Benjamin Joseph Grimm (also known as The Thing) is a fictional character, a Marvel Comics superhero created by writer Stan Lee and artist/co-writer Jack Kirby. The character first appeared in "Fantastic Four" #1 in November 1961. Like the other founding members of the Fantastic Four, Ben received his powers after being exposed to a cosmic storm. His primary power is to clobber enemies. He has been adapted into motion pictures and is played by Michael Chiklis and Jamie Bell.