearted, action-centric stories ala 1960's Marvel, I wrote it off.

Once I saw Mr. Slott rally for fan support, however, I decided to at least try an issue, despite my worries that it would be a slapstick title with nothing even remotely resembling characterization involved. So I pick up #6 last week with much pessimism, at...absolutely love it.

This is the most well-balanced superhero title on the stands. Mr. Slott combines action, drama, characterization, and humor and does so with expert precision. There is much respect to continuity, as well as much headway to the status quo. From Alicia Master's new bf and Ben's reactions to that, to his interaction with Spider-Man, to how he handles his money, Slott does not sacrifice character moments for action, he just knows how to blend the two together quite well.

I never knew just how much I was becoming desensitized to all the depression and lack of wonder the new breed of comics have become. Not that this is a bad thing, but I do believe they have lost some of the 'fun' and innocence they once had, and titles like The Thing, are a necessity to keep the superhero genre balanced.

Long story short, didn't think a writer with Slott's sensibilites could churn out a title with strong characterization and intregue that went past "guy getting hit in face", but I truly sold him short, and his writing on this title is excellent. I have added it to my pull, and please give it a try everyone. Thanks Mr. Slott, thank you for reintroducing me to fun in comics.

[Sam T.]

I really hope this title doesn't get cancelled...it really is a great book! We need a few more books like it...

[NathanielEssex]

I don't think Marvel gave 4 the support it should have deserved. That impossile man story by the way was awesome. I also don't think Marvel is giving this title much push. If anything at least let it have a Civil War crossover or something just to try and attract readers. Plus what is wrong with having two good titles out about one team with similar premises. The more the merrier in my book.

I enjoyed most of the 4 run. There were some clunkers, but there were also many worthwhile stories, too. This last issue was pretty damn good. The lead-in to Civil War, with the FF in the Savage Land fighting pieces of the Godseye. Good characterization and some classic moments. And I also loved the impossible Man storyline. I'd recommend 4 to someone not interested in the JMS title.

[Simon Garth]

Bought Thing #6 today, to see what I was missing.

OK enough lightweight story, very old-school as others have said - could easily imagine reading this in the 60s or 70s, but wasn't particularly struck - just felt like something I'd read 100 times before (in the 60s and 70s!). Really hated the art, as well, which didn't help.

Sorry Dan - like She-Hulk a lot, but this didn't do anything for me (though I did have a wry smile out of the "We only fix things we don't make anything new" (I paraphrase) line from the DC character (this is of course relating only to Damage Control, not anyone else entity with those initials)). Actually that reminds me - did anyone else feel like the "DC" characters on the Damage Control overalls look like they were pasted in afterwards - they didn't seem to be in the same perspective as the characters at all?

[Trusty Mutsi]

When did 4 get cancelled??? :(

[dingo]

When did 4 get cancelled??? :(

Been mentioned in the solicitations for a while now. Probably around the time they announced a change in direction for the Marvel Knights line. Issue 30 will be the last one.

[Tony Starkz]

I honestly think this book is as good as cancelled.

Marvel pulls DiVito off art chores when the book is doing bad.I bought #6 only because the current arc is a 2 parter.The art was horribly rushed and unfinished in alot of places,there is no denying that.

No dedicated CW tie-in is mentioned,hey She-Hulk got one.

[Billy Parker]

Dude, and I just pulled Thing!

[Trusty Mutsi]

Been mentioned in the solicitations for a while now. Probably around the time they announced a change in direction for the Marvel Knights line. Issue 30 will be the last one.

*sniff* :(

[Siddon]

Well it seems like they are pulling out all the stops for the Fantastic Four this year so we can hope for an hiatus

[protege]

wait- is artwork for #7 out?

[dingo]

wait- is artwork for #7 out?

Not that I am aware of.

If you are thinking about our references to Hercules, he appears in issue 6 working for Damage Control

[protege]

Not that I am aware of.

If you are thinking about our references to Hercules, he appears in issue 6 working for Damage Control
oh yeah- i forgot.