I mean they weren't there to actually hurt Ben. The dude is going through ALOT already. They are there to let him vent out everything that was bottled up ever since seing Johnny die
Hulk, underneath the monstrous exterior and limitless strength, is an abused child lashing out in anger at people who hurt him. He knows how much rage and despair can hurt, he understands the need for catharsis, and he knows Ben isn't his enemy, and he needs an outlet. And he's displayed this understanding before; when Spider-Man thought MJ had died, back when they were married, he crossed paths with Hulk, and Peter started pounding on him, yelling about how she isn't dead and no one believes him. Hulk realizes that Peter is grieving, and so he stops fighting back, and responds, "Bug Man's wife dead? Hulk's wife dead too. Hulk sorry." (Betty Ross was dead at the time)
@@senorsnout4417always love it when writters make Hulk enough emotionally mature to understand other people's pain and help them, really shows the depth of the character aside from other iterations where he's just a ball of muscle who only smashes everything, also bow they make Banner and Hulk have this kinda relationship where he knows he has to step up for Banner to help his friend out and they show a calm and collected Hulk
@@dodsa8907 Exactly! It's one of the reasons Hulk has been my favorite comic book superhero *period* since my literal first memories of life lol. Hulk is so much more than just a big green guy who smashes things. It's a shame the MCU doesn't understand how much more impactful that is when he isn't Professor Hulk.
People underestimate the Hulk’s sensitivity. He did something similar with Peter Parker after the whole One More Day stint when everyone had their mind erase of Spider-Man’s secret identity. Bruce didn’t remember but the Hulk did. Saying something along the line of: “Everyone forgets Hulk when Bruce is there, but not you. You remember Hulk even when Hulk is not around and you kind to Hulk always. Hulk never forget Peter.” It moments like that and this one I love the most about the big green guy.😢
@@lightdarksoul2097 You're right, you see that with alot of characters who are known for their might and anger. Kratos in the new GoW for example has gotten a lot of heat for being humanized alot more than in the Greek Saga. Now you have people saying he's becoming soft, even the original creator. It surprises me that people don't like a humanized Hulk because a big part of his story has been about the trauma he endured and him having to isolate himself from civilization because of how dangerous he can be. Internal conflict isn't as fun as smashing stuff up for most people, I guess. 🤷♂️
The tears shed by Thor are beyond powerful.. and the way hulk just kneels with him and holds him as he breaks down.. the hulk isn't a monster, he truly is good.
@@ChargerusPrime the look hulk gives Thor when he’s about to attack is so well done it conveys his thought perfectly and then he just stands there and lets his friend get out all his rage. He’s the only one that experienced what it’s like to lose control with that level of strikes and he knows that Ben can’t do that. It’s such a beautiful moment but it makes me cry every time
@@Crateruzzz I know in the incredible hulk movie it's either adrenaline or extreme emotions, and on some comics hulk comes out to prevent Bruce from dying
@@Hanstein. He’s a product of human emotion, so in the way that matters for this specific subject, yes he is human. (When I say that, I mean im aware he’s a mutated abomination lol)
@@DBfan106 making Spider-Men life miserable make it worst it's the main timeline, his former girlfriend died, MJ left him that ungrateful, I think he has some problems with some heroes,
@@mohammadharithzafranmahadh6174 what are you talking about? Ultimate Spiderman is peter parker being turned into spiderman when he's 35, married to Mary Jane, with 2 kids. Uncle ben is alive, and it's a really interesting take on it. I think you're talking about AMAZING Spiderman.
I love how perfect this captures everyone. Of course Reed would be obsessed with trying to find some way of bringing him home. Sue lost her brother, I can’t blame her for isolating in solitude. Banner of all people, knows what it’s like to just let out your anger and pain so he calls the only other friend who’d be cable of allowing that for Ben. And Peter, always looking out for the little guy and being relatable while trying his best to inspire optimism.
And it hits home cause Peter knows what loss can do to those who are young but don't know how to express it, Peter is close to Johnny, in some continuities they were like blood brothers, who better to know loss better than Marvel's punching bag to show the pain won't go away but if you take it one day at a time and remember the joy's the person gave you, they never truly left.
Honestly having Peter be the one to talk to Franklin was perfect. He knew how close Johnny and Peter were and Peter was basically another uncle for Franklin and Val
Bruce and Thor going to Ben like that is immensely deep. These are two characters pretty much only seen as brutes by their peers and they themselves would also rather run off, fight something, and stay silent than confront their turmoil. But they know what it's like to be the big guy unable to relate their struggles and feelings to anybody else. A child lashes out after losing a pet, we sympathize. A single mother lashes out due to losing her job, we sympathize. A young man lashes out after leaving a relationship he's been in for a while, we sympathize. But for people like Bruce, Thor, and Ben they can't lash out, can't scream, can't unleash all that pain, because if they do the world would fear and even punish them for it. Bruce and Thor knew this and knew they can be the ones to help him when no one could help them, which acts as a moment of clarity for all of them
It's the struggle of being a man and being the rock. But it's very special moment for these big characters to understand eachother and know what to do to help
there's something so truly understanding about the way Thor and Hulk react. They know that men like them need to PHYSICALLY get their feelings out, and that they're the ones that can take it. so they literally take on his pain, while he takes it out. it's such a positive, understanding way to be a man. "I will let you best the shit out of me so you don't do it to someone else and regret it."
The fact that Hulk and Thor knew the assignment and didnt even say a word and just put they hands up. You know they are really bros, when the conversation needed no words.
Damn. The hulk just hugging him after he starts breaking down is touching. I love when they let hulk be empathetic, especially towards others like him.
Definitely! It really hits home how much more of a genuine soul Hulk is as opposed to his raging beast persona. A simple picture of Hulk holding him like that! Really hits you in the feels as they say.
The 3 of you all hit it on the nail perfectly! Thor shedding a tear shows that he’s more in touch with the mortals of Midgard and noble heroes than is usually shown. He is a more nobler soul than perceived. Hulk probably took a page from Doc Samson in being sympathetic with Ben
The hulk is a deeper and more complex character than just the comic books. When you go back and really read some of his old material and follow it all the way into the 90s what you come to find out is that there's a deeper complexity to the pathology of the "monster" within Bruce banner.
The reason men have to be so 'strong' is the fault of the patriarchy. It punishes all who don't fulfil their 'roles' within the system. If we had true gender equality and equity, then no gender would have to be the one to bear the brunt of the weight in a dynamic @@matthew81p
Spidey would be the best to talk to through any loss. Dude really blames himself and made it a mission to never let the bad guy slip away ever again…. Sometimes you just wish a fictional character was real for a moment cuz you wonder what they’d say.
This is unironically one of the most wholesome things I’ve heard in a while, just seeing the hulk comforting the thing as he’s trying to pummel him like that is wholesome
The Hulk like the Thing their character arcs are about maintaining their humanity. After Bruce and Thor allow Ben to release his savagery, all that is left is Ben crying the first act all humans do.
Gotta love how Hulk actually has the emotional intelligence to know when the best thing he can do is stand there and let someone unload on him until their anger is spent. He did the same thing with Spider-Man.
@@bivv93 At some point, MJ (Peter's wife at this point) either actually died or Peter just thought she did, and I guess he thought Hulk was responsible. He proceeded to attack Hulk, who of course fought back, angered and a little confused by the seemingly unprovoked attack. Mid-fight, Hulk heard what Spider-Man was saying and stopped and let his arms hang by his sides while Spider-Man continued to punch him until he realized Hulk wasn't fighting anymore. Hulk proceeded to empathise with Spider-Man over the loss of his wife, as Hulk/Bruce had also lost his wife. I don't remember which comic this was from.
Well written stories like this is why superhero movies are so popular it’s sad when the mainstream media calls us toxic for wanted to see these stories told accurately on screen….. and don’t get me started on the studios who wasted our good fortune in telling these stories as of late breaks my heart
Seeing Hulk with a calm face, just standing there taking the blows. He knows what it's like when anger is the only thing you feel. He knows what it's like to lose everything and everyone. He knows what it's like to feel weak despite being the strongest. And that is why he is there for his friend. The Thing was always there first when Hulk could only smash. And now Hulk returns the favor. 😭
Given the history between hulk and thing, how many beating hulk gave the thing and banner choosing to be his punching bag to let out his pain says a lot.😊
I read this issue while grappling with my lowest point of grief. It hurt, but truly made The Thing, Thor, Hulk and Spider-man some of my favorite heros.
Reading a book like this when you’re grieving can be very therapeutic. My little brother unexpectedly died in 2011. As the oldest son I held everything in trying to be strong for my parents and my brother. One day, my wife went out with our kids and I took the time to read my stack of comic books. When I read the Ultimate Spider-Man issue with Peter’s funeral I began bawling with months of pain and grief pouring out. An old friend happened to call me right as I was calming down and I told him what happened. He made me laugh by telling me that I’m such a fan boy that it took a comic book to allow me to grieve. He happened to know Bendis and gave me his email address. I wrote and told him how his story had helped with my grieving process and he actually wrote back saying that he was touched that something he wrote had a profound effect on someone.
I needed this issue. I lost my little brother recently, And grief is an awful thing. I'm not going to trauma dump on a bunch of strangers but I think this issue may have been on of their best in years, beautiful honesty
Empathy transcends familiarity. Strangers or not; to lose a close relative is a long and painful experience. For you, a brother. For me, a mother. For each, our own way of mourning. Mine is like Ben Grimm. For what is anger besides sadness with nowhere to go?
Genuinely the panels where hulk has a blank expression while thing beats the shit out of him only to break down are some of the most masterful comic panels I’ve seen in a while.
No pain, no anger, just a wall unwilling to let him punch anything else, and making sure he gets it out of his system. The hulk and banner both were in agreement on the course of action and it shows.
Really good match up with Ben talking to Hulk in the diner in Immortal Hulk. They're not quite on the same level of friendship as Johnny and Peter, but Hulk and Ben's friendship is so neat
That line hits different when you’ve been at that point where there’s no more sadness or anger,just tears But I’ve learned that’s when you should stand and dust yourself off and live,because no Matter how strong the feeling. You must move forward💖
That's grief for you, even the strongest willed and stalwart of us will feel the deepest of sorrows when one of the things (or in this case, people) we hold dear to us leaves us forever. Sorry this is a late response and a littlr scattered, but for anyone who gets a chance to read this; If you have ever felt this way, consider yourself lucky to have had the time you had with them, they had a profound impact on you. Remember all of those good moments when your heart can't take the pain, smile when the tears stream. Live for them and never let their memory fade until it is your time next, that is the best thing you can do for them in memory ❤
The perfect execution of “show don’t tell”. You can see the sorrow sap the strength from Ben’s limbs as his punches turn to sobbing. We’ve all had a moment like that in our lives and it’s so bittersweet to see that Ben receives that love.
Something about the hulk holding ben, after everything, the sadness, the anger, and finally the acceptance. It the two men that have suffered the most in their lives holding another broken man. God what a gut punch of a story.
Ben to me always felt like the glue of the Fantastic 4, like even during Civil War he didn't want any part in it. He's just always seemed so tough and secure in his emotions, so seeing him reach such a low point is heartbreaking. I think The Thing's true strength comes from his love for the Fantastic 4
I genuinely love the moments of superhero’s genuinely being caring people, rather than just soldiers. Like when black canary therapy session with beast boy in young justice, it was her genuinely caring about a boy that was struggling.
The fact that spider-man is the one to break the silence is so fitting because he may make jokes all the time but out of all the heroes he definitely knows how to help someone with words
When something like that happens, we all need someone to vent on, I've gone through this SEVERAL times, and wished I had had someone come to me like this! I'm 67, STILL dealing with it!
Hulk knows all about suffering in silence. Being the man who thinks he’s expected to just tough it out is heartbreakingly unfair… but you never really know who’s standing behind you, ready to take that burden until you’re already falling apart.
I love how hulk didn’t escalate the fight or tried to fight back he just comforted his friend which really nails down who Hulk really is not a dumb brute but another being who understands anger and pain
And see this is what makes me mad about characters deaths. They write good stories like these. Have us almost crying, to have the character simply come back two books later 😂
Wow. The idea that Thor & Hulk (who can safely TAKE Ben's punches) go there literally to be punching bags for the Thing to safely vent his anger & pain, is such an awesome Bro move!
Hulk and thor real ones for that glad thor cried with him too and spidey was the perfect person to comfort franklin he can tell him plenty of cool stories about his uncle n of course he can relate
Just seeing hulk take those hits without getting angry at Thing and just stone faced hits hard and it's solidified with Thor shedding a tear fucking beautiful moment in these comics
This is probably the sweetest way I’ve seen the Hulk portrayed. Compared to the pain of seeing a friend suffer in silence the blows don’t even compare, he can take it.
It’s amazing that you get a better encapsulation of who Spider-Man/ Peter is in a handful of panels than what the team who write for his book are able (or rather, mandated) to do for the past couple of years.
Peter talking to Franklin was perfect and he knew Johnny greatly. But Hulk bein the one to pull everyone together is really amazing writing and gotta see more of that in the comics
Hulk hugging Thing after he lost a loved one was sad yet beatiful to see. The most angry one letting the thing take all of his frustration out and sympathizing with him.
When someone we love dies there's a piece of us that die with them and for some it's enough to break them to where they lose themselves from grief, regret, pain and heartbreak. If anyone reading this is struggling with loss, you're not alone, I lost my mother in 2012 and it ate me alive for years, for years just the thought of her would make me break down emotionally, start crying a river at any place, work, store, home, driving etc even in public but eventually I was able to think about her without breaking and now unless I really get to thinking of what ifs I can think about her or talk about her without breaking.
Johnny is an asshole to ben but thats what makes the Bois its a friendship that is built on understanding each other's faults and still being there for each other
Damn this is such a good comic. Thor and Hulk letting Ben cut loose while holding back tears of loss and then hearing Peter talk about losing his uncle to little Franklin is just so heartwarming and heartbreaking things in comics
This is why I love comics. I grew up with these guys and seeing the pain when a known character dies feels so real. I remember seeing Superman’s funeral in the 90s with all the DC heroes walking beside his casket crying, and it was so powerful, especially for a kid my age
AND the only way anybody could have helped ben atm. As said in the video, ben don't talk. If they dint do this. He would not have bin abel to give his feelings a place. Or at least not for a while
I find it extremely beautiful that Hulk stood still and let The Thing lash out against him again and again without reacting until he ran out of anger and then just silently embraced him at the end.
Whoever drew Ben at the wake looking up in pain, needs to be awarded. The pain in his red eyes, hunched over, weeping in defeat is drawn so realistic. You can tell the artist had put his soul in this panel. 😢😢😢
Its amazing considering that Johnny & Ben are the ones that usually didn't get along but it just goes to show you that a teammate, like a family member, still means a lot even if they bicker all the time.
Fun fact: The Thing ages only 1 day per year. When The Thing is in his rock form he does not age at all. However because he's able to revert back to human form once per year courtesy of Reed, that is the only time he ages. Hence the reason you see him 5,000 years in the future with Franklin Richards who's immortal.
Man, the fact that the meatheads cope with fighting is so appropriate to their character. It fits and really drove home the complex feelings Ben has ^^
Call me a child but this made me tear up. I just lost my grandmother. All the grandkids was really close to her. She was on life support. It destroyed me.
You know, it’s the rivalry kind of relationship between two guys that end up suffering the greatest when one is gone…. Like the movies they were always missing around but deep down they loved each other like brothers
There are such important, profound and meaningful stories to tell in the marvel universe that has ne can't help but be utterly dissapointed at what greed by Hollywood has essentially done to this art form. This issue helped so many deal with grief and to know they are not alone. Thank you to all that helped bring this comic to us.
I like it when Hulk isn't represented as just a brute. I remember the one comic where Hulk is on an animal farm and teaches people about how important it is to be kind and calm to animals. Hulk is emotionally intelligent and this issue shows this especially so. I want to see more of Hulk like this ❤
Moments like these that remind us these are not silly stories of characters just punching each other. There's great writing involved. These are people who we grow emotionally attached to. When they suffer; we suffer with them. For example, The Night Gwen Stacy Died made me an emotional wreck and has stuck with me to this day.
I remember that. Still got the Spidy books. Along with most of Marvel & DC. Been reading & collecting since 5th grade. 67 now. Stopped buying years ago. Crappy art . May start up again.
who's chopping onions in here god dammit!
Watch the Thing Cry - Fantastic Four #588
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Thise god dammed onion chopping ninjas
I know right 😢
Oh sorry
Yeah Hickman's run of FF is the bomb...
Ewe huemans should not use my name vainly...👁️
The fact that the Hulk stops Thor from hitting the Thing and gesture of understanding the Things pain is very wholesome in a way.
I mean they weren't there to actually hurt Ben. The dude is going through ALOT already. They are there to let him vent out everything that was bottled up ever since seing Johnny die
Hulk, underneath the monstrous exterior and limitless strength, is an abused child lashing out in anger at people who hurt him. He knows how much rage and despair can hurt, he understands the need for catharsis, and he knows Ben isn't his enemy, and he needs an outlet.
And he's displayed this understanding before; when Spider-Man thought MJ had died, back when they were married, he crossed paths with Hulk, and Peter started pounding on him, yelling about how she isn't dead and no one believes him. Hulk realizes that Peter is grieving, and so he stops fighting back, and responds, "Bug Man's wife dead? Hulk's wife dead too. Hulk sorry." (Betty Ross was dead at the time)
@@senorsnout4417the big guy is kind
@@senorsnout4417always love it when writters make Hulk enough emotionally mature to understand other people's pain and help them, really shows the depth of the character aside from other iterations where he's just a ball of muscle who only smashes everything, also bow they make Banner and Hulk have this kinda relationship where he knows he has to step up for Banner to help his friend out and they show a calm and collected Hulk
@@dodsa8907 Exactly! It's one of the reasons Hulk has been my favorite comic book superhero *period* since my literal first memories of life lol. Hulk is so much more than just a big green guy who smashes things. It's a shame the MCU doesn't understand how much more impactful that is when he isn't Professor Hulk.
Seeing Hulk being the one pulling others from depression is remarkably fresh and i'm surprised we haven't seen more of it
Well just look at so many people complain about the hulk when he's softer or just not angry they see that as the point of hulk
People underestimate the Hulk’s sensitivity. He did something similar with Peter Parker after the whole One More Day stint when everyone had their mind erase of Spider-Man’s secret identity. Bruce didn’t remember but the Hulk did. Saying something along the line of:
“Everyone forgets Hulk when Bruce is there, but not you. You remember Hulk even when Hulk is not around and you kind to Hulk always. Hulk never forget Peter.”
It moments like that and this one I love the most about the big green guy.😢
@@lightdarksoul2097
You're right, you see that with alot of characters who are known for their might and anger. Kratos in the new GoW for example has gotten a lot of heat for being humanized alot more than in the Greek Saga. Now you have people saying he's becoming soft, even the original creator.
It surprises me that people don't like a humanized Hulk because a big part of his story has been about the trauma he endured and him having to isolate himself from civilization because of how dangerous he can be. Internal conflict isn't as fun as smashing stuff up for most people, I guess. 🤷♂️
@@utopian4769 I mean yeah it's not as fun or as much of a spectical but it's character growth for him to be one with hulk
@@utopian4769Oh, so that’s why people hate Professor Hulk.
Spiderman being the only one to speak is perfect.
Writers understood the assignment
SPIDER-MAN is the Goat
The tears shed by Thor are beyond powerful.. and the way hulk just kneels with him and holds him as he breaks down.. the hulk isn't a monster, he truly is good.
@@ChargerusPrime the look hulk gives Thor when he’s about to attack is so well done it conveys his thought perfectly and then he just stands there and lets his friend get out all his rage. He’s the only one that experienced what it’s like to lose control with that level of strikes and he knows that Ben can’t do that. It’s such a beautiful moment but it makes me cry every time
He knows their end is a happy beginning in the afterlife.
But it's the pain by the living that hurts them the most.
@@ChargerusPrime always thought the hulk needs to maintain an angry state so he can be the green guy, but when he is sad he still can maintain it???
@@Crateruzzz easily
@@Crateruzzz I know in the incredible hulk movie it's either adrenaline or extreme emotions, and on some comics hulk comes out to prevent Bruce from dying
Not only does this comic humanize The Thing, but it also humanizes the Hulk, and I love that
Hulk knows pain and rage better than most. But he's only human, just like Ben.
THATZ Y MARVEL IS THE BEST!!
@@blueroninstudios hulk isn't human, banner is.
@@Hanstein. He’s a product of human emotion, so in the way that matters for this specific subject, yes he is human.
(When I say that, I mean im aware he’s a mutated abomination lol)
In the 70s and 80s Ben Grimm/Thing had more human tragedy and emotions than even young Peter Parker.
God, I love comics when they’re well-written
And then there's ultimate Spider-Man currently
@@mohammadharithzafranmahadh6174 A perfect example of a wonderfully written comic!
@@DBfan106 making Spider-Men life miserable make it worst it's the main timeline, his former girlfriend died, MJ left him that ungrateful, I think he has some problems with some heroes,
Ironic tho cuz there’s barely any dialogue in that tho
@@mohammadharithzafranmahadh6174 what are you talking about? Ultimate Spiderman is peter parker being turned into spiderman when he's 35, married to Mary Jane, with 2 kids. Uncle ben is alive, and it's a really interesting take on it. I think you're talking about AMAZING Spiderman.
Spider-Man really is the webbing that holds the multiverse together isn’t he
@@internetperson573 yes he is
You know if you think about it. He truly is the Anchor being of Earth 616.
That and his relationship with the fantastic four is deep as hell. Years and years worth of history between them
@@BonzerMrT to the point he is more like part of their team than avengers for one
I love how perfect this captures everyone. Of course Reed would be obsessed with trying to find some way of bringing him home. Sue lost her brother, I can’t blame her for isolating in solitude. Banner of all people, knows what it’s like to just let out your anger and pain so he calls the only other friend who’d be cable of allowing that for Ben. And Peter, always looking out for the little guy and being relatable while trying his best to inspire optimism.
And it hits home cause Peter knows what loss can do to those who are young but don't know how to express it, Peter is close to Johnny, in some continuities they were like blood brothers, who better to know loss better than Marvel's punching bag to show the pain won't go away but if you take it one day at a time and remember the joy's the person gave you, they never truly left.
@@guardiangamer6528if I recall correctly, after Johnny returned, Peter was the one person he contacted first.
Honestly having Peter be the one to talk to Franklin was perfect. He knew how close Johnny and Peter were and Peter was basically another uncle for Franklin and Val
Plus Peter knows how it feels to lose a uncle
You guys know aunt may is Peter mom?
Ben tells him to be quiet and tells Franklin to not listen to the guy unloading personal drama
@@TylerSmith-or7kn that's not canon
As powerful as Franklin Richards is, he's peters Daddy
Bruce and Thor going to Ben like that is immensely deep. These are two characters pretty much only seen as brutes by their peers and they themselves would also rather run off, fight something, and stay silent than confront their turmoil. But they know what it's like to be the big guy unable to relate their struggles and feelings to anybody else. A child lashes out after losing a pet, we sympathize. A single mother lashes out due to losing her job, we sympathize. A young man lashes out after leaving a relationship he's been in for a while, we sympathize. But for people like Bruce, Thor, and Ben they can't lash out, can't scream, can't unleash all that pain, because if they do the world would fear and even punish them for it. Bruce and Thor knew this and knew they can be the ones to help him when no one could help them, which acts as a moment of clarity for all of them
Christ. I didn't know I needed someone else to say this, despite knowing it.
It's the struggle of being a man and being the rock. But it's very special moment for these big characters to understand eachother and know what to do to help
Love is understanding. 👍🏿🍻
Beautiful explanation. Well done.
Well said 👏🏿
there's something so truly understanding about the way Thor and Hulk react. They know that men like them need to PHYSICALLY get their feelings out, and that they're the ones that can take it. so they literally take on his pain, while he takes it out. it's such a positive, understanding way to be a man. "I will let you best the shit out of me so you don't do it to someone else and regret it."
The fact that Hulk and Thor knew the assignment and didnt even say a word and just put they hands up. You know they are really bros, when the conversation needed no words.
Imagine live action broulstering😢😥✌🏿🍆😣😖😫🤤🙏🏿❤
Damn. The hulk just hugging him after he starts breaking down is touching. I love when they let hulk be empathetic, especially towards others like him.
Definitely! It really hits home how much more of a genuine soul Hulk is as opposed to his raging beast persona. A simple picture of Hulk holding him like that! Really hits you in the feels as they say.
hulk isn't just about anger wrath and smashing dude has feelings too
And Thor watching with tears in his eyes....
Damn, right in the feels!!
😢
The 3 of you all hit it on the nail perfectly! Thor shedding a tear shows that he’s more in touch with the mortals of Midgard and noble heroes than is usually shown. He is a more nobler soul than perceived. Hulk probably took a page from Doc Samson in being sympathetic with Ben
The hulk is a deeper and more complex character than just the comic books. When you go back and really read some of his old material and follow it all the way into the 90s what you come to find out is that there's a deeper complexity to the pathology of the "monster" within Bruce banner.
“We men don’t cry because we are weak, we cry because we have had to be strong for far to long….”
western women will never understand that
Well said 🍺
@@matthew81peastern women would be disappointed
The reason men have to be so 'strong' is the fault of the patriarchy. It punishes all who don't fulfil their 'roles' within the system.
If we had true gender equality and equity, then no gender would have to be the one to bear the brunt of the weight in a dynamic @@matthew81p
Spidey would be the best to talk to through any loss. Dude really blames himself and made it a mission to never let the bad guy slip away ever again…. Sometimes you just wish a fictional character was real for a moment cuz you wonder what they’d say.
This is unironically one of the most wholesome things I’ve heard in a while, just seeing the hulk comforting the thing as he’s trying to pummel him like that is wholesome
The Hulk like the Thing their character arcs are about maintaining their humanity. After Bruce and Thor allow Ben to release his savagery, all that is left is Ben crying the first act all humans do.
@@osonhoustonto me it showed the hulk always cared, he never really retaliates unless messed with. Here I agree they showed signs of professor hulk
@@osonhouston the Hulk also did the same thing to Peter as well.
@@00vondough00 let Peter beat him?
@@Biggsman_IV yep
Gotta love how Hulk actually has the emotional intelligence to know when the best thing he can do is stand there and let someone unload on him until their anger is spent. He did the same thing with Spider-Man.
Fr
Seriously???? How Hulk did the same for Spider-Man???? When?
@@bivv93 At some point, MJ (Peter's wife at this point) either actually died or Peter just thought she did, and I guess he thought Hulk was responsible. He proceeded to attack Hulk, who of course fought back, angered and a little confused by the seemingly unprovoked attack. Mid-fight, Hulk heard what Spider-Man was saying and stopped and let his arms hang by his sides while Spider-Man continued to punch him until he realized Hulk wasn't fighting anymore. Hulk proceeded to empathise with Spider-Man over the loss of his wife, as Hulk/Bruce had also lost his wife. I don't remember which comic this was from.
@@bivv93 I'm two months late but It's Peter Parker Spiderman #14
@@haydenmcqueen2503 thanks
Well written stories like this is why superhero movies are so popular it’s sad when the mainstream media calls us toxic for wanted to see these stories told accurately on screen….. and don’t get me started on the studios who wasted our good fortune in telling these stories as of late breaks my heart
Man it’s always Spidey that helps people. He’s the true moral compass of Marvel imo. Him mentioning Uncle Ben in relation to Johny is truly amazing
Seeing Hulk with a calm face, just standing there taking the blows.
He knows what it's like when anger is the only thing you feel. He knows what it's like to lose everything and everyone. He knows what it's like to feel weak despite being the strongest. And that is why he is there for his friend.
The Thing was always there first when Hulk could only smash.
And now Hulk returns the favor.
😭
Amen to that
That picture made me break into tears instantly
Given the history between hulk and thing, how many beating hulk gave the thing and banner choosing to be his punching bag to let out his pain says a lot.😊
Seeing Thor and Ben cry really hurt. You tend to forget the most powerful beings in fiction have emotions this is what writing should be
No they don’t it’s not real
@@AndreKing4 you mad cos they sad suck it
The final bit with Spider-Man made me cry
Wow... Never seen the Hulk express that kind of compassion before..... Good Job Hulk, Thor And Spider Man! 😌👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽💪🏽
I read this issue while grappling with my lowest point of grief. It hurt, but truly made The Thing, Thor, Hulk and Spider-man some of my favorite heros.
Is this a continuation of the one where Johnny is "dead" but he’s actually chilling in a house and Spider-Man finds him?
I hope that this issue helped you heal.
@@TotallyNotKanye- This was BEFORE Johnny came back!
Reading a book like this when you’re grieving can be very therapeutic. My little brother unexpectedly died in 2011. As the oldest son I held everything in trying to be strong for my parents and my brother.
One day, my wife went out with our kids and I took the time to read my stack of comic books. When I read the Ultimate Spider-Man issue with Peter’s funeral I began bawling with months of pain and grief pouring out.
An old friend happened to call me right as I was calming down and I told him what happened. He made me laugh by telling me that I’m such a fan boy that it took a comic book to allow me to grieve. He happened to know Bendis and gave me his email address. I wrote and told him how his story had helped with my grieving process and he actually wrote back saying that he was touched that something he wrote had a profound effect on someone.
This comment is beautiful Robert. Bless you and your brother.
I needed this issue. I lost my little brother recently, And grief is an awful thing. I'm not going to trauma dump on a bunch of strangers but I think this issue may have been on of their best in years, beautiful honesty
Respect and love to you, stranger. You’ll see him again, I’m confident of that. Glad this Comic issue helped you 🙏
Facts respect you fam I hope you and your folks be good man
Empathy transcends familiarity. Strangers or not; to lose a close relative is a long and painful experience. For you, a brother. For me, a mother. For each, our own way of mourning. Mine is like Ben Grimm. For what is anger besides sadness with nowhere to go?
Stay Strong 🙏 and hope you find inner peace again
Empathy for anyone is the best thing ever.
Hope you doing good bro!
Genuinely the panels where hulk has a blank expression while thing beats the shit out of him only to break down are some of the most masterful comic panels I’ve seen in a while.
No pain, no anger, just a wall unwilling to let him punch anything else, and making sure he gets it out of his system. The hulk and banner both were in agreement on the course of action and it shows.
That shit had me racking in tears. The fact a fucking comic can do that... God damn bro
Really good match up with Ben talking to Hulk in the diner in Immortal Hulk.
They're not quite on the same level of friendship as Johnny and Peter, but Hulk and Ben's friendship is so neat
@@DollarStoreAbomination yeah I remember when that book come out a lot of guys in comic shop was in tears.
@@shadowsnake5133 damn
The hulk is actually very gentle inside, people would think when he got hurt he goes ballistic, not in all cases as we can see.
The bit with Peter and Franklin at the end ALWAYS makes me cry.
"Until all that remains is the tears" fuck
That line hits different when you’ve been at that point where there’s no more sadness or anger,just tears
But I’ve learned that’s when you should stand and dust yourself off and live,because no Matter how strong the feeling. You must move forward💖
That's grief for you, even the strongest willed and stalwart of us will feel the deepest of sorrows when one of the things (or in this case, people) we hold dear to us leaves us forever.
Sorry this is a late response and a littlr scattered, but for anyone who gets a chance to read this;
If you have ever felt this way, consider yourself lucky to have had the time you had with them, they had a profound impact on you. Remember all of those good moments when your heart can't take the pain, smile when the tears stream. Live for them and never let their memory fade until it is your time next, that is the best thing you can do for them in memory ❤
The perfect execution of “show don’t tell”. You can see the sorrow sap the strength from Ben’s limbs as his punches turn to sobbing. We’ve all had a moment like that in our lives and it’s so bittersweet to see that Ben receives that love.
We all have bro it hurts really deep 😞
Something about the hulk holding ben, after everything, the sadness, the anger, and finally the acceptance. It the two men that have suffered the most in their lives holding another broken man.
God what a gut punch of a story.
Ben to me always felt like the glue of the Fantastic 4, like even during Civil War he didn't want any part in it. He's just always seemed so tough and secure in his emotions, so seeing him reach such a low point is heartbreaking. I think The Thing's true strength comes from his love for the Fantastic 4
"His name was Ben"...😢 So deep,on _so many_ levels. More of this, please
I genuinely love the moments of superhero’s genuinely being caring people, rather than just soldiers. Like when black canary therapy session with beast boy in young justice, it was her genuinely caring about a boy that was struggling.
Yes…I wholeheartedly agree!! That’s why I love her!! She cares about her teammates!!
@Kalossupremacy3356 What she told to Garfield (Beast Boy) reminded me so much about what Spider Ham told to Miles in ITSV movie.
Bro Annihilus taunting Reed with Johnny’s costume is just ice cold 🥶
You'd think people would figure out not to do that. Bad Guy Reed always ends badly for everyone.
The fact that spider-man is the one to break the silence is so fitting because he may make jokes all the time but out of all the heroes he definitely knows how to help someone with words
Damn . That's deep. The hulk let the thing rage on him just to get his feelings out. Mad respect 💪
Because Hulk knows how it feels.
And took it from him and stopped Thor from fighting back
People forget as much as Johnny and Ben go at each other like cats, they're family and Ben cares more than anyone else on that team.
Not to be that guy, but he definitely cares as mush as sue, Johnny's sister.. she just dealt with it in her own way
Well, Ben was more of a uncle to him that’s why their relationship was deep… I think he even seen Johnny as his son at times.
@@Cobalt_Colonel I mean overall, not just about Johnny specifically. Ben's the heart and soul.
@@mp6640 It's definitely more brotherly than anything else, especially when Reed and Sue's kids come into play.
I haven’t read anything FF since the 80s, so call me dated for asking this. How did Alicia take this, if she is still alive?
It's amazing to see Thor and Hulk be themselves and work as emotional support
the hulk letting the thing clobber him without retaliation here speaks in volumes to the amount of respect the thing has earned from the hulk.
It's hard when "It's Clobberin Time" and you can't clobber anything. You can't punch grief or sadness.
Good thing he had brothers.
Glad to see Spider-Man free from the Spider-Man writers for once and being an inspiration to the whole superhero and non-superhero communities
I hear the new ultimate stuff is good
@@lightdarksoul2097 It is a 100% return to form, man. Peter's never been so back.
@@darkzeke200x Good to see. Spidey deserves it.
Knowing the Fantastic Four, who they are as a team. A real family, this issue hits hard.
When something like that happens, we all need someone to vent on, I've gone through this SEVERAL times, and wished I had had someone come to me like this! I'm 67, STILL dealing with it!
"Because for us, fighting occupies our bodies while the minds work out the rest"
-Tyr
Fitting
One of the best uses for this quote, good job 🥲
Basically.
Saiyans
Hulk knows all about suffering in silence. Being the man who thinks he’s expected to just tough it out is heartbreakingly unfair… but you never really know who’s standing behind you, ready to take that burden until you’re already falling apart.
Beautifully said; you sound like a wise, old soul
This is why I love comics. Deep, meaningful stories about people that we care about. Anyone who doesnt see the value here is sorely mistaken.
I love how hulk didn’t escalate the fight or tried to fight back he just comforted his friend which really nails down who Hulk really is not a dumb brute but another being who understands anger and pain
And see this is what makes me mad about characters deaths. They write good stories like these. Have us almost crying, to have the character simply come back two books later 😂
And sometimes they returned worse 😂
@kjl4983 he'll come back eventually like Joker was dead for like a year or two, then he came back with a missing face.
when johnny came back, that was a badass moment. he reignited the light for hope again: with his signature move of creating the FF logo in the sky.
Wow. The idea that Thor & Hulk (who can safely TAKE Ben's punches) go there literally to be punching bags for the Thing to safely vent his anger & pain, is such an awesome Bro move!
Three absolute units crying and feeling their emotions is beautiful
Comics arent just cartoons, they're a medium all can relate to if given the chance. Such a touching story.
Hulk and thor real ones for that glad thor cried with him too and spidey was the perfect person to comfort franklin he can tell him plenty of cool stories about his uncle n of course he can relate
he didn't cry with him he cried for him.
@@Ironnerd78 i fell like it s lil of both because Thors been where he is plenty of times
Just seeing hulk take those hits without getting angry at Thing and just stone faced hits hard and it's solidified with Thor shedding a tear fucking beautiful moment in these comics
just holds him after as he breaks down, gets me EVERY TIME
These kind of character interactions are how I wish the MCU felt.
This is probably the sweetest way I’ve seen the Hulk portrayed. Compared to the pain of seeing a friend suffer in silence the blows don’t even compare, he can take it.
Bro that's crazy, the Hulk full of anger still having kindness to console his ol wrestling buddy The Thing. It's kinda touching
It’s amazing that you get a better encapsulation of who Spider-Man/ Peter is in a handful of panels than what the team who write for his book are able (or rather, mandated) to do for the past couple of years.
Peter talking to Franklin was perfect and he knew Johnny greatly. But Hulk bein the one to pull everyone together is really amazing writing and gotta see more of that in the comics
Character deaths have such an impact when they're done correctly.
😢 Ben is the self insert of Jack Kirby. A beautiful and accurate representation for such a character.
That's absolutely correct
Hulk hugging Thing after he lost a loved one was sad yet beatiful to see.
The most angry one letting the thing take all of his frustration out and sympathizing with him.
Hulk giving Ben a hug genuinely made me tear up a little bit.
Spidy makes others happy,
Too bad the writers don't want him to be happy
At the cost of his own happiness.
@@kayodejohn3753shouldn’t be that way all the time like it is now, imo. What message are you sending by making kindness a disability?
I love this entire run. Hickman's FF is just absolute genius from start to finish. It has so many incredible moments, and this is just one of them.
When someone we love dies there's a piece of us that die with them and for some it's enough to break them to where they lose themselves from grief, regret, pain and heartbreak. If anyone reading this is struggling with loss, you're not alone, I lost my mother in 2012 and it ate me alive for years, for years just the thought of her would make me break down emotionally, start crying a river at any place, work, store, home, driving etc even in public but eventually I was able to think about her without breaking and now unless I really get to thinking of what ifs I can think about her or talk about her without breaking.
When superhero comics are written well, they're written REALLY WELL
This is what the bro code is meant for. Everyone needs a safe space to be emotional.
Johnny is an asshole to ben but thats what makes the Bois its a friendship that is built on understanding each other's faults and still being there for each other
What a blessing to feel this emotional after months of not being able to cry. Beautiful story, thanks for sharing it dude
Making a grown man cry: step 1
Damn this is such a good comic. Thor and Hulk letting Ben cut loose while holding back tears of loss and then hearing Peter talk about losing his uncle to little Franklin is just so heartwarming and heartbreaking things in comics
There's something chilling seeing Hulk just taking the blows, no anger,no retaliation...... except a hug at the end
This is why I love comics. I grew up with these guys and seeing the pain when a known character dies feels so real. I remember seeing Superman’s funeral in the 90s with all the DC heroes walking beside his casket crying, and it was so powerful, especially for a kid my age
Bro i cant, thor and hulk helped the only way then knew how, shit had me literally crying 😭❤
AND the only way anybody could have helped ben atm. As said in the video, ben don't talk. If they dint do this. He would not have bin abel to give his feelings a place. Or at least not for a while
The most unspoken respect and love for a friend in comics ❤
This whole storyline was one of the best things to ever happen to comics and human beings in general
I find it extremely beautiful that Hulk stood still and let The Thing lash out against him again and again without reacting until he ran out of anger and then just silently embraced him at the end.
Whoever drew Ben at the wake looking up in pain, needs to be awarded. The pain in his red eyes, hunched over, weeping in defeat is drawn so realistic. You can tell the artist had put his soul in this panel. 😢😢😢
Its amazing considering that Johnny & Ben are the ones that usually didn't get along but it just goes to show you that a teammate, like a family member, still means a lot even if they bicker all the time.
Fun fact: The Thing ages only 1 day per year. When The Thing is in his rock form he does not age at all. However because he's able to revert back to human form once per year courtesy of Reed, that is the only time he ages. Hence the reason you see him 5,000 years in the future with Franklin Richards who's immortal.
The boys really said I'll shoulder your pain. Why does shit like this make me cry man
Man, the fact that the meatheads cope with fighting is so appropriate to their character. It fits and really drove home the complex feelings Ben has ^^
Call me a child but this made me tear up. I just lost my grandmother. All the grandkids was really close to her. She was on life support. It destroyed me.
Honestly I love when there's moments like this in comics where nothing has to be said to show the emotion of the characters
You know, it’s the rivalry kind of relationship between two guys that end up suffering the greatest when one is gone…. Like the movies they were always missing around but deep down they loved each other like brothers
Man i miss when this kinda storytelling was in comics
To lose someone you love, no matter how powerful you are is soul destroying & can truly lead you down a very dark path. 💯
There are such important, profound and meaningful stories to tell in the marvel universe that has ne can't help but be utterly dissapointed at what greed by Hollywood has essentially done to this art form.
This issue helped so many deal with grief and to know they are not alone.
Thank you to all that helped bring this comic to us.
Jesus fuck, that caught me off guard. Thats so wholesome and sad.
Love when comics just have absolute banger writing
I like it when Hulk isn't represented as just a brute. I remember the one comic where Hulk is on an animal farm and teaches people about how important it is to be kind and calm to animals. Hulk is emotionally intelligent and this issue shows this especially so. I want to see more of Hulk like this ❤
This is why I think the MCU should be shows instead of movies. We won't ever get really impactful moments like this in movies (that's just my opinion)
Man this did break my heart
It definitely did!!!
the Thing hit Rock bottom
underrated comment.
This is incredible
I love that comics have become mainstream. I hate that they lost things like this in the process. Amazing storytelling.😢
Moments like these that remind us these are not silly stories of characters just punching each other. There's great writing involved. These are people who we grow emotionally attached to. When they suffer; we suffer with them. For example, The Night Gwen Stacy Died made me an emotional wreck and has stuck with me to this day.
I remember that. Still got the Spidy books. Along with most of Marvel & DC. Been reading & collecting since 5th grade. 67 now. Stopped buying years ago. Crappy art . May start up again.
Spider is powerfully because he supports others. He holds while others collapse but also standing up after falling stronger then ever.
Hulk being the ultimate bro and letting his friend vent in silence is so sweet