Tag: the thing

“It’s clobberin’ time!”

From: Fantastic Four

Genre: Comics

Who said it?: The Thing/Ben Grimm

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from Marvel‘s First Family, the Fantastic Four. Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the Fantastic Four are a group of people who were bombarded with cosmic rays that granted them superpowers. They then decided to use these new abilities to help mankind.

The quote is actually the catchphrase of one of the members of the Fantastic Four, Ben Grimm AKA The Thing. The first time the catchphrase/quote was used was way back in Fantastic Four #22, The Return of the Mole Man. In the issue, Mole Man managed to trick the Fantastic Four into an isolated island and plans to trap them there while he sinks New York and Moscow in order to get the two nations to ignite a world war.

Sue Storm/Invisible Woman uses her new found ability to create force fields to enable them to pass through their radioactive prison. As the Fantastic Four escape and prepare to go after the Mole Man, Ben Grimm/The Thing utters the catchphrase and the quote for the very first time in Marvel continuity.

Geek wisdom: While it’s always nice to try to resolve things peacefully, there are times when force will be necessary. Sometimes, you do have to go “clobberin'” in order for peace to work.

“Nobody trusts anybody now… and we’re all very tired.”

From: The Thing (1982)

Genre: Movies

Who said it?: RJ MacReady

The story behind the quote: This week’s quote comes from The Thing from 1982. The film, directed by John Carpenter, is based on the book Who Goes There? as well as another movie, The Thing From Another World from 1951. While originally a box-office flop and a critical failure upon release, The Thing has gained a cult following and is now heralded as one of the best science-fiction horror films.

The quote during the middle of the film. After figuring out the titular creature can change its shape to look like anyone on the base, RJ MacReady (played by Kurt Russell) decides to record the events of what happened there just in case no one survives. During one of his recordings, noting how everyone distrusts everyone because he can be The Thing, he delivers the quote.

Geek wisdom: It can be difficult to trust people, especially in this day of age. However, you do have to eventually let your guard down and give people the benefit of the doubt. If not, then you’ll also be tired because of all the stress of worry.