Videos by ComicBook.com
That’s what I’m here to explain.
Thing Has Had a Beard Before (in the Comics)
Ever since his introduction as the loveable bundle of rocks, people have been slapping fake beards on Thing. One classic example is his constant cosplays and disguises as Blackbeard the Pirate, fit with the fitting black beard, which started in Fantastic Four volume one #5. There was also Johnny Storm’s April Fool’s Day prank from Marvel Fanfare volume one #15, which saw the Human Torch glue orange straws to Ben’s face to convince him he had stubble. However, none of these were real or grown by Thing, until the legendary Jonathan Hickman introduced the mainline Marvel Universe Thing having grown a beard in Fantastic Four #605. Just like in the trailer, Thing’s beard was made entirely of rocks.
But how can someone made of rocks grow a beard at all? Well, it’s a common misconception that Thing is made out of rocks, when in actuality the rocks are a protective shell that grow out of his skin. He’s still a squishy human underneath all the rubble, and if he’s hit hard enough the rocks can be broken to reveal the very real flesh hidden beneath them. Obviously it’s very hard to do that kind of damage to Thing, but it’s possible. The rocks are practically another layer of skin, and it makes sense that Thing’s hair would be covered in the same rocks that cover the rest of him, so that’s not a problem, but if he can grow a beard, why can’t Thing grow hair? We’ve seen him revert to human several times over the years, and each time he has a full head of hair. Well, the answer to all of this might come with time.
