First Appearance Thing was part of the controversial Series 11 Legendary Riders wave from ToyBiz, which featured a not-so-great Scarlet Witch and a much maligned Ultron. Thing also fell into the controversy as he was an “origin” piece, a “first appearance,” but not based on Jack Kirby’s art. He was based on a more contemporary artist’s work: Art Adams. Collectors were divided over this as they wanted a true Kirbyesque Thing but got a modern interpretation. And we all know how bad the divide between modern and classic Marvel Legends collectors can be.
Thing is one of my favorite Marvel Legends. While I was bummed about the chest-mold flaw (notice it looks like melted plastic), the figure in itself is a solid piece of plastic. Scale-wise, this figure is closer to listed scale and looks great in my Fantastic Four Marvel Legends display. The sculpt is really sharp and I like the modern take on the classic guy. The chest piece has a mold-release scar, and, if I remember correctly, the prototype was sharper at that spot.
I love the scaled look to the rocks! I’m not certain why, but its a great look for the Thing. And the head sculpt is just great. I love the big, monstrous mouth too.
The prototype has an incredible paint job done by Ed Wires, master prototype painter extraordinaire. The production piece lost a bit of that greatness, which was too bad. There was a more earthy, rocky look to the prototype that translated really well into production.
The figure is loaded with the usual goodness of Marvel Legends articulation. The big ball hips have a great range of motion and really allow for some impressive poses. The figure needs some sort of wrist or forearm swivel to make him perfect, but otherwise everything is golden on this figure. He even has double-hinged knees! Here is the breakdown:
Rocker ankles
Double-hinged knees
Swivel thigh
Ball hips
Swivel waist
Ball abs
Ball shoulders
Swivel biceps
Hinged elbows
Hinged Wrists
Hinged fingers
Hinged neck
Swivel head
As I mentioned before, I’m smitten with this figure, and I find that he’s a great fit for my Fantastic Four display. His first appearance look, mixed with a modern update, makes the figure pop on the shelf.
You can still buy this figure at:
Pretty sure this was the first Legends figure I didn’t buy. Hated it.
For some reason I loathe this figure.
I like this figure too. I would have preferred a sculpt more closely resembling Kirby’s early art on the character, but this figure is still a pretty decent Silver Age Thing.