While Ben Grimm might have grown up in poverty on Yancy street in N, the scaly-hided strongman dubbed the Thing is a hero in every sense. Over the years the Fantastic Four's leader Mr. Fantastic, has sought to find a cure for Ben's condition. When those efforts have failed Ben has sought to hide his disfigurement from the public to avoid their looks and scorn or pity. However, it is as the Thing, Ben has found the love and respect he always sought.