Sixty Years of Rock-Hard Rivalry: How 1962’s “Fantastic Four” #12 Kicked Off the Legendary Thing vs. Hulk Battles

Two of Marvel’s toughest brawlers have been throwing punches at each other for over six decades — and it all traces back to a single, historically massive issue. “Fantastic Four” #12 (1962) marks the very first clash between the Thing and the Hulk, a rivalry that would go on to define some of Marvel’s most iconic super-hero slugfests.

Written by Stan Lee and drawn by Jack Kirby, this issue wasn’t just a first meeting — it was one of the earliest true crossovers in Marvel history, helping lay the foundation for the shared universe fans know today.

Fantastic Four: Overview

The Fight That Started It All

In the issue, General “Thunderbolt” Ross enlists the Fantastic Four’s help to take down the Hulk, whom the military blames for recent sabotage. The Hulk swiftly defeats most of the team, leaving the Thing as the last hero standing in a hard-fought — though ultimately inconclusive — battle, as the real culprit, a Soviet spy called “the Wrecker,” knocks the Hulk out before a clear winner emerges.

A Rivalry That Spanned Decades

The Thing and Hulk would go on to clash repeatedly across Marvel history, from the blockbuster two-parter in Fantastic Four #25-26 to a “death” scare in issue #112, and eventual decisive Thing victories in later runs like Fantastic Four #320 under a stronger, mutated version of Ben Grimm. Each bout reflected the era’s shifting power dynamics between the two brawlers.

Why This Silver Age Comic Still Matters?

Beyond nostalgia, Fantastic Four #12 remains one of the most sought-after Silver Age comics for collectors, prized both for its historical role in Marvel’s shared universe and its increasing scarcity in high-grade condition.

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