The release of the new trailer for Marvel’s upcoming film, “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” has unveiled a striking new look for The Thing, featuring a distinct "rock beard" on his iconic craggy face. This unexpected design choice has quickly sparked widespread discussion among longtime fans. 
Interestingly, in the very same week, Marvel Comics released "Fantastic Four" #30 and "The Thing" #2. Neither of these comic issues adopted the new cinematic design, instead maintaining the character's traditional, "clean-shaven" rocky visage. This leaves many wondering: when will The Thing truly "grow a beard" in the comics?
▼Fantastic Four #30 (2025)
▼The Thing #2 (2025)
A bearded iteration of The Thing is not entirely unprecedented. As early as the 1960s, in the original comics created by Jack Kirby and Stan Lee, Ben Grimm transformed into the legendary pirate Blackbeard during a time-traveling adventure. While it was merely a fake beard, this iconic look became a classic, referenced and paid homage to for decades.
▼Fantastic Four #5 (1961)
However, to find a true "rock beard" on the character, one must look back to "Fantastic Four" #605, published in 2012. Written by Jonathan Hickman and drawn by Ron Garney, the story was set in the year 5012, depicting an aged Ben Grimm who not only bore the marks of time but also sported a thick rock beard on his face. It’s worth noting that the current design for “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” might be a direct homage to that particular comic issue.
▼Fantastic Four #605 (2012)
While it remains unknown when The Thing will officially "grow a beard" in modern comic book canon, it's worth mentioning that Marvel Comics recently reprinted Barry Windsor-Smith's "Marvel Fanfare" #15 from 1984, which featured a sequence with a beard-like appearance.
▼Marvel Fanfare #15
Historically, Marvel films and comics have often influenced each other's character designs, with characters like Iron Man and the Guardians of the Galaxy undergoing visual adjustments in the comics following their big-screen adaptations. It's therefore highly probable that The Thing's bearded look, introduced on the big screen, will similarly lead to a comic book adaptation, ushering in the next wave of visual evolution for the character.