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5 Shocking Facts About 'The Thing In A Thong' Skin That Broke The Marvel Rivals Internet

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The phrase "The Thing in a Thong" has transcended a mere meme to become one of the most talked-about and controversial cosmetic releases in modern video game history. As of December 2025, this phenomenon refers exclusively to the "Sunshine Thing" skin for the character Ben Grimm, a.k.a. The Thing of the Fantastic Four, in the superhero team-based shooter *Marvel Rivals*. The skin, which features the massive, rock-skinned hero wearing nothing but a tiny black thong, was an explicit response by developer NetEase Games to a massive fan-driven viral campaign, blending high-profile intellectual property with an unexpected level of internet humor and controversy. The sheer absurdity of the colossal, craggy hero of the Fantastic Four being reduced to minimal beachwear has sparked a global conversation, not just about the game, but about the shifting boundaries of fan service and humor in the competitive gaming landscape. Far from being an original creation, the skin is deeply rooted in obscure Marvel Comics lore, specifically a recent *Infinity Comic* that canonized the hilarious visual, turning an in-joke into a headline-grabbing cosmetic that players are clamoring to unlock.

The Phenomenon: From Comic Panel to Viral Skin

The journey of the "Thing Thong" from an internet joke to a fully implemented, official in-game cosmetic is a masterclass in modern viral marketing and developer engagement. The skin is officially named the Sunshine Thing skin and was part of the Krakoa Resort cosmetics line for *Marvel Rivals*. The initial spark for the meme came shortly after the game’s announcement, but the fire was truly lit by a specific comic panel. The outfit was first teased in Marvel Rivals Infinity Comic #7. In this digital comic, the ever-lovin’ blue-eyed Thing, Ben Grimm, is shown relaxing on a wooden bench, sporting the now-iconic black thong. This panel instantly went viral across social media platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter). Fans of the *Fantastic Four* and the new hero shooter began an intense, months-long campaign demanding the skin be added to the game. The developers at NetEase Games and Marvel Games clearly listened. The inclusion of the skin was seen as a direct, humorous acknowledgment of the community’s wishes, catapulting *Marvel Rivals* into the mainstream gaming conversation far beyond its initial scope. The skin's release confirmed that the developers were willing to embrace the game's more chaotic and meme-driven fan base.

Ben Grimm’s Thong: The History of Marvel’s Beachwear

While the "Sunshine Thing" skin might seem like a sudden, out-of-left-field joke, it actually taps into a long and storied tradition within the Marvel Universe: the Marvel Swimsuit Special comic series. This series, which ran in the 1990s, was famous for depicting Marvel's biggest heroes and villains in various forms of beach and swimwear, often in highly stylized or humorous ways. The *Marvel Rivals* developers used this deep-cut history as their justification and inspiration for the entire Krakoa Resort event. The character Ben Grimm himself has a history of questionable beach attire in the comics. The *Fantastic Four* hero, known for his rocky, orange hide, often struggles with finding clothing that fits his immense, craggy physique. The thong, or "speedo outfit" as some early reports called it, is presented in the *Infinity Comic* as a natural, if comical, solution for the hero trying to relax while still being encased in his rocky form. The visual juxtaposition is what makes the skin so powerful and memorable. The Thing is one of Marvel's toughest, most physically imposing heroes, yet he is rendered completely vulnerable and absurd by the minimal nature of the garment. This contrast is the core of the meme's longevity and its success as a viral cosmetic item.

The 'Gooner Game' Debate and Developer Response

The release of "The Thing in a Thong" skin didn't just generate laughs; it sparked a significant debate about the tone and target audience of *Marvel Rivals*. The game, a competitive hero shooter, was quickly labeled by some critics and detractors as a "gooner game"—a derogatory term implying the game's content is designed to appeal to over-sexualized or fetishistic interests. The controversy was further fueled by other rumored or teased content that aligned with a similar, over-the-top, and often sexualized humor. These entities include: * Twerking Venom Emote: A highly anticipated and later confirmed emote that features the symbiote-covered anti-hero Venom performing a "tactical distraction" twerking dance. * Moose Knuckle Loki: A meme-level reference to a potential skin for the trickster god Loki that would lean into similarly revealing or humorous beachwear. The developers, however, did not shy away from the criticism. Guangyun Chen, the game's director, publicly addressed the "gooner game" accusations and defended the Krakoa Resort cosmetics. He explained that the skins, including the viral Thing thong, were a nod to the classic, humorous, and sometimes risqué nature of the Marvel Swimsuit Special comics. The intention, according to the developers, was to embrace the fun, playful, and sometimes absurd side of the Marvel Universe, directly engaging with the community's meme culture. Danny Koo, an executive developer for the game, also explicitly acknowledged the community's demands for the skin, confirming that the team was listening to the most explicit and humorous requests from the fan base. This developer transparency and willingness to embrace the chaos of internet culture is a key factor in the game's viral success and the enduring legacy of the "Sunshine Thing" skin.

Why the 'Thing Thong' Became an Instant Icon

The "The Thing in a Thong" skin has cemented its place as a legendary piece of video game culture for several reasons that extend beyond mere shock value. It’s a perfect storm of elements: 1. The Unlikely Subject: The Thing, Ben Grimm, is traditionally depicted as a sympathetic, tough-as-nails hero, often covered in trench coats or his classic blue trunks. Stripping him down to a minimal black thong creates maximum comedic effect. 2. Developer Engagement: NetEase Games and Marvel Games turned a fan meme into a reality, showcasing a rare level of responsiveness that endears a development team to its community. This move built significant goodwill and buzz for the *Marvel Rivals* title. 3. Topical Authority: By grounding the skin in the obscure Marvel Swimsuit Special comic series and the recent Infinity Comic #7, the developers showed they understood the deep cuts of Marvel lore, giving the joke a canonical foundation. 4. The 'Gooner' Debate: The controversy itself provided free, global publicity. The public defense by Director Guangyun Chen turned a potential negative into a statement of creative freedom and commitment to a specific, edgy tone that many players appreciate. Ultimately, the Sunshine Thing skin is more than just a cosmetic; it’s a cultural touchstone that defines the current era of competitive hero shooters—a time where developer-fan interaction, meme culture, and the absurd side of superhero lore collide for maximum viral impact. It is a testament to the power of a single, hilarious image to dominate the conversation and define a game’s identity.
the thing in a thong
the thing in a thong

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