Deep beneath the surface, Ben Grimm battles a massive, interdimensional monster emerging from the seismic rift called the Open Wound, created by Magneto’s global attack in Ultimatum. The Subterranean kingdom faces annihilation as the beast tears through solid rock.

Ben’s immense strength is not enough — the creature grows stronger, feeding on the dimensional chaos.

At his breaking point, Ben’s emotional willpower triggers a dramatic mutation.
The unstable Ultimatum-charged energies react with his physiology:

⭐ Ben Grimm transforms — reverting from the Thing back to his fully human form.

This transformation unleashes a massive shockwave that:

destroys the dimensional creature

collapses the rift

saves the entire Subterranean civilization

With the threat neutralized, Mole Man honors his agreement and attempts to save Sue Storm, who remains in a deep coma after the tidal wave.

Ben emerges on the surface a changed man — healed, human, but emotionally shattered by the destruction of the Ultimatum crisis and the fracturing of his team.

This issue marks:

the final chapter of Ultimate Fantastic Four

the emotional exit for Ben

the narrative bridge directly into Ultimatum #2–5

The series ends somberly, with the future of the Fantastic Four uncertain.