Thing vs. Wrecking Crew: A Brutal Brawl in The Thing #3
The Thing #3: Chaos, Courage, and the Unstoppable Juggernaut
An intense chapter full of high-stakes action, emotional depth, and the unrelenting pursuit of an innocent child caught in the middle is presented in Marvel's The Thing #3. In a cliffhanger that leaves readers gasping, Ben Grimm battles Hammerhead, Bullseye, and the Wrecking Crew before running into the invincible Juggernaut.
This issue masterfully blends fast-paced combat with quieter moments of vulnerability, showcasing Ben’s protective instincts and the weight of his rocky exterior. Below, we break down the key events, themes, and unanswered questions from this thrilling installment.
After the Explosion: A City in Chaos
The story picks up in the aftermath of a catastrophic warehouse explosion. Lower Manhattan’s waterfront is engulfed in flames, debris litters the streets, and Hammerhead’s criminal operation lies in ruins. Ben Grimm lies stunned, trying to get his bearings in the midst of the smoke and devastation. As their preparations go apart, Hammerhead and Bullseye nearby evaluate the damage.
"WHAT IN THE HELL WAS THAT?"Bullseye shouts, his voice cutting through the chaos. The warehouse—their stronghold—has been reduced to rubble. But their priority shifts when they spot Sara, Marty Flynn’s niece, fleeing the scene.
The tension escalates as Bullseye, ever the ruthless assassin, is ordered to capture her. Ben, despite his injuries, intervenes, using his massive strength to shield Sara. In a desperate move, he hurls debris to block their path, but the villains are relentless.
A Hero’s Sacrifice: The Thing Stands His Ground
As Hammerhead and Bullseye close in, a second explosion rocks the area. Without hesitation, Ben throws himself over Sara, absorbing the blast with his rock-hard body. The impact sends Hammerhead and Bullseye tumbling, but they quickly regroup.
"DON’T LET HER GET AWAY!" Hammerhead snarls.
Ben, however, isn’t about to let them win. In a moment of sheer defiance, he stomps on a weakened bridge, sending the two criminals crashing back into the wreckage. Their defeat is short-lived—Kingpin, the mastermind behind the operation, is already mobilizing reinforcements.
Kingpin’s Wrath: A Bounty on the Thing’s Head
The scene shifts to a shadowy office where Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin, receives an update on the failed mission. Displeased, he coldly remarks:
"BEN GRIMM ESCAPED WITH SOME OF OUR MERCHANDISE. THAT IS... DISAPPOINTING."
Determined to eliminate the Thing, Kingpin places a $10 million bounty on Ben’s head, dead or alive. The news spreads like wildfire, attracting the attention of Marvel’s most notorious mercenaries.
A Moment of Respite: Ben and Sara’s Heart-to-Heart
With the immediate threat neutralized, Ben takes Sara to the relative safety of a rooftop. Exhausted and traumatized, the young girl clings to him, her fear palpable. The two had a heartfelt chat in a rare calm time.
"MY MOM TOLD ME SHE KNOWS YOU," Sara whispers. "SHE MAKES US WATCH WHEN YOU’RE ON THE NEWS."
Ben, softening his gruff demeanor, reassures her:
"I WENT TO SCHOOL WITH YOUR MOM. SHE WAS NICE TO ME WHEN WE WERE KIDS."
Their bond deepens as Sara reveals fragments of what happened in the warehouse—hints of fire, her uncle Marty’s fate, and the terror of being hunted. Ben, though battered, promises to get her home safely.
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The Wrecking Crew Arrives: A Brutal Showdown
The respite is short-lived. Eager to capture Kingpin's prize, the Wrecking Crew: Bulldozer, Piledriver, Thunderball, and wrecker rushed upon the scene.
"BET YOU DIDN’T EXPECT TO COME UP AGAINST THE WRECKING CREW!" Bulldozer
Ben, ever the fighter, smirks:
"YER RIGHT. I DIDN’T EXPECT THAT."
What follows is a brutal, no-holds-barred brawl. Ben’s raw strength is on full display as he trades earth-shattering blows with the Crew. At one point, Bulldozer lunges for Sara, but Ben intercepts him, roaring:
"PICKIN’ ON CHILDREN FER NO GOOD REASON... YOU FOUR ARE ABOUT TO FIND OUT THAT’S A BAD IDEA WHEN I’M AROUND!"
Despite their enhanced weapons, the Wrecking Crew is no match for the Thing’s fury. One by one, they’re sent packing, battered and humiliated.
The Juggernaut’s Arrival: A Cliffhanger for the Ages
The earth trembles as Ben gathers his breath. A colossal figure emerges from the shadows, Juggernaut. With a single punch, he sends Ben flying, the impact shattering concrete and steel.
The issue ends on a jaw-dropping splash page: The Thing, broken and battered, lies at Juggernaut’s feet. The final caption teases:
"CAN HE STOP THE UNSTOPPABLE JUGGERNAUT WHILE PROTECTING AN INNOCENT CHILD?"
Final Thoughts: What’s Next for Ben Grimm?
Ben Grimm’s resilience and compassion shine through, even as he faces insurmountable odds.
- What is Kingpin’s true goal with Sara?
Will Ben survive his battle with Juggernaut?
With the Wrecking Crew defeated but Juggernaut looming, the next issue promises even greater stakes. There is no doubt that The Thing will not be defeated easily.
FAQs About The Thing #3
Q: Who is Sara, and why is she important?
A: Sara is Marty Flynn’s niece, a key figure in Kingpin’s mysterious plans. Her relationship to Ben's past gives the narrative more emotional resonance.
Q: Why did Kingpin put a bounty on the Thing?
A: Ben disrupted Hammerhead’s operation and rescued Sara, making him a target. The $10 million bounty ensures every mercenary in New York will come after him.
Q: How powerful is Juggernaut compared to the Thing?
A: Juggernaut is nearly unstoppable, his mystical powers make him one of Marvel’s strongest villains.
Q: When does The Thing #4 release?
A: The Thing #4 releases on August 27th, 2025, continuing Ben Grimm’s brutal fight against Juggernaut and Kingpin’s bounty hunters.
Q: What happens in The Thing #4?
A: The issue focuses on Ben’s desperate battle with Juggernaut while protecting Sara, with Kingpin’s true motives looming in the background.
Q: When is The Thing #5 coming out?
A: The Thing #5 arrives on September 24th, 2025, picking up after the explosive events of #4.
Q: In The Thing #4 and #5, who are the antagonists?
A: Juggernaut remains the primary threat in #4, while Kingpin’s schemes and potential new bounty hunters drive the conflict in #5.
Q: Is Sara important to Kingpin’s plans?
A: Yes, Sara’s mysterious connection to Kingpin’s operations becomes a key plot point as Ben fights to keep her safe.
Q: Are there variant covers for these issues?
A: Yes, both issues feature variant covers by artists like Andrei Bressan and Pete Woods, highlighting major showdowns.
Q: How does this arc connect to other Marvel stories?
A: Kingpin’s super-soldier experiments and the bounty on Ben could tie into wider Marvel events involving Daredevil or Spider-Man.
Q: Will Ben survive his fight with Juggernaut?
A: The outcome remains uncertain, but Ben’s resilience and potential reinforcements may turn the tide in #5.
Final Rating: 5/5 – A Must-Read for Marvel Fans
With gritty action, heartfelt moments, and a terrifying cliffhanger, The Thing #3 proves why Ben Grimm remains one of Marvel’s most beloved heroes. Don’t miss the next issue—the battle for survival has only just begun.