maintained the air  of a  middle class matron. These two rather restrained characters were the symbolic parents of the group,  while the adolescent Johnny, an updated version of The Human Torch, functioned as their spoiled son. Ben Grimm, who turned into the hideous but powerful Thing, appereared to be the family's gruff but lovable uncle, one who came from a distinctly less priveleged background.

In the original synopsis that writer-editor Stan Lee gave artist Jack Kirby, Lee proposed making The Thing into "the heavy." Deformed, underpriveleged and argumentative, Ben actually became the most lovable group member: honest, direct an free of pretension. He brought humor and pathos to the stories, while his emotional responses and frequent tantrums suggested that he might really be the baby of the household. The others sported spiffy uniforms, he wore a big blue diaper. The perfect balance of this original family unit, with its staid parents, privelged older son and squalling, uninhibited infant, has made The Fantastic Four a uniquely appealing team.

Over the years, the balance of The Fantastic Four has shifted on several occasions. More than one member has walked out in a huff, and even been apparently replaced, but with the passage of time, the status quo has always reasserted itself. The ties of blood and loyalty are as strong for misfits as they are for mortals.