As Marvel Comics celebrates The thing Featuring a series of variant mash-ups with other heroes, the Fantastic Four Strongman officially takes the form of one of these X-Mens Most iconic mutants. The stunning variant cover Showcases a super-creative blend of Ben Grimm and Nightcrawler with a bangIn one of the most visually exciting remakes of the variant series.
As announced by MarvelJavier Garrón’s variant cover for Uncanny X-Men (2024) #5 – written by Gail Simone, with art by David Marquez – combines these two familiar heroes in one exciting illustration. This gorgeous redesign is easily one of Nightcrawler’s best new looks, making the mash-up deserving of an official Marvel Comics appearance.
Merging the two characters from the X-Men and Fantastic Four into one highlights their many similarities; Garrón’s design comes together beautifully as a couple of Marvel’s most beloved heroes collide in a new form.
New Marvel Variant Cover features a striking combination of Thing and Nightcrawler
Invisible X-Men #5 – Variant Cover by Javier Garrón
Marvel’s Thing / Nightcrawler mash-up design showcases the iconic aspects of both heroes’ looks, and designs a brand new type of mutant in the process. Garrón’s The Thing variant cover makes Nightcrawler’s costume part of his rocky body design, with the cosmic rock enveloping not only his blue skin, but his entire form; His traditional costume with red and white accents is transformed into his new rough and tumble texture. Of course, the absolute best part of this cover are the adorable Bump Babies that resemble Little Blue Thing babies, complete with Nightcrawler tails, floating around Kert in his superhero pose.
Their shared struggle makes the two characters more alike than they might seem on the outside, with Garrón’s variant cover molding them into one fascinating cosmic mutant combination.
One of the defining aspects of Nightcrawler’s character is his unique mutant look, with blue skin, sharp ears and teeth, and a long prehensile tail. Because of his appearance, he was ostracized by humans and personally had trouble with his apparent demon-like physical aspects as a religious mutant. Ben Grimm has also struggled with self-image since becoming The Thing and his body changing into the current form that fans know and love. Their shared struggle makes the two characters more alike than they might seem on the outside, with Garrón’s variant cover molding them into one fascinating cosmic mutant combination.
Ben Grimm takes the form of the iconic X-Men in Marvel’s Thing variant series
Thing Variants available in December from Marvel Comics
It’s possible that Marvel could be teasing more interactions between the Thing and the X-Men.
Nightcrawler isn’t the only member of the X-Men to get the special rocky redesign, with Jean Grey’s Phoenix, Dazzler and Wolverine also getting makeovers on Thing-styled variant covers. Elizabeth Tork Phoenix #5 Cover in particular takes Jean Grey’s extreme cosmic power and mixes it with the thing’s skin after its exposure to cosmic rays. As Ben Grimm’s design was repurposed for Marvel’s mutants, it Highlights how his appearance has mutated and evolved after his superhero transformation. Ben being the only member of his team of four to experience a permanent physical abnormality makes him more empathetic to the mutants’ children.
Related
Ben is not related to many mutants, with more narrative connections to those who have also appeared in an Avengers line-up. The biggest and most recent crossover of the Fantastic Four with the mutants is Chip Zdarsky’s X-Men/Fantastic Four From 2020, with art by Terry Dodson, Rachel Dodson and Laura Martin. This crossover saw the groups at odds over Franklin Richards’ mutant status, eventually taking on Doctor Doom together. While this isn’t always the case with variant cover designs, it’s possible that Marvel could be teasing more interactions between the Thing and the X-Men.
The Thing’s variant series spotlights his iconic character design
Twists on an all-time classic
The entire collection of variant covers celebrating the thing, releasing throughout the month of November with a bonus She-Hulk cover for Fantastic practice published in December, Put a well-deserved emphasis on Ben Grimm’s instantly recognizable and beloved character design. Comic book icon Jack Kirby co-created the Fantastic Four, and his Ting design makes him their most eye-catching member with exceedingly unique physical attributes. As he is creatively combined with other Marvel heroes like Nightcrawler, the most famous aspects of his character are easily transferred to the others, and still prove the standout quality of his legendary rough and rocky design.
With Marvel expanding on its famous design with mash-ups with other iconic heroes, Javier Garrón’s cover of Nightcrawler’s transformation is one of the most creative and fully realized.
Ben Grimm is one of the best and strongest figures in Marvel’s entire multiversal line of characters, so being celebrated on twelve all-new variant covers is a worthy celebration for the rugged but lovable hero. With Marvel xxpanding on its famous design with mash-ups with other iconic heroes, Javier Garrón’s cover of Nightcrawler’s transformation is one of the most creative and fully realized. Mixing together some of the most visually recognizable members of the X-Men And fantastic practice To create a sort of Thingcrawler, Marvel has created one of the most fascinating alternate versions of The thing Ever.
Source: Wonder
by Javier Garrón Uncanny X-Men (2024) #5 The Thing! Variant Cover Will be available November 13, 2024 from Marvel Comics.