Warning: contains spoilers Fantastic Four #27!!
The thing has been an integral member THE Fantastic Four since its creation, and Ben Grimm is one of the most iconic powerhouses in the Marvel Universe. However, thanks to Doom, he will lose everything that makes him the strong man we know and love. Nicki Masters-Grimm's recent display of all-around strength proves she's ready to step into her beloved father's shoes, and I'm here for it.
In Fantastic Four #27Nicki Masters-Grimm, born N'Kalla, proves what the Skrulls are capable of, even at a young age. Historically, we've seen the shapeshifting race portrayed as villains, but Nicki's story has always been one of overcoming stereotypes about her people, and I'm thrilled to see her continued development.
However, Nicki's incredible ingenuity as she fights the Mole Man is just the beginning. We know that his adoptive father, The Thing, is about to lose his powers at the hands of Doctor Doom, and I think N'Kalla is the perfect candidate to take his father's place until Doom is overthrown.
Nicki Masters-Grimm is the perfect replacement for The Thing
Fantastic Four #27 by Ryan North, Steve Cummings, Jesus Aburtov and Joe Caramagna
Skrulls are born with the ability to transform into virtually any other being in the galaxy. For most of their recent history, they began intensive combat training practically from birth, as all Skrulls were expected to become soldiers. Not only did N'Kalla go through this process, but she also spent much of her life trapped in an experiment where she was forced to fight her now-adopted brother, the Kree son Jo-Venn. In short, she had a lot to overcome in her few years, and I think she did a beautiful job of becoming a hero against all odds.
Not only could she fill the role of The Thing in terms of sheer strength and combat prowess, but she is also an excellent representation of the values he taught her.
For me, Nicki embodies all the essential characteristics of the Fantastic Four. She's incredibly adaptable and quick to act – and not just as a shapeshifter. She adjusts her approach when she realizes something is morally wrong and has a genuine desire to do what is right for others. I always believed that Ben Grimm was the heart of the Fantastic Four, and Nicki took on the best qualities of her parents. Not only could she fill the role of The Thing in terms of sheer strength and combat prowess, but she is also an excellent representation of the values he taught her.
The Fantastic Four have a history of recruiting replacements
The F4 cannot face misfortune without help
While we all think of the F4 as Mister Fantastic, the Invisible Woman, the Human Torch, and the Thing, they have had several temporary members. When one of the four main heroes is out of the picture for any reason, the vacant spot doesn't stay vacant for long. Spider-Man, Crystal Amaquelin, She-Hulk, and others have filled the role from time to time. The Fantastic Four's other children, Valeria and Franklin, played important roles, so I don't see anything stopping Nicki from being the team's newest recruit after Doom deposes her father. She has become part of the family and it is a natural step.
Furthermore, this is not the time for the team to keep staffing low. Doctor Doom is one of his most powerful enemies, especially as the acting Sorcerer Supreme. They will need all the help they can get. Doom is set to depower The Thing in the upcoming Fantastic Four #30, and I can't ignore the moment of Nicki's show of strength. It's just a few minor problems until her father loses his incredible abilities, and we just see his daughter single-handedly take down a villain without help. The F4 is Nicki's family and she can protect them in her father's place.
Nicki Masters-Grimm is ready to step up as a hero
Becoming a full member of the Fantastic Four is the next step
Defeating Mole Man doesn't mean she's ready to engage in solo combat with the current Sorcerer Supreme, but I've seen Nicki demonstrate all the necessary pieces to become a true superhero like her father. She already has a full understanding of the team dynamics. She's studied each member closely enough to embody them (I'd call her Mister Fantastic impression her best yet), and there's complete trust in her and them. I have no doubt that gaining real field experience with Reed, Sue and Johnny is the only puzzle left for Nicki to be a full member of the team.
Along with what Nicki brings to the team, stepping into her father's shoes is a huge leap forward in her journey as a hero. She expressed clear intentions to “defend the Earth” out of love, and I think she has earned the right to prove that Skrulls can be heroes. Nicki is resilient, kind, and incredibly talented, and I'm convinced she's the perfect replacement for her father. While I'm not ready to watch The thing losing her powers, I fully support Nicki Masters-Grimm taking her place in Fantastic Four and showing everyone how strong she really is.