Warning: Contains spoilers forFantastic Four #27!!
The Thinghas been an integral member ofTheFantastic Foursince its creation, and Ben Grimm is one of the most iconic powerhouses in the Marvel Universe. However, thanks to Doom, he’s set to lose everything that makes him the rocky strongman we know and love. Nicki Masters-Grimm’s recent display of versatility strength proves she’s ready to step into her dear dad’s shoes, and I’m here for it.
InFantastic Four #27, Nicki Masters-Grimm, born as N’Kalla, proves what Skrulls are capable of even at a young age. Historically, we’ve seen the shapeshifting race depicted as villains, but Nicki’s story has always been one of overcoming the stereotypes about her people, and I’m thrilled to see her continued development.
However, Nicki’s incredible ingenuity as she’s fighting Mole Man is just the beginning. We know her adoptive father, The Thing, is set to lose his powersat the hands of Doctor Doom, andI think N’Kalla is the perfect candidate to fill her father’s shoes until Doom is overturned.
Nicki Masters-Grimm is The Thing’s Perfect Replacement
Fantastic Four #27by Ryan North, Steve Cummings, Jesus Aburtov, and Joe Caramagna
Skrulls are born with the ability to shapeshift 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 spent much of her life locked in an experiment where she was forced to fight with her now-adoptive brother, the Kree child Jo-Venn. In short, she’s had a lot to overcome in her few short years, and I think she’s done a beautiful job of growing into a hero against all odds.
Not only could she fill The Thing’s role in terms of sheer strength and combat prowess, but she’s an excellent representation of the values he taught her.
To me, Nicki embodies all thecore traits of the Fantastic Four. She’s incredibly adaptable and quick to act - and not just as a shapeshifter. She adjusts her approach when she grasps that something is morally wrong, and she has a genuine desire to do right by others. I’ve always believed Ben Grimm to be the heart of the Fantastic Four, and Nicki has taken on the best qualities of both of her parents. Not only could she fill The Thing’s role in terms of sheer strength and combat prowess, but she’s an excellent representation of the values he taught her.
The Fantastic Four Has a History of Recruiting Replacements
The F4 Can’t Afford to Face Doom Without Aid
While we all think of the F4 as being Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and the Thing, they’ve had several temporary members. When one of the core four heroes is out of the picture for whatever reason, the open seat isn’t left vacant for long. Spider-Man, Crystal Amaquelin, She-Hulk, and others have filled in off and on.The other Fantastic Four children, Valeria and Franklin, have played major roles themselves, so I can’t see anything stopping Nicki from being the team’s newest recruit after Doom depowers her father. She’s become part of the family, and it’s a natural step.
Moreover, this isn’t the time for the team to keep their headcount low. Doctor Doom is one of their most powerful enemies, especially as acting Sorcerer Supreme. They’ll need every bit of help they can get. Doom is slated to depower The Thing in the upcoming Fantastic Four #30, and I can’t ignore the timing of Nicki’s display of strength.It’s only a few short issues before her father loses his incredible abilities, and we just saw his daughter single-handedly take down a villain without aid.The F4 is Nicki’s family, and she can protect them in her father’s place.
Nicki Masters-Grimm is Ready to Advance as a Hero
Becoming a Full Member of the Fantastic Four is Her Next Step
Defeating Mole Man doesn’t mean she’s ready to engage in solo combat with the reigning Sorcerer Supreme, but I saw Nicki demonstrate every piece necessary to become a real superhero like her father. She already has a full grasp of the team’s dynamic. She’s studied each member closely enough to impersonate them (I’d call her Mister Fantastic impression the best one yet), and there’s full trust on her end and theirs. I have no doubt that gaining real field experience with Reed, Sue, and Johnny is the only missing puzzle Nicki needs to be a full team member.
Along with what Nicki brings to the team, taking over her father’s spot is a huge leap forward on her own burdgeoning journey as a hero. She expressed clear intentions to “defend Earth” out of love, and I think she’s earned the right to prove that Skrulls can be heroes. Nicki is resilient, kind, and incredibly talented, and I’m convinced she’s her father’s perfect replacement. While I’m not ready to watchThe Thinglose his powers, I’m in full support of Nicki Masters-Grimm taking his place on theFantastic Fourand showing everyone just how strong she really is.
Fantastic Four (2022)
“WHATEVER HAPPENED TO THE FANTASTIC FOUR?” It’s the start of a new era for the Fantastic Four…and they’re already in a ton of trouble. Something has gone terribly wrong in New York, and the Thing and Alicia are traveling across America to escape it! But when they stop in a small town for the night and wake up the morning before they arrived, they find themselves caught in a time loop that’s been going on since before they were born… That’s been going on since before they were born…
