My favourite Ben and Johnny moments because they are the bestest of friends.
Fantastic four (1961) #527
Fantastic four (1961) #533
I want to emphasize that this is playful banter, not hatred or borderline bullying. That's my one gripe with the 2005-2007 movies, and HEAVY on the 2015 one, those films definitely skewed people's view of Johnny and his treatment of Ben. Side note - I quite like how first steps depicted their friendship. You can actually SEE THEM hanging out in the kitchen or in Johnny's room together, or play fighting like bros!! LIKE BROTHERS.
Ultimate Fantastic Four (2004) #13
"Your eyes never really changed, you know that?"
Johnny is quick to reassure Ben when he is clearly upset about his family's reaction to being The Thing.
While I prefer origins where Ben and Johnny knew each other longer than right before the crash, this comic still captures their relationship perfectly I feel. This issue specifically features a lot of good Ben and Johnny moments, i.e. Johnny barging in and hanging out in Ben's room and Sue and Reed are busy, and general poking fun at one another, respectfully, of course.
They are ALWAYSS going to be there for each other in the end.
Fantastic Four (1961) #535
This entire exchange, and Johnny giving a comforting hand later on in this issue.
Fantastic Four (2022) #22
Ben carrying Johnny after he overexerted himself. I like that he can carry him in one arm.
Fantastic Four (1961) #587
I could put panels from this entire issue, and the silent issue following it. Ben did watch Johnny sacrifice himself, and couldn't do anything to save him, so his grief comes out in anger in the following issue.
Fantastic Four (1961) #520
In rising storm when Johnny is abducted to be a herald for Galactus, it's revealed that Johnny helped get Benn and Alicia together. I don't think this was canon originally, but it is now and I like it. Johnny's a wingman.
The ENTIRETY of marvel 2-in-1. The thing and the human torch. That run makes me actually cry.
Sue, Reed, and the kids are gone. Johnny and Ben are losing their powers throughout this run, and have to figure out how to live together, missing most of their family.
Johnny believes his family are still out there somewhere, and that they'll come back. Ben knows better, but hides that fact from Johnny to protect him.
Marvel 2-in-One (2017) #1
Ben leaves for space at some point, and isn't really talking to Johnny until Peter expresses his worry for him. (his worry is not displaced, Johnny is implied to be a bit suicidal here, and reckless with his failing powers)
Marvel 2-in-One (2017) #1
I would seriously add all of issue 8 if I could. That issue has my heart, and was the inspiration for this post. Here are some of the most gut wrenching moments in my humble opinion..
Marvel 2-in-One (2017) #8
They make me so sad,,
